Dietary Recommendations for Carbohydrates for Those With Hepatitis/Liver Disease

People with liver disease should strive for a diet consisting of approximately 60- to 70-percent carbohydrates, with complex carbohydrates predominating. For such people, a well-balanced diet will include at least 400 grams of carbohydrates. (See Table 23.2 for the carbohydrate content of some common foods.) If there are too few carbohydrates in a person’s diet, this will likely result in excessive protein and fat intake. If too much protein is consumed and not enough carbohydrates, the liver will be forced to use protein as an energy source. This is an unwise and inefficient use of protein, as protein will be diverted from its primary job of building cells and tissues. Furthermore, this will put undo stress on the liver, as it is more taxing for the liver to convert protein into energy than it is to convert carbohydrates into energy. If too much fat and not enough carbohydrates are consumed, many health disorders, including obesity, may result. This may eventually lead to fatty liver or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). (See Fat on page xx) It is also important to keep in mind that a meal of a complex carbohydrates, such as pasta, should not be drowned in sauces loaded with cream, butter or oil. Doing so introduces too much fat into an otherwise healthy dish. Keep in mind that excessive complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, may lead to bloating and to malabsorption of certain vitamins and minerals. This underscores the importance of adhering to the recommended balance of nutrients listed on page xx.

Simple carbohydrates, such as raisins, hard candy, or honey, may stick to teeth. In people suffering from dry mouth, this is particularly likely, thereby increasing the likelihood of cavities for these people. Therefore, it is especially important that people suffering from dry mouth (sometimes present as a symptom in people with primary biliary cirrhosis or in people with chronic hepatitis B or C on interferon treatment) brush their teeth immediately after eating or snacking. This may require that these people bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to restaurants, work, and school. Also, these people may want to use a prescription dental cream specifically made for people prone to dental cavities.

People with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) often suffer from abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Approximately one-third of them have diabetes. A diet rich in high-fiber, complex-carbohydrate foods may improve their condition somewhat.

All contents of this article are Copyright © Melissa Palmer, MD

Melissa Palmer, MD is the author of " Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide of Hepatitis and Liver Disease". (Published 2004. Penguin Putnam).

Dr. Palmer is an internationally renowned hepatologist who has been practicing medicine since 1985. Prior to 2012, she maintained perhaps the largest medical practice devoted to liver disease in the United States. Dr. Palmer is Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Palmer graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. and was trained in hepatology (as well as medical school) at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Dr. Palmer is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and in Internal Medicine.

She has authored numerous scientific publications in the field of hepatology in such peer-reviewed journals as Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Seminars of Liver Disease, Transplantation and Archives of Internal Medicine.

She is frequently called upon by the media for her opinion on various topics related to liver disease. Dr. Palmer has appeared many times on television as a liver disease expert and has been quoted in such publications as TIME magazine, Cosmopolitan magazine, Prevention magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Newsday. She also has appeared in numerous videos and CD-Roms aimed at educating doctors and the public about hepatitis C and other liver diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis. Dr. Palmer lectures to the medical and general public on liver disease-related topics on a regular basis.

Dr. Palmer has performed numerous clinical trials on various experimental medications for the treatment of hepatitis.

Dr. Palmer is currently available for lecturing, investor and hedge-fund consultations, consultations to industry, and media interviews and appearances-- including television. For such matters, she can be contacted through hepatitismedia@gmail.com.

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