Chronic Alcoholism and Chronic Hepatitis C are the most common causes of Cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis sufferers need to make lifestyle changes in order to live with the disease. Change requires discipline but it can be done. Here are some suggestions for anyone with the disease.

What Is Cirrhosis?

Individuals are diagnosed with Cirrhosis when there’s a build-up of scar tissue on the liver. The scar tissue is left behind by liver diseases. There are many diseases that affect the liver including Bile Duct Disease, Fatty Liver, and Chronic Alcoholism. Scar tissue hardens the liver and slows down the organ’s function. Lifestyle changes are aimed at stabilizing the condition and improving the quality of life.

1. Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies that alleviate Cirrhosis symptoms. The National Institutes of Health published a study recently touting the benefits of green tea. Visit ahmadteausa.com to purchase quality green tea. The study concludes there is a “significant protective effect” of green tea on liver diseases including cirrhosis.

Milk Thistle is one of the best known herbal remedies for cirrhosis. Studies show that milk thistle can benefit some patients. However, discuss this with your physician before trying it.

2. Avoid Alcohol

It’s important to understand alcohol’s effect on the liver. It takes the liver one hour to process an alcoholic beverage. Naturally, each additional drink takes longer to metabolize. Excessive drinking makes the liver work overtime. Drinking too much regularly destroys liver cells which result in scarring and cirrhosis. Those with an alcohol problem should consider a substance abuse program.

3. Watch the Diet

Patients should eat a balanced diet and avoid certain foods. Ask your physician about dietary concerns. Likewise, avoid raw seafood, raw fish, and shellfish. Raw fish and shellfish may carry bacteria that cause an infection. Infections put extra stress on the liver.

4. Discuss Medications With the Doctor

Patients should discuss all prescriptions with their hepatologist. The liver metabolizes medicine and the organ shouldn’t work too hard. Non-prescription drugs like Tylenol and NSAIDs can be dangerous sometimes. You’re already taking medication for cirrhosis and adding more may cause a toxic effect. In addition, the use of supplements should be monitored. Patients should limit vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron.

5. Limit Salt

Eating too much salt makes the liver work harder. This leads to a fluid build-up and swelling in the abdomen, legs, and ankles. Make low-sodium purchases and try herbs to flavor food. Learn to put your feet up to avoid swelling.

6. Get Vaccinated

Cirrhosis patients need to be protected against the flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis. Hepatitis B and C can further damage the liver. Certain lifestyle choices may cause hepatitis B. These include types of sexual activity, sharing needles, and getting tattoos with dirty equipment.

7. Take Bleeding Precautions

A damaged liver has difficulty making blood clots. Therefore, all medical and dental procedures carry a risk for severe bleeding. Be sure to discuss any planned procedures with the hepatologist. Patients may need medication to prevent severe bleeding.

8. Job Choice

Inhaling certain chemicals can further damage the liver and patients should not work around them. Avoid vinyl chloride which is used to make plastic. In addition, some dry-cleaning chemicals and pesticides are harmful.

Cirrhosis is a serious medical condition. Patients must limit further liver damage. Making the necessary changes can extend your life.