What is the best thing to eat if you have cirrhosis of the liver? A Comprehensive Guide

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Malnutrition is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, affecting up to 90% of patients with advanced disease. To combat this and manage symptoms, it is vital to know what is the best thing to eat if you have cirrhosis of the liver? This requires a diet focused on adequate calories, high-quality protein, and controlled sodium intake.

Quick Summary

A diet for cirrhosis focuses on frequent, high-protein, low-sodium meals to prevent malnutrition and muscle wasting. It emphasizes lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats while strictly avoiding alcohol, processed foods, and raw meats or seafood.

Key Points

Prioritize High-Quality Protein: Consume 1.2-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, focusing on lean and plant-based sources like fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and tofu to prevent muscle loss.
Strictly Limit Sodium: Reduce sodium intake to 2000 mg or less per day to help manage fluid retention (ascites and edema), common complications of cirrhosis.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Prevent muscle wasting by eating 4-6 small meals throughout the day, including a carbohydrate- and protein-rich bedtime snack.
Avoid Alcohol Completely: Total abstinence from alcohol is critical for all individuals with cirrhosis to prevent further liver damage.
Avoid Raw Foods: To minimize the risk of infection due to a weakened immune system, do not consume raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
Limit Processed Foods and Unhealthy Fats: Steer clear of processed snacks, fast food, and fried foods, which are high in unhealthy fats and sodium.

Navigating a dietary regimen for liver cirrhosis can significantly impact a patient's health and well-being. Unlike older guidelines that suggested protein restriction, modern medical consensus emphasizes a diet rich in high-quality protein, coupled with careful management of sodium and meal timing. The primary goal is to provide sufficient nutrients to support the body, prevent muscle loss, and minimize common complications like fluid retention and hepatic encephalopathy.

The Nutritional Pillars of a Cirrhosis Diet

A proper diet for cirrhosis rests on several core principles that address the liver's impaired function and the body's altered metabolism.

Prioritizing Adequate Protein Intake

For many years, some patients were incorrectly advised to limit protein intake due to concerns about hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, this practice is now considered harmful, as it can worsen malnutrition and muscle wasting. A sufficient intake of protein is essential for repairing tissues and preventing further damage.

Experts recommend aiming for 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Focus on high-quality sources that are easier to metabolize:

Plant-based proteins: Tofu, beans, lentils, and nuts are excellent options and are generally well-tolerated.
Lean animal protein: Skinless chicken and turkey, as well as fish like salmon and tuna (packed in water), are good sources.
Dairy: Low-fat dairy products like Greek yogurt, milk, and low-sodium cottage cheese offer high-quality protein and beneficial branched-chain amino acids.

Controlling Sodium to Manage Fluid Retention

One of the most critical aspects of a cirrhosis diet is controlling sodium intake. A damaged liver can lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) and legs (edema). Limiting sodium to 2000 mg or less per day can help manage these symptoms.

To achieve this, avoid adding salt to food and cut out high-sodium processed items. Flavor your food instead with herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar. Be vigilant about checking food labels for hidden sodium in packaged items.

Eating Small, Frequent Meals

Cirrhosis impairs the liver's ability to store glycogen, the body's energy reserve. This can lead to the body breaking down muscle for energy, especially overnight. Eating smaller meals every few hours, along with a late-night snack, can prevent this muscle wasting and help maintain energy levels. A good bedtime snack should include both carbohydrates and protein, such as toast with low-salt peanut butter or Greek yogurt with berries.

Choosing Healthy Carbohydrates and Fats

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy and should be a significant part of the diet. Opt for whole grains like oats, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread over refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon, and unsaturated fats from olive oil and avocados, should be included in moderation to help reduce inflammation.

Recommended Foods to Incorporate

To build a liver-healthy diet, focus on these food groups:

Lean Proteins: Tofu, lentils, beans, skinless chicken, turkey, fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, and low-fat dairy.
Fresh Fruits: Berries (blueberries, cranberries), apples, oranges, and other whole fruits are packed with antioxidants.
Vegetables: A wide variety of fresh or frozen vegetables, especially leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots.
Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread and pasta provide sustained energy and fiber.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil, unsalted nuts and seeds, and avocados.
Beverages: Water, coffee (in moderation), and tea.

