How to Live With a Bad Liver

Being diagnosed with a bad liver can be very upsetting. Liver disease and cirrhosis can be caused by many factors, from genetic disorders to alcoholism to viral diseases. According to the University of Illinois Medical Center, cirrhosis is the most common cause of liver malfunction in adults. It is important to understand the ways to reduce damage to your liver so that you can extend your life.

Instructions

Protecting Your Liver

• 1

  Understand how cirrhosis affects the liver. It is caused by long-term damage to that organ. "Scar tissue replaces normal, healthy liver tissue, preventing the liver from working as it should," the National Institutes of Health explains. Follow the advice of your doctor rigorously to prevent further damage.

• 2

  Stop drinking alcohol. When your liver malfunctions, it loses the ability to clean toxins from your bloodstream. Alcohol consumption can increase damage to your liver, so it is essential you stop drinking immediately, even if your liver problem was not caused by drinking. Ask your doctor for assistance finding an alcohol treatment program if you need help. Find a support group for people struggling with alcoholism to help you develop techniques to stop drinking.

• 3

  Eat a healthy diet. According to the National Institutes of Health, "Because malnutrition is common in people with cirrhosis, a healthy diet is important in all stages of the disease." Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Substitute meats heavy in fat with lean meats, fish and beans as sources of protein. Reduce salt intake as much as possible. A bad liver often causes excessive retention of fluids. Limiting salt intake helps reduce water retention.

• 4

  Tell your doctor what medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. "Liver cirrhosis make it more difficult for your liver to remove drugs from your system," according to the Mayo Clinic. Ask your doctor about alternatives to the medications you are taking if there is a problem. Also consult your doctor about any nutritional supplements you are taking. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it can't build up toxic levels in the blood. Make a list of your medications, vitamins and other supplements, and their dosages, and take them to your appointments.

• 5

  Avoid anything that puts you at risk for infection. Poor liver function can greatly reduce your body's ability to fight any kind of infection, so it is important to reduce your risk. Wash your hands thoroughly, because viruses and bacteria often take hold when you touch your eyes, mouth or nose. Minimize your exposure to people who are sick, and make sure your vaccinations are up to date.