Cirrhosis, Weight Gain, Ascites, and Diet Tips

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Cirrhosis, Weight Gain, Ascites, and Diet Tips

Article from http://www.healthyhepper.com/cirrhosisweightgain.htm

 

Cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, can lead to abdominal fluid accumulation

(ascites) and subsequent distention and weight gain. Cirrhosis, which is caused

by liver disease such as Hepatitis C, is managed through diet and/or

prescription drugs

with liver transplantation as the last solution.

 

As pointed out in research from the Department of Internal Medicine, Division

of Gastronterology and Hepatology, University of California, Davis Medical

Center, " accumulation of fluid as ascites is the most common complication

of cirrhosis. This is occurring in about 50% of patients within 10 years

of the diagnosis of cirrhosis. "

 

I really wanted to understand what caused this fluid retention and they

explain it in very technical terms: " The most acceptable theory for

ascites formation is peripheral arterial vasodilation leading to under-

filling of circulatory volume. This triggers the baroreceptor-mediated

activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous

system and nonosmotic release of vasopressin to restore circulatory

integrity. The result is an avid sodium and water retention, identified

as a preascitic state. This condition will evolve in overt fluid retention

and ascites, as the liver disease progresses. "

 

So here is a translation into simpler terms. First the " under-filling of the

circulatory volume " happens as cirrhosis progressively scars the liver and its

ability

to effectively filter blood is reduced resulting in a reduced volume of blood

and

lowered blood pressure. The body then releases vasopressin which retains salt

and

fluid to try to counter the lowered circulatory volume pressure. The fluid

retention is worsened because as cirrhosis progresses and the liver produces

less

albumin it results in fluids seeping out of the leg and abdomen tissues.

 

Ascites not only causes weight gain but can cause several other medical

conditions

such as hepto hydrothorax (fluids in the lungs), hernias, infection, and

difficulty breathing. The fluid retention may also show in the legs called

edema as well as the abdomen (ascites).

 

Once ascites is present, most therapeutic modalities are directed on

maintaining negative sodium balance, including salt restriction, bed rest

and diuretics. Paracentesis and albumin infusion is applied to tense

ascites. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is considered for

refractory ascites.

 

Here are some Cirrhosis Diet Tips and Natural Solutions for Reducing Ascites

(and therefore weight gain):

1. Reducing salt intake! Doctors typically advise limiting salt intake to 4-5

grams

per day (2,000 mg of sodium) or less. Don't forget that most processed and

canned

foods have lots of salt so try making your own food. Its better for you in lots

of other ways too! You can try squeezing a little fresh lemon juice on your food

if you miss the sour flavor. Skipping the salt makes a HUGE difference to

fluid retention.

 

2. Dandelion Root Extract is a bitter herb that will not only flush your liver

out of toxins, it will also help you drain the excessive fluids your body is

taking on. As with most diuretics you need to supplement with a banana a day.

Do not take with Lasix.

 

3. Use of diet to help alleviate the fluid retention and therefore weight gain

should should also include reducing protein intake and/or consuming mostly whey

protein. Whey protein is the most easily assimilated form of protein for

cirrhosis of

the liver and also it will give you the albumin you need that your liver no

longer makes. This loss of albumin in your body is what contributes to fluid

accumulation, ascites, in your abdomen.