Diet For Recovering From Jaundice

Jaundice is an illness resulting from the accumulation of bilirubin (a yellow pigment) in the body. Bilirubin is a waste material that gets accumulated in the blood if the liver is not properly functioning. The accumulation of 2 to 3 mg/dL bilirubin in the blood causes the skin, nails, gums and eyes to become yellow. Although jaundice can affect people of all ages, newborns and older adults are most susceptible to it. The liver plays an important role in the digestion of fats, nutrient uptake, detoxification, and processing of medication. As jaundice occurs mainly due to liver dysfunction, people with jaundice are advised which foods to avoid and which foods to include. Let’s look at some of the foods to avoid when recovering from jaundice. 

List of foods to include in the diet during Jaundice

When you are recovering from jaundice, here is a list of foods you should include in your daily diet for a quick and easy recovery:

1. Water – Keeping yourself hydrated with plenty of water at all times is important. Water will ease the digestion process, and also help to flush out all the toxins from your body easily.
2. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – The antioxidants and fibre found in fresh fruits and vegetables help to improve the overall health of your liver and digestive system. These foods can prevent any damage to the liver. Foods highly recommended under this category for people recovering from jaundice are papaya, melons, berries, grapes, lemons, olives, avocados, carrot, broccoli, pumpkin, yam, cauliflower and sprouts.
3. Whole Grains – Whole grains, such as oats, are good sources of fibre and healthy fats. They also contain beta-glucan, which is essential for the overall smooth functioning of the liver.
4. Healthy Fats – Including foods rich in healthy fats is a must for people recovering from jaundice. This is because healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats help improve liver function considerably.
5. Lean Proteins – Some fish, like salmon and mackerel, are excellent sources of lean proteins.  They contain Vitamin E, healthy fats, phenolic acid and other nutrients that are good for the liver.  Some other lean proteins that you can try when recovering from jaundice are tofu, legumes and nuts.

List of foods to avoid in the diet during Jaundice

You must stay away from these foods when you are recovering from jaundice:

1. Alcohol – Alcohol can lead to liver damage. Regular consumption can also lead to extreme inflammation in the liver and reduced functionality. Hence, people recovering from jaundice should completely stay away from alcohol.
2. Refined Carbohydrates – Keep foods with refined carbohydrates at bay. These contain a great quantity of unhealthy refined sugar, which can eventually hamper the functioning of the liver. The foods you should avoid in this category are white bread, baked goods, soda-based products and so on.
3. Packaged, canned, and smoked foods – Packed, canned and smoked foods contain a large quantity of preservatives and salt. Excess salt and preservatives can cause extensive damage to your liver.
4. Saturated and trans fats – Excessive consumption of saturated and trans fats can cause imbalances in the blood sugar levels and overall digestive system. They can lead to obesity, which will eventually damage the liver in the long run. Foods to be avoided in this category are oily & spicy foods, full-cream milk, cheese, etc.
5. Raw or uncooked fish or shellfish – When fish, especially shellfish, is not cooked properly, it may have traces of parasites, germs and viruses. Consumption of these toxins can cause considerable damage to the liver.

Conclusion

Dietary habits during jaundice can significantly affect the recovery process. For better recovery from an illness like jaundice, it is good to keep a food diary, which can help with sticking to the dietary plan. Talking with a healthcare provider or dietician can also be helpful in meeting the daily recommended nutritional needs for faster recovery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical or nutrition professional before making any significant changes in your daily diet. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any impact or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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