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Cirrhosis is a progressive deterioration by scarring of the liver's tissue. The predominant cause of liver damage is alcoholism, but other diseases such as hepatitis, cystic fibrosis or any other condition in which the bile ducts are blocked may lead to cirrhosis. Additionally, certain drug reactions or environmental toxins may adversely affect the liver.

The symptoms of liver cirrhosis generally proceed undetected and are mild. As the lung sustains further damage, the most noticeable symptom is fatigue and nausea. Anorexia or poor appetite may also be present. At this point, the amount of damage, although irreversible, can still be stopped by altering the diet. The liver is the only organ, other than skin, that can replace itself.

In order to treat cirrhosis, the body must be given an adequate number of calories to produce new liver cells. Unfortunately, since lack of appetite is common in people with cirrhosis, this can be a challenge. A daily intake of 2,000 to 3,000 can be achieve by eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 large ones.

A very important consideration when treating cirrhosis with diet is to carefully monitor the amount of protein being eaten. The ideal amount of protein is about 40 grams. Animal proteins are often too fatty and can aggravate the bilary system further. When the body has to work harder to pull protein away from fat, it cannot use the protein effectively. If too much protein is allowed to build up in the bloodstream the process of metabolizing it produces ammonia. Ammonia in the bloodstream can travel to the brain where it can cause complications such as coma and perhaps death. Safer sources of protein in the diet include enriched pasta, bread and cereals. Cooking with vegetable oil or canola oil is a good way to obtain enough calories without overloading the liver.

When cirrhosis has progressed further, the scar tissue that builds up prevents the free passage of blood into and out of the liver's cells. This build- p acts like a dam, causing pressure on the blood vessels. As a result, plasma is forced out of the blood vessels and takes up residence in the abdominal tissue. People who have liver damage tend to have a noticeable swelling of the belly. Sometimes referred to as a "beer gut," this is the result cirrhosis, and not just an accumulation of body fat from imbibing too many empty calories.

People who suffer from cirrhosis need to work with their doctors to find a workable solution. At some point, the damage becomes so vast that the liver can no longer function properly. Jaundice, which gives a yellow tint to the skin and whites of a person's eyes is a sign of extensive liver damage. Eventually the entire body becomes puffy and swollen. As the scar tissue builds up to the point where the decrease in blood flow is sensed by the kidneys, a hormone called aldosterone is secreted into the blood stream. Unfortunately, this signals the body to retain sodium, which further impairs kidney and liver function. A liver transplant may be the only option when the disease has progressed to this state.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Beyenhof.
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