Jaundice diet

What food is recommended in jaundice for a poor family?
(19 Dec 2007)

Jaundice is the most commonly occurring disorder of the liver. It is a condition that is characterized by a yellow staining of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is caused by an increase in the content of the chemical, bilirubin in the blood.

The extent of the yellow discoloration depends on the bilirubin level. Mild increase in bilirubin results in a yellowish color, while very high levels of bilirubin result in a brownish color. Bilirubin is formed when the iron is removed from old destroyed red blood cells through a natural process. Bilirubin is a waste product which is normally removed from the blood by the liver. Jaundice can develop when the production of bilirubin is too high for the liver to remove or when liver conditions or defects make it impossible to remove the bilirubin from the blood. It may also occur when the bile ducts become obstructed and the flow of bile and bilirubin into the intestines is disrupted. The liver processes the bilirubin and secretes it into bile, through which it is eliminated in the feces.

Jaundice is a sign of other underlying conditions, rather than being an illness in itself. Jaundice is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as darkening of the urine, pale colored stools and itchiness of the skin. Additionally, the conditions causing the jaundice may also result in symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, headache and swelling in the abdomen and legs.

There are several natural ways to treat jaundice which are simple and inexpensive. Tomato is known to be very effective in treating jaundice.

Drink at least one tall glass of Tomato juice every morning as a beneficial remedy against jaundice. Radish leaves also work well in alleviating jaundice. You can extract the juice from these leaves and consume it throughout the day. This stimulates appetite and also regulates proper bowel movements. A glass of sugarcane juice along with a few drops of lime juice is beneficial in speeding up recovery from jaundice. This juice is best made at home, as contaminated food and beverages from outside can aggravate the condition. A glass of warm water with a few spoons of fresh lemon juice will help to treat this condition. Another effective remedy for jaundice is to consume barley water at regular intervals during the day. Carrot juice is known to be effective in reducing jaundice and may be taken daily. A mixture of the juice of ginger, lemon and mint also helps in providing relief from jaundice. Drink at least one tall glass of bitter gourd juice every morning, as this will also help greatly in treating jaundice.

answered by G M on 29 Apr 2010, 5:38:18

Rich or poor is not really of much consequence when talking about diet, even if you are talking about a special diet to recover from some health condition. In fact, many harmful dietary indulgences can only be afforded by rich people. Finally however, it depends on each individual – what you eat is more important than what it costs, and healthy food can be found in any price bracket.

If you are recovering from jaundice, you first need to understand the nature of the condition. Jaundice is a symptom, and not a disease itself; it is always a symptom of some problem with the liver. This may be a condition such as hepatitis, where the liver itself is diseased, or it may be some other health condition that has affected the functioning of the liver, as it happens with certain types of kidney failure. Sometimes gall stones or some other type of blockage of the bile duct can also lead to a build up of bile and subsequent development of jaundice. It is important that you find out why you developed jaundice and ensure that this underlying problem has been treated. Once this is done, you can get on with your recovery.

Since jaundice is a condition that primarily involves the liver, it is important that your diet does not place any unnecessary strain on the liver. Fatty, oily foods should be severely restricted, as the liver is involved in their digestion. Instead, you should eat plenty of carbohydrates, prepared in as simple a manner as possible. For the first few days, it is advisable that you consume only fruits and fruit juices. After that, you can start eating small amounts of yogurt, rice, light porridge, and vegetables. Ensure that these are all prepared at home, so that you have control over the amount of oil that is used, and over hygiene. Your immune system is probably quite weak right now, and it is essential that you minimize the chances of any new infection.

Meat and pulses should be avoided as far as possible; even though they are an important source of protein, they take a long time to digest. Instead, you can consume eggs, milk, and milk products, preferably low fat milk and milk products. Alcohol should be completely avoided too, as it has a strong negative effect on the liver. Avoid any unnecessary drugs and medications too, including tobacco and caffeine.

answered by G M on 9 Sep 2009, 4:36:01

Jaundice is a disorder, associated with the liver. High levels of bilirubin cause yellowing of the eyes and skin. Hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, malaria, obstruction in blood flow to the liver or obstruction of the bile duct and congenital disorders associated with bilirubin. Scarring of cells and tissues, seen in the case of cirrhosis, also causes jaundice. Diagnostic tests include liver biopsy, serum bilirubin, prothrombin time, complete blood count and abdominal ultrasound. Treatment options are determined by the causative factor. Liver transplant is recommended in case of severe damage. Recurrence is seen in case of hepatitis or cirrhosis. Gall stone removal or tumor elimination is also common. Refined sugar, fried fatty foods, carbonated beverages are better avoided. Fresh fruit juices are beneficial. Coconut water, strained vegetable soup, barley water and so on are advised. Steamed foods are preferred. Radish leaves and dandelion leaves are added as a part of the salad. Adequate rest, fresh air, balanced diet; lifestyle modification and moderate exercises are preferred. Vitamin B, E and C supplementation do regeneration of tissue or tissue replenishment. Bland foods are added advantage. Avoid beverages containing caffeine. Any form of stress is to be avoided.

For more knowledge on jaundice diet, refer,
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/askquestion/7562/diet-advice-during-jaundice-i-m-suffering-from-jau.html

answered by Dr C on 2 Jan 2008, 11:35:25

Jaundice diet

What food is recommended in jaundice for a poor family? (19 Dec 2007)

What food is recommended in jaundice for a poor family?
(19 Dec 2007)