Eat Right To Protect Your Liver Against Jaundice!

Nutritionist Vasundhara Agrawal
Diet & Nutrition
Published in
3 min readApr 15, 2023

Jaundice, sometimes referred to as hyperbilirubinemia, is characterized as a yellow coloring of body tissue brought on by the buildup of too much bilirubin. It occurs with a variety of health disorders and usually signals a problem when the liver is not functioning properly, allowing a waste material called bilirubin to build up in the blood. Bilirubin deposition occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, indicating greater production or decreased excretion. A person suffering from jaundice will notice a yellowish hue on their skin, mucous membranes and the whites of their eyes.

How can you fight jaundice with foods and drinks?

  • Include fiber in your everyday diet

Fiber consumption aids in the healthy functioning of the liver. Fiber, especially soluble fiber, aids in the removal of bile and bilirubin from the liver. Brown rice, oats, carrots, broccoli, chickpeas, kiwis, avocados, berries, prunes, almonds and walnuts are all high in fiber.

  • Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and antioxidants, which promote digestion and help to avoid liver damage. Citrus fruits, papayas, melons, pumpkins, avocados, tomatoes, beets, turnips, ginger, garlic, spinach and collard greens all include liver-friendly nutrients that aid in liver health and the treatment of liver problems.

  • Remember to stay hydrated

Drinking insufficient water makes it difficult for your liver to perform the necessary functions. Staying hydrated with water aids liver function and prevents dehydration. Water not only aids digestion, but it also aids in the removal of toxins from the liver and kidneys. Staying hydrated is also an excellent way to aid the liver’s recovery from jaundice.

Foods to avoid in order to prevent jaundice —

  • Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates have extremely few vitamins and minerals. Soda, baked goods and white bread are examples of refined carbs. Because this type of food is quickly processed by the body, it causes a surge in blood sugar. Refined carbohydrates have been linked to a variety of diseases that impair liver function, including type 2 diabetes and obesity.

  • Packaged and canned food items

Many packaged and canned foods, particularly deli meats (sliced precooked or cured meats served cold or hot) and canned vegetables, contain high quantities of preservatives. These preservatives are typically salt-based, such as nitrates and sulfates. Salt dehydrates the body, complicating digestion and metabolism and putting strain on the liver.

  • Saturated and trans fatty acids

Foods high in saturated and trans fats, which are difficult to digest, especially when prepared with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Sausages, bacon, cakes, pastries, french fries and doughnuts are among them. Saturated and trans fat consumption has also been linked to obesity and malnutrition, both of which are risk factors for liver disorders like jaundice. As a result, it is necessary to avoid saturated and trans fats.

A well-balanced diet that promotes liver function aids in the prevention and treatment of jaundice. Fruits and vegetables of every color of the rainbow help ensure you get all the nutrients and fiber you need. It is preferable to consume 4 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 larger ones. It is crucial to remember to drink fluids throughout the day. Protecting yourself against foodborne diseases also helps reduce the stress on your liver. Incorporating these practices into your diet is a natural and healthy method to help your liver work at its optimum!

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/diet-for-jaundice

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544252/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321257

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