Diet for Jaundice

Jaundice is caused due to rise in the bilirubin concentration in the blood; bilirubin is formed as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. The disease is caused when liver cells lose their normal functionality of metabolizing of the pigment, or there is excessive wear and tear in the body, leading to raised levels of bilirubin.

A recommended diet for jaundice patients is as follows:

• First of all, the patient should be put on an all juice diet for a week. The patient may consume juices of carrot, lemon, orange, grape, pear, and beet root. This will cleanse the digestive system and prevent absorption of any poisonous or decomposed matter in the blood.

• After the juice fast, the patient should be given an all-fruit diet for at least five days, with three meals a day. The fruits that may be given as part of the diet during jaundice are apples, grapes, pineapples, oranges, and pears.

• A glass of hot skimmed milk with honey before bed should be consumed after the fruits diet.

• Some of the foods to be avoided are clarified butter, cream, aerated drinks, processed foods and red meat, among others.

• The food should be light and easily digestible, including several pulses, salads, fruits and vegetable juices.

You must consult a dietician for more information on an acceptable diet for jaundice.

answered by G R

How to prevent jaundice in newborns?

Jaundice in newborns is caused by an excess of a pigment called bilirubin. Bilirubin is formed as a result of normal breakdown of erythrocytes or red blood cells. In newborns, the liver is still developing, and the turnover of red blood cells is high, which makes them prone to jaundice. As such, instances of jaundice in newborns are not uncommon.

The primary symptom of jaundice in newborns is yellowing of skin and also urine. If the jaundice levels in newborns rise above a certain minimum, it causes yellowing of palms and feet as well. The underlying causes of jaundice are poor feeding and fever. Jaundice in newborns may lead to difficult breathing, high temperature, and refusal to consume breast milk.

The treatment of jaundice in newborns is usually prescribed medication. However, putting the baby near a well-lit window for ten minutes every day helps prevent the condition. Another preventive measure is to properly feed the baby so as to promote better liver development, thereby preventing the build-up of bilirubin pigment.

As soon as you notice the symptoms of jaundice in newborn, you must take your child to the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of the affliction. You may not risk the health of baby by using only home remedies.

answered by G M

What are the causes of jaundice?

Jaundice is caused by a rise in level of bilirubin pigment in the blood; the pigment is formed as a result of breakdown of red blood cells. When the blood cells undergo the normal wear and tear process, the pigment is metabolized by the liver and excreted via bile. However, due to certain conditions, the liver cells sometimes fail to function normally, leading to jaundice.

Some of the causes for jaundice are as under:

• Some of the pre-hepatic (before the formation of bile) causes of jaundice are certain diseases that aggravate the breakdown of blood cells. These include diseases such as malaria, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia, among others.

• The hepatic (within liver) causes of jaundice are hepatitis, Gilbert’s syndrome, and cirrhosis causes of cirrhosis being excessive alcohol intake, autoimmune liver disease, etc.).

• Other post-hepatic (after the formation of bile) causes are gallstones in the bile ducts, cancer, pancreatitis, congenital malformations, and cholangitis, among others.

• Pregnancy also makes you susceptible to jaundice. Also, newborns are more prone to the affliction due to underdeveloped liver.

The early symptoms of jaundice are the yellowing of the skin, the white part of the eyes, and the nails. Appearance of yellow pigmentation in the urine is also a symptom. Other symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and fatigue.

You must consult a doctor for expert advice on treatment of the affliction.

answered by G M

How do you get cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis is a medical condition that is characterized by the replacement of liver cells by scar tissue and/or regenerative nodules. Some of the causes of cirrhosis are excessive intake of alcohol, fatty liver diseases, hepatitis B and C, and sensitivity to certain medications, among others.

Cirrhosis disrupts the efficiency of liver to perform its usual functions, including protein synthesis, blood clotting, etc. Some of the early symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver are loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, weight loss, bloating, abdominal pain, and immense discomfort.

Home remedies for the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver are as under:

• One of the best remedies is to consume a nutritious diet with a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, a sodium-restricted diet is recommended to be consumed while you are suffering from cirrhosis.

• Intake of orange juice on empty stomach helps provide relief from the symptoms.

• Intake of a pinch of roasted alum in buttermilk is another useful remedy to relieve the symptoms of alcohol-related cirrhosis.

• You may blend the juices of papaya seeds and lime and consume it twice a day for the management of cirrhosis.

• Completely avoid consuming alcohol, which is one of the primary causes of cirrhosis.

You are advised to consult a doctor for expert advice and treatment as cirrhosis of the liver is a serious illness and requires medical care and attention

answered by G R

• Carbohydrates: 300-400 gms of carbohydrates in a day can be given.

• Proteins: About 1 gm good quality protein per kg body weight is recommended. High protein beverages such as Protinex in milk may be given in between meals.

• Fats: Fat should be restricted to 20-22% of the total calories.

• Texture: The food must be initially of liquid consistency since the initial acute stage is that of anorexia. As recovery progresses, a wider selection of food with texture and consistency changes may be made. No foods are specifically contraindicated in hepatitis. However, if the patient complains of intolerance towards strongly flavoured foods, then these may best be avoided. Spices and condiments may be used judiciously to stimulate appetite.

• Vitamins: Vitamins may be supplemented in the diet in order to replenish liver stores and repair tissue damage, especially if there is anorexia (loss of appetite).

• Alcohol: Strictly avoid alcohol as it damages the liver further and does not allow the liver cells to regenerate and heal.
  

answered by P P