Diet with elevated bilirubin in the blood

In venous blood, in the absence of diseases, the bilirubin indicator is 20,5 μmol per 1 liter. This substance is processed by the liver and excreted from the body along with bile. When the processing system of bilirubin is disrupted, its level in the blood rises. The reasons for this phenomenon are disturbances in the work of the bile ducts, diseases and damage to the liver.

Importance of Nutrition for the Liver

Your liver processes everything you eat and drink. This is the organ that helps your body absorb nutrients from food and convert them into energy. The liver also flushes out old and damaged blood cells and toxins from the body. When this process is disrupted, it can lead to an accumulation of bilirubin. This over time can lead to jaundice.

What you eat and drink directly affects your liver function. A healthy diet allows the liver to work more efficiently and remove excess toxins from the body. This may help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes of jaundice.

Eat foods rich in nutrients

Your liver converts the nutrients you eat into energy and filters toxins from your blood. Eating a nutrient-dense diet can help your liver function properly and can help your body process bilirubin better to keep levels within acceptable limits. Nutrient-rich foods for a healthy liver include whole grains; fruits vegetables; lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, and beans; low-fat dairy products; and healthy fats such as oils.

get more fiber

A diet high in fiber is good for the liver. According to a study published in 2005 in the Journal of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, it helps your liver by promoting cell regeneration. Women need 21 to 25 grams of fiber per day, while men need 30 to 38 grams. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans are good sources of fiber. Eating 2 cups of fruits and 1 cup of vegetables each day can help you reach your daily fiber goals. With nearly 10 grams of fiber in a 1/2 cup serving, beans can be added to salads, soups, and whole grain side dishes to boost your intake.

Eat more red fruits and vegetables

Lycopene is a natural chemical and antioxidant that gives some fruits and vegetables their red color. According to a 2004 review article on antioxidants and liver health published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, eating more lycopene-rich foods may be beneficial for liver health. Guava, watermelon, and cooked tomatoes contain the highest amount of lycopene, over 6,000 mcg per 1 cup serving. In fact, tomato products such as tomato juice and tomato paste are a significant source of lycopene. Other good sources include papaya, grapefruit, and cooked red bell peppers.

Approved Products

A balanced diet made up of all five food groups can help keep your liver healthy and reduce jaundice. That said, there are certain foods and drinks that have a proven effect on liver health. Adding them to the diet or increasing intake can significantly reduce symptoms and improve overall health. It includes:

water

Keeping hydrated is one of the best ways to help your liver recover from jaundice. Water not only facilitates digestion, but also helps the liver and kidneys eliminate toxins. Most people should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

If we find the taste bland, we can try adding a teaspoon or more of freshly squeezed lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice to the water for an extra dose of antioxidants.

Coffee or herbal tea

Moderate coffee consumption has been shown to be safe for improving liver health by reducing the risk of cirrhosis, levels of harmful liver enzymes, and inflammation. It can also increase antioxidant levels, which helps flush out toxins from the body.

Science suggests that drinking about three cups a day can have a positive effect on liver stiffness. The same study also suggests that drinking herbal tea daily may have similar effects.

Fruits and vegetables

While fruits containing digestive enzymes are best, variety is key. Experts recommend eating at least a cup of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit every day.

Fiber, especially soluble, helps to remove bile from the liver. This may reduce toxicity. This essential nutrient is found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. High-fiber foods can be cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli, berries, oats, almonds, brown rice, or quinoa.

foods to limit

Limit your intake of foods high in unhealthy fats, such as fried foods and fast and sugar -added foods , such as soft drinks, cakes, and cookies. Getting a lot of unhealthy fats and sugars in your diet can increase body fat and inflammation in the liver. Some experts also recommend limiting your salt intake.
El alcohol it can also damage the liver, so women should consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day and men no more than two.

It’s also best to stick to lean proteins like fish, which are less likely to contribute to liver damage. Saturated fats, such as those found in meat, are also harder to process. Unsaturated ones, such as olive oil, can be used sparingly.

Refined sugar can cause fat buildup in the liver, so choose foods that contain natural sugar. Use agave as a sweetener and enjoy the fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It’s important to avoid or limit foods or drinks that can cause further damage to your liver. It includes:

Hierro

It is important to consider iron intake. Too much iron can cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).

Protein is a good source of iron, so you need to know the right amount to reduce liver problems. Talk to your doctor about how much protein you should be eating, and always choose lean proteins like fish and chicken over beef or pork.

greases

Fried and fatty foods should be eaten in moderation or completely eliminated from the diet, as they can cause fat to build up in the liver.

Saturated fats, such as those from meat and dairy products, can be more difficult for the liver to process than unsaturated fats. While unsaturated fats like olive oil are considered healthy, they should be consumed in moderation. Modern science suggests that unsaturated fats may contribute to fatty liver disease.

Sal

A diet high in salt can also contribute to liver damage and water retention. Avoiding processed and canned foods can be an easy way to reduce your sodium intake.

Instead of a salt shaker, try using herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano to add flavor to the dish. Although any spice is useful.

Some meat and fish

Raw or undercooked fish and shellfish can contain toxins that can damage the liver and other digestive organs. There is also a risk that they contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can infect the liver.

On the other hand, red meats such as beef and pork are high in amino acids and animal fats, which are hard to digest and put a strain on a damaged liver. Most studies show that lean meats such as poultry and fish, as well as plant-based proteins such as legumes and tofu, are more liver-healthy sources of protein.

Sugar

Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and other forms of processed sugar can also cause fat to build up in the liver. Many high-sugar processed foods are also high in fat, doubling the risk of harm.

You can have a piece of fruit or low-fat, low-sugar yogurt the next time you crave something sweet. Along with refined sugar, it’s a good idea to limit artificial sweeteners as they can put extra stress on your liver.

Diet with elevated bilirubin in the blood: nutritional recommendations