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A Diet Plan for a Patient With Hepatic Failure

Hepatic, or liver, failure is a life-threatening condition. Approximately 60,000 people die each year from hepatic failure. Hepatic failure occurs as a result of various types of liver disease, such as cirrhosis and cancer, which are left untreated or diagnosed in later stages. Drastic dietary changes are one of the most important elements in treating hepatic failure to try to prolong the life of the liver and maintain its function.

  1. Limit Protein

    • The first recommended change in diet for those with liver failure is limiting proteins. Doctors normally recommend that patients with liver failure eat no more than 40 to 60 grams of protein daily. It is extremely important to set a limitation with your doctor or nutritionist and not exceed the limit. Every patient, or the person caring for the patient, needs to ensure that food labels are read carefully and completely to accurately count the amount of proteins consumed on a daily basis.

    Limit Sodium

    • Those with hepatic failure must also limit their sodium intake in their daily diet. Too much salt makes the body retain water, and this effect is worse in liver failure patients. The liver is simply unable to process excessive amounts of salt, causing toxins to build up within the body. The limitations of sodium will vary from patient to patient. Therefore, it is extremely important to talk with a doctor to decide the right amount of sodium to consume.

    Reduce Liquids and Increase Carbs

    • Individuals with liver failure should also reduce the amount of fluids that they consume on a daily basis. They should not drink more than 48 ounces of liquids in a 24-hour period. However, like sodium and protein limitations, the limitations on liquids should also be decided on an individual basis. Liquids in soups, beverages and even foods cooked in water or other liquids count toward the daily allowed limits. Patients or caretakers of liver failure patients should make sure they keep tabs on their entire liquid intake every day.

      To make up for all the proteins that the body is losing from this strict diet, normally doctors will recommend that a patient with hepatic failure consume additional carbohydrates. While proteins are broken down in the liver for energy, carbohydrates can be broken down elsewhere in the body. Although carbohydrates are often the quickest form of energy to be used up, they are necessary to replace the proteins missing in the diet.

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