Dietary guidelines for jaundice

                        (By Lisa Sarah John, Courtesy Bangalore Times, Monday May 21, 2007)

The summer season is a time when many are prone to attacks of jaundice caused by Hepatitis A virus. This type of jaundice is usually caused due to contaminated food or water. Hence one should be careful since the food gets spoiled easily in the summer.

Jaundice damages the liver cells. The liver is the organ where fat is metabolised and if it is damaged then fat in the diet must be restricted. All fatty foods should be restricted for at least 90 days. Cream of milk, ice cream, ghee, cheese, butter, desserts, nuts, Indian sweets and fried foods must be avoided. Marie biscuits, arrowroot and glucose biscuits may be eaten but all rich cookies are to be avoided. Coconut chutney and curries as well as all non-veg are best avoided.

Liver also consists of breakdown products of protein metabolism, which are metabolised, so we have to be careful about protein intake too. However for the damaged liver cells to heal and be regenerated, protein food is necessary. Hence a moderate intake of protein is recommended.

This can be skimmed milk about 3-4 cups per day in the form of milk, curd or made into porridge or custard.

Thin dal may be given which is not spicy. This can be cooked with various vegetables to give variety and flavour. All beans and peas must be avoided at this time. If tolerated, soft cooked eggs like scrambled eggs and pouched eggs may be given.

The main focus at this time is to give plenty of carbohydrates so that energy levels are kept high. Large quantities cannot be tolerated so frequent intake of smaller meals besides breakfast, lunch and dinner is advised. You can eat dry fruits, jelly and lassi.

Idli, is probably the only south Indian item safe to eat at this time. Rice, bread, soft chapati or wheat porridge may be had at meals. Plenty of soft cooked vegetables like potato and cauliflower must also be eaten, as there is a special need for vitamin B and C for recovery.

If there is a lot for vomiting the sodium and potassium may be lost. Salt can be used as needed. Banana and sweet lime are good sources of potassium. Vegetable soups and juices can be consumed. Alcohol should be strictly avoided.

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