I am on this site because I have a sister with cirrhosis and she was diagnosed with ESLD 5 yrs. ago. She was at death's door with every symptom of liver failure and more. She was a drinker for over 40 yrs. and her liver finally gave out. She pulled herself from the brink of death by eating well, cutting her salt intake and not drinking alcohol anymore from that moment on. There are liver diets on different liver sites - so you should be able to follow a good, well-balanced diet for years to come. She basically cooked veggies, low-protein meats and stayed hydrated. She watched her sugar intake too. I'm sorry I can't be more specific, but the point is that you eat as natural as possible. You can become a decent cook - because it's for your survival. We're NOT talking gourmet cooking because that's not necessary. She has kept herself pretty healthy for 5 yrs. now. I don't know if her liver disease has progressed or not, because she doesn't talk to me about it and we never see her as she lives 1500 miles away. But I do know that she did follow a good diet for these past 5 yrs. and has done well in keeping the salt out of her diet. Maybe your doctor can set you up with a dietician who specializes in your liver condition.

Hi,

It is only natural to be in denial at first when dealing with cirrhosis but you have to come out fighting....Cirrhosis is a tough disease, it's mean, you have to be tougher and meaner to survive it....you have to commit yourself to beating it by eating well, exercising a lot and by staying as positive as possible.....Attitude is EVERYTHING!!!!

I would suggest that you concentrate on proteins, vegetables and fruits....if you doctor has said it is ok for you to eat unlimited protein I would make fruit smoothies with added protein powder.....cirrhosis causes muscle wasting(decreased muscle mass) so you want to keep as much muscle mass as possible to get you through the rough patches associated with cirrhosis...

Eating fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables are better for you than canned as canned foods are usually loaded with sodium......I would also suggest that you start decreasing your sodium intake as it usually comes to that with cirrhosis.

Exercising (walking is great) everyday will help you maintain your muscle mass....it will also help you fight the fatigue associated with cirrhosis....

If it is ok with your doctor , you might need to get on a multivitamin....

So, come on, get started fighting this horrible disease.....I have been where you are, it is not easy, I know....the things that I suggested above are the things that helped me throughout my 12 year battle with cirrhosis.

Take care.

Vivian