Eating a wholesome and balanced diet supports augmenting overall health and promoting bodily processes. To maintain healthy functioning of the liver and help ease symptoms of jaundice it is essential to have a nutritious diet, which includes drinking plenty of fluids, and having fresh vegetables, fruits and lean protein while restricting alcohol and fatty foods. The liver plays a key role in eliminating toxins and removing old or damaged blood cells from the human body. Any disruption in this process can result in waste products bilirubin to get accumulated and leaking out of the liver into the bloodstream resulting in jaundice. There are different types and causes of jaundice exist and what a person eats and drinks can directly impact liver health.

Also Read: Jaundice In Adults: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Dive into this article to know about the best foods and drinks to have to treat jaundice and keep your liver healthy.

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Symptoms of Jaundice

Generally, the symptoms of high bilirubin may differ from person to person and depend on the root cause. Jaundice is a common sign of high bilirubin levels and people suffering from this condition may have a yellow discolouration of their body tissues, eyes, and skin.

Other symptoms include:

• Dark urine
• Changes in stool colour
• Abdominal pain
• Joint aches
• Fatigue
• Fever

High bilirubin levels indicate that the liver is not functioning well, and it can potentially be toxic to your health. Consult your healthcare provider if your bilirubin levels are high and get prompt medical help.

Also Read: Liver Function Tests: Know The Types, How It Is Done And What To Expect

Diet For Jaundice

Along with proper medical management for jaundice, consuming a balanced diet comprising all major five food groups may help promote liver health and functions.

Foods To Add

Fruits and vegetables

Eating a rainbow-coloured platter of fruits and vegetables regularly is proven to uplift overall health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are storehouses of essential nutrients, antioxidants and phytonutrients that detoxify the liver, prevent liver damage and improve its function. Fruits and vegetables are also abundant in dietary fibre that promotes the digestion process and regularises bowel movements. Some of them include:

• Berries and grapes
• Citrus fruits
• Papaya
• Watermelon
• Pumpkin
• Sweet Potato, yam
• Tomato
• Carrot
• Beetroot
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Avocado
• Spinach 
• Cauliflower and broccoli

Remember eating whole fruits and vegetables offers optimal health incentives. However, avoid consuming fruit juices, blends and high fructose corn syrup as they are highly processed and contain refined sugars.

Fiber

The Liver Foundation America recommends eating a high-fibre diet to support liver work effectively. Mainly adding ample sources of soluble fibre to help move bile and bilirubin out of the system.

Some of the food sources packed with dietary fibre include:

• Almonds
• Avocados
• Berries
• Broccoli
• Brown rice
• Carrots
• Chickpeas
• Oatmeal
• Prunes
• Seeds
• Walnuts
• Wheat bread

Incorporate more than one serving of fibre-rich foods at every meal. All adults should aim to eat at least 28 grams of fibre per day.

Lean Protein

While choosing proteins avoid those packed with fat. Select from a wide range of plant-based proteins such as nuts, seeds and soy products and go for leaner choices of animal proteins like skinned chicken, fish, eggs and lean meat. Also, dairy and dairy products should be low in fat.

Dietary Supplements

A multivitamin supplement may help patients meet the daily needs of vitamins and minerals to enhance good liver function and health. However, get advice from your healthcare provider to know about the right multivitamin to be added to your meal pattern. As supplements may interact with other medications you are taking, and certain supplements may not be tolerated or safe for people with liver problems.

Water

Staying well hydrated will help the liver function properly and avert dehydration. Not having adequate fluids can make it difficult for the liver to perform routine tasks. Try to have at least 8 glasses of water in a day and add plenty of water-loaded fruits and vegetables to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Coffee/ Tea

The latest studies reveal that people who drank more than 3 cups of coffee daily have good markers of liver health. It was also disclosed that coffee aided to shield the liver from harmful pathogens and toxins. While drinking green tea was linked with reduced chances of having abnormal liver biomarkers, as it is laden with antioxidants and prevents oxidative damage to healthy liver cells.

Foods To Avoid

Well, it’s also essential to avoid or refrain from eating or drinking certain foods that may lead to additional damage to your liver, this includes:

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol when the liver attempts to heal itself could result in further damage. Healthcare providers advise patients suffering from jaundice to completely avoid alcohol to protect their liver health and recuperate faster.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods should be restricted totally or taken in minimal amounts depending on the state of your liver health, as these foods trigger unwanted stress on liver function and processes.

Sugar

It is advised to limit the intake of higher amounts of sugar as your liver heals. Recommendations for sugar are based on the cause of jaundice and the overall health status of the patient. Try swapping sugary foods for a bowl of fresh fruits, or a handful of berries added to Greek yoghurt when you get a sweet tooth.

Sodium

Sodium present in foods can result in the human body retaining fluids for a longer time than usual. This could make it difficult for the liver to function well if you have salty foods in the diet. Hence it is recommended to choose low-sodium foods or have a low-sodium diet regimen during jaundice. Also, all processed and preserved foods should be restricted to limit sodium intake. Try using herbs to add flavour and taste to your dishes while reducing your salt intake, which includes:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Lime juice can also add extra flavour

Healthy Eating Guidelines

Maintaining a food diary can help you strictly adhere to an eating pattern that would help your liver function better. Write down everything about your meals including what you ate, quantity and timings. Also, note down how you feel after having food. If you feel less hungry or notice any sudden changes in appetite or find it hard to eat well, then inform your physician immediately. Any signs of poor appetite can be a signal of a severe health problem.

Specific Instructions To Follow

Eat small frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three heavy ones.

Include healthy and wholesome snacks every 3 hours, including bedtime snack.

Drink plenty of fluids like tender coconut water, buttermilk, herbal teas and fresh fruit juices to maintain fluid balance.

Add different flavourings to enhance taste without adding extra salt.

Restrict alcoholic beverages.