What food should be avoided in cirrhosis?

October 18, 2025 •

5 min read

People with cirrhosis often experience malnutrition, with studies suggesting that 50% to 90% are affected. Given the liver's role in processing nutrients, understanding what food should be avoided in cirrhosis is crucial for managing symptoms and protecting your health.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the specific foods and beverages, including alcohol, high-sodium items, and raw seafood, that should be avoided or limited by individuals with cirrhosis. It explains how these dietary changes can help manage complications like fluid retention and hepatic encephalopathy.

Key Points

Alcohol Abstinence: Complete avoidance of all alcohol is critical to prevent further irreversible liver damage and inflammation.
Sodium Restriction: Limiting sodium intake to under 2,000 mg daily is essential for preventing or managing fluid retention (ascites), a common complication of cirrhosis.
Avoid Processed and Fried Foods: Foods high in saturated and trans fats, sugars, and refined carbohydrates can worsen fatty liver disease and inflammation.
Adhere to Food Safety: Individuals with cirrhosis are more vulnerable to infections, so avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish, meat, and unpasteurized dairy is crucial.
Manage Protein Intake Carefully: While protein is vital, sourcing more protein from vegetables and dairy and distributing intake throughout the day is recommended, especially for those with hepatic encephalopathy.
Consult Before Supplementing: Many herbal supplements can be harmful to a cirrhotic liver, and all supplements should be approved by a doctor.
Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on a balanced diet of whole foods, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates to combat malnutrition and preserve muscle mass.

Critical dietary restrictions for managing cirrhosis

For individuals with cirrhosis, managing their diet is a cornerstone of treatment. The damaged liver struggles to process certain substances, leading to serious complications. Therefore, avoiding or severely limiting specific foods can help prevent further liver damage and manage symptoms.

Alcohol: The most damaging substance

Alcohol is, without question, the number one substance that must be completely avoided by anyone with cirrhosis. Even if alcohol was not the initial cause of liver damage, its consumption can cause rapid and severe deterioration of the liver's condition. The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and with cirrhosis, this function is critically impaired. Continued alcohol use burdens the already scarred liver, worsening inflammation and increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.

High-sodium foods and fluid retention

One of the most common and uncomfortable complications of cirrhosis is ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. High-sodium intake is a primary driver of fluid retention. Patients with cirrhosis are often advised to follow a low-sodium diet, typically limiting sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day.

Foods to avoid include:

Processed and packaged foods: Canned soups, ready meals, processed cheeses, and frozen dinners are notoriously high in sodium.
Processed meats: Deli meats, bacon, sausage, and cured meats contain high levels of salt.
Salty condiments: Soy sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and certain salad dressings can significantly increase daily sodium intake.
Pickled and brine-based foods: Items like pickles, olives, and sauerkraut should be avoided.
Fast food: Restaurant meals are often loaded with sodium and should be limited.

Unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates

Just as alcohol harms the liver, excessive unhealthy fats and refined sugars can also contribute to inflammation and further damage. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of cirrhosis, and a diet high in saturated and trans fats can exacerbate this condition.

Key categories to minimize include:

Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, and donuts are high in trans fats.
Sugary drinks and snacks: Sodas, fruit juices with added sugar, and pastries can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
Refined grains: White bread, white pasta, and white rice are quickly converted to sugar, which can impact insulin resistance.
Full-fat dairy: Products like full-fat cheese and yogurt should be limited in favor of low-fat options.

Food safety: A serious concern for cirrhosis patients

Cirrhosis can impair the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. As a result, strict food safety practices are essential. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) specifically warns against consuming certain raw foods.

Foods to handle with extreme caution or avoid completely include:

Raw or undercooked shellfish and seafood: Oysters and mussels can carry bacteria that are particularly dangerous for those with compromised liver function.
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: All animal products should be cooked thoroughly to eliminate bacteria.
Unpasteurized milk and dairy products: Unpasteurized products can contain harmful bacteria.

Protein management and hepatic encephalopathy

Protein needs can be complex for someone with cirrhosis, especially if they have developed hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a brain disorder caused by the buildup of toxins. While past advice suggested severe protein restriction, current guidance emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition to prevent muscle wasting.