Foods to Avoid or Limit with Cirrhosis

Several food items can place extra strain on a damaged liver and worsen symptoms.

Alcohol: Complete abstinence from alcohol is mandatory to prevent further liver damage.
High-Sodium Foods: This includes most processed, canned, and packaged foods, deli meats, frozen meals, and fast food.
Raw or Undercooked Foods: Avoid raw fish, shellfish, and meat to reduce the risk of infection, as cirrhosis compromises the immune system.
Red Meat: Limit red meat intake, which is high in saturated fat and can contribute to inflammation.
Unhealthy Fats: Steer clear of saturated and trans fats found in fried foods, baked goods, and butter.
Excessive Sugar: Sugary drinks and foods can cause fat accumulation in the liver, worsening the condition.

Comparison of Recommended and Restricted Foods


Food Category	Best Choices	Choices to Avoid/Limit
Protein	Lean poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes, low-fat dairy	Red meat, processed meats (sausage, bacon), raw seafood
Carbohydrates	Whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread), fruits	White bread, sugary drinks, high-fructose corn syrup
Fats	Olive oil, avocados, unsalted nuts and seeds, fatty fish	Trans fats, saturated fats, fried foods
Sodium	Fresh foods, herbs, spices, lemon juice	Canned goods, fast food, deli meats, salty snacks
Beverages	Water, coffee, tea	Alcohol

Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies

Patients with cirrhosis are often deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. The liver's dysfunction can lead to decreased absorption and storage of these nutrients. Common deficiencies include zinc, vitamin D, and various B vitamins. Supplementation may be necessary, but it should only be done under a doctor's guidance. For instance, too much Vitamin A can be toxic to an already compromised liver.

Creating Your Personalized Meal Plan

It is highly recommended that individuals with cirrhosis work closely with a registered dietitian and their doctor. A dietitian can tailor a meal plan to meet your specific caloric, protein, and micronutrient needs, which can vary based on the severity of the disease and any comorbidities like diabetes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best thing to eat with cirrhosis involves a deliberate shift toward a diet rich in high-quality protein, low in sodium, and spread across multiple small meals throughout the day. By prioritizing lean proteins, fresh produce, whole grains, and healthy fats while strictly avoiding alcohol and processed foods, patients can better manage their condition, prevent malnutrition, and improve their overall health. Personalized medical advice from a healthcare team is the most effective approach to navigating these dietary changes safely.

For more detailed clinical guidelines, consult resources from authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, current medical guidelines indicate that most patients with cirrhosis, including those with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), should eat a normal to high-protein diet (1.2-1.5 g/kg/day). Restricting protein is outdated and can lead to malnutrition and muscle wasting. Vegetable and dairy proteins are often better tolerated than red meat.

Controlling sodium is crucial to prevent or manage fluid retention, known as ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and edema (swelling in the limbs). High sodium intake causes the body to retain water, exacerbating these symptoms.

If you have a poor appetite, eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help you meet your nutritional needs. A late-night, high-protein snack is also recommended to prevent muscle breakdown during sleep.

Vitamin deficiencies are common in cirrhosis due to the liver's impaired function. While a balanced diet helps, your doctor may recommend supplements for specific deficiencies, such as zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins. However, excessive Vitamin A can be toxic and should be avoided unless medically advised.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally safe and encouraged. Ensure they are properly washed. The primary concern is with raw animal products like seafood, meat, and eggs, which carry a higher risk of foodborne infection.

No, healthy fats are important. You should limit unhealthy saturated and trans fats found in fried foods and processed snacks. Instead, include healthy, unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and avocados.

Yes, drinking a moderate amount of coffee has been shown to be beneficial for liver health, potentially helping to reduce the risk of cirrhosis. Unsweetened tea is also a healthy option. Avoid sugary coffee drinks and excessive caffeine.