The diet plan for cirrhosis should be done as per recommended dietary modification for cirrhosis. The diet of cirrhosis patient should be according to the different modifications like increased energy requirements, provision of quality proteins, addition of easily digestible fats (although total fat consumption should be reduced), simple forms of carbohydrates like glucose, sugar, fruits and fruit juices and starches like cereals (avoidance of irritating carbohydrates) etc. The diet plan for cirrhosis should be made such a way that it promotes speedy healing of liver (reversal of architectural distortions) by providing all the essential nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) in adequate amounts. The diet should be planed in such a way that it is also palatable and acceptable to the local customs, traditions and to the liking of the cirrhosis patient. There is no universal diet plan for any medical problem; it should be based on local food habits and one which is acceptable to the patient.
The following diet plan can be followed for cirrhosis:
Early morning: The early morning should start with tea and biscuits with less fat and more carbohydrates.
Breakfast: The breakfast should consist of porridge, easily digestible fruits like papaya.
Mid morning: The midmorning snack can be with sweet potato, potato mix etc.
Lunch: The patient of cirrhosis can have lunch with whole grain like well cooked rice, vegetables and well cooked fish.
Mid afternoon: Custard can be taken in the mid afternoon.
Evening tea: It can be with noodles and fruit juice along with tea or coffee.
Dinner: It should start with soup (vegetable soup or chicken soup). Dinner should be with blend soft rice mixed with vegetables, noodles etc.
Bed time: It should be with a sweet dish.
N.B: The most important point should be remembered in preparing a diet plan for patient with cirrhosis is that the meals should be small and frequent instead of large infrequent meals.