General protein advice for cirrhosis patients with HE:

Moderate animal protein intake: Some individuals may be sensitive to animal protein, so moderation is key.
Favor vegetable-based protein: Sources like lentils, beans, nuts, and soy are often better tolerated.
Distribute protein intake: Spreading protein consumption evenly throughout the day can help manage ammonia levels.

Comparison table: Foods to avoid vs. prioritize


Foods to Avoid (High Risk)	Foods to Prioritize (Supportive)
Alcohol (all types)	Fruits and vegetables
High-sodium processed foods	Fresh, whole foods
Fried and fatty foods	Whole grains (oats, brown rice)
Refined carbohydrates and sugar	Lean protein (fish, poultry, legumes)
Raw or undercooked seafood/meat	Low-fat dairy products
Herbal supplements (caution with)	Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil)

Conclusion

Managing a diet for cirrhosis is about reducing the burden on an already compromised liver while ensuring adequate nutrition. Eliminating alcohol and highly processed, high-sodium, and high-sugar foods is paramount. Careful food handling is also critical to prevent infections. Protein intake requires a balanced approach, prioritizing vegetable sources and consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian to tailor a plan based on the severity of the disease. Following these guidelines can significantly help in managing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving overall quality of life.

Important note on herbal supplements

Many herbal supplements are marketed for liver health, but their safety is often unproven, and some can cause further liver damage. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal or dietary supplements if you have cirrhosis. Examples of potentially harmful herbs include black cohosh, kava kava, and green tea extract.

Additional resources

For more information on dietary management for cirrhosis, consider resources like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website. Always work with a healthcare professional to create a personalized nutrition plan.

Final recommendations

Living with cirrhosis means making long-term dietary commitments. Focusing on fresh, whole foods, controlling sodium, and completely abstaining from alcohol are the most impactful changes. Regular monitoring with a healthcare provider is essential to adjust the diet as needed and ensure nutritional needs are met.

Your next step

Working with a registered dietitian is highly recommended to receive personalized, stage-specific dietary guidance. They can help you create a plan that ensures you get the right nutrients while avoiding harmful foods.

The importance of a balanced diet

While restricting certain foods is crucial, malnutrition is a significant risk for cirrhosis patients. Therefore, the focus should be on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that includes adequate protein from appropriate sources. This helps preserve muscle mass and overall health.

The long-term outlook

Adhering to a strict diet, along with other medical treatments, helps manage cirrhosis and prevent its progression. It is a long-term commitment that significantly impacts overall health and quality of life.

Medical supervision is key

Never make drastic dietary changes without consulting your doctor. They can assess your specific condition, including any co-existing issues like hepatic encephalopathy or kidney problems, and provide a tailored and safe dietary plan.

Remember your supplements

Cirrhosis can impact the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Your doctor may recommend specific supplements, such as zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins, to address any deficiencies.

Beyond diet

Diet is a critical component of cirrhosis management, but it works best in conjunction with other lifestyle changes, such as regular, light exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

Always read labels

For processed foods you do consume, always read the nutrition labels. Look for low-sodium versions and be mindful of added sugars and unhealthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and in cirrhosis, the liver's ability to perform this function is severely impaired. Continued alcohol consumption places an immense burden on the damaged liver, leading to accelerated scarring, inflammation, and an increased risk of fatal complications.

Cirrhosis can cause the body to retain excess fluid, leading to a condition called ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdomen. Limiting sodium intake helps reduce this fluid retention and manage associated swelling and discomfort.

Not necessarily. While severe protein restriction was once recommended for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), it is now known that adequate protein is essential to prevent malnutrition and muscle loss. Instead, it is recommended to moderate intake of animal protein and favor vegetable-based sources, distributing consumption throughout the day.

You should avoid all raw or undercooked seafood (especially shellfish like oysters), meat, poultry, and eggs. Additionally, avoid unpasteurized dairy products. The compromised immune system in cirrhosis makes foodborne illnesses particularly dangerous.

No, it is highly discouraged to use herbal supplements for liver health without a doctor's explicit approval. Many herbs, including green tea extract and black cohosh, can cause liver damage or interact negatively with medications.

Processed foods are often packed with high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars, all of which contribute to inflammation and fluid retention. Choosing fresh, whole foods instead is a much healthier option for liver management.

A registered dietitian can create a personalized meal plan tailored to your specific stage of cirrhosis and symptoms. They ensure you get the right balance of nutrients, address any deficiencies, and help you navigate food restrictions safely.