\r\n \r\n Cirrhosis, Weight Gain, Ascites, and Diet Tips
\nArticle from https://www.healthyhepper.com/cirrhosisweightgain.htm
\n
\nCirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, can lead to abdominal fluid accumulation
\n(ascites) and subsequent distention and weight gain. Cirrhosis, which is caused
\nby liver disease such as Hepatitis C, is managed through diet and/or
\nprescription drugs
\nwith liver transplantation as the last solution.
\n
\nAs pointed out in research from the Department of Internal Medicine, Division
\nof Gastronterology and Hepatology, University of California, Davis Medical
\nCenter, "accumulation of fluid as ascites is the most common complication
\nof cirrhosis. This is occurring in about 50% of patients within 10 years
\nof the diagnosis of cirrhosis."
\n
\nI really wanted to understand what caused this fluid retention and they
\nexplain it in very technical terms: "The most acceptable theory for
\nascites formation is peripheral arterial vasodilation leading to under-
\nfilling of circulatory volume. This triggers the baroreceptor-mediated
\nactivation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous
\nsystem and nonosmotic release of vasopressin to restore circulatory
\nintegrity. The result is an avid sodium and water retention, identified
\nas a preascitic state. This condition will evolve in overt fluid retention
\nand ascites, as the liver disease progresses."
\n
\nSo here is a translation into simpler terms. First the "under-filling of the
\ncirculatory volume" happens as cirrhosis progressively scars the liver and its
\nability
\nto effectively filter blood is reduced resulting in a reduced volume of blood
\nand
\nlowered blood pressure. The body then releases vasopressin which retains salt
\nand
\nfluid to try to counter the lowered circulatory volume pressure. The fluid
\nretention is worsened because as cirrhosis progresses and the liver produces
\nless
\nalbumin it results in fluids seeping out of the leg and abdomen tissues.
\n
\nAscites not only causes weight gain but can cause several other medical
\nconditions
\nsuch as hepto hydrothorax (fluids in the lungs), hernias, infection, and
\ndifficulty breathing. The fluid retention may also show in the legs called
\nedema as well as the abdomen (ascites).
\n
\nOnce ascites is present, most therapeutic modalities are directed on
\nmaintaining negative sodium balance, including salt restriction, bed rest
\nand diuretics. Paracentesis and albumin infusion is applied to tense
\nascites. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is considered for
\nrefractory ascites.
\n
\nHere are some Cirrhosis Diet Tips and Natural Solutions for Reducing Ascites
\n(and therefore weight gain):
\n1. Reducing salt intake! Doctors typically advise limiting salt intake to 4-5
\ngrams
\nper day (2,000 mg of sodium) or less. Don\'t forget that most processed and
\ncanned
\nfoods have lots of salt so try making your own food. Its better for you in lots
\nof other ways too! You can try squeezing a little fresh lemon juice on your food
\nif you miss the sour flavor. Skipping the salt makes a HUGE difference to
\nfluid retention.
\n
\n2. Dandelion Root Extract is a bitter herb that will not only flush your liver
\nout of toxins, it will also help you drain the excessive fluids your body is
\ntaking on. As with most diuