Poor Nutrition Can Cause This Problem In Liver Failure Patients

If you have liver failure than it can lead to several other serious health problems.

By Staff

Friday, October 27, 2017, 16:34

Liver is one of the most important body organs. Having a healthy liver is essential as it helps to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body.

Other major functions of the liver is to detoxify chemicals and metabolize drugs. In the process the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines and also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions. Any damage to the liver can affect the entire functioning of the body.

The food that we eat plays a very important role for the liver. Consuming unhealthy, fatty foods can have a very bad effect on the liver.

A new research has found that poor nutrition can also lead to muscle wasting, weakness, fatigue and worse outcomes before and after the patients undergo liver transplantation.

The researchers noted that muscle wasting is frequently overlooked in liver transplant candidates. And one reason for this could be that the nutritional assessment is not routinely carried out. Poor nutrition could be further complicated by obesity or fluid retention.

Adequate caloric and protein intake are the foundation of therapy for under-nutrition in liver transplant candidates. The researchers noted that these patients should also avoid fasting for longer than six hours in the therapy.

Consuming branched-chain amino acids or fish oil supplements and taking hormone replacement therapy have also emerged as potential therapies for muscle wasting caused due to cirrhosis and transplant.

However, their potential benefits need to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials. Physical activity and exercise is also forms an essential part of the therapies.

The study was recently published in journal Liver Transplantation.

Meanwhile, listed here are a few foods that helps to keep your liver healthy. Take a look.

1. Beetroot Juice:

Beetroot contains betalains, which is a very powerful antioxidants that helps to protect the liver from any kind of damage. A glass of beetroot juice everyday helps.

2. Cruciferous Vegetables:

Cuciferous vegetables are rich in fibre content and contains glucosinolates which help the liver to produce enzymes to aid in the removal of toxins thus help in better digestion.

3. Nuts:

Consuming nuts like walnuts helps to keep your liver healthy. Walnuts are rich in good omega-3 fats that have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for the liver.

4. Garlic:

Garlic is rich in allicin, an anti-oxidant that helps to protect the body against any damage. It stimulates the liver and helps to flush out the harmful substances. Garlic can be added in your food or one can just take a clove of raw garlic and eat it in the morning.

5. Turmeric:

Turmeric contains curcumin compounds that is known for its antioxidants, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Adding a tincture of turmeric to your daily food and even consuming it as a supplement helps to protect the liver from getting affected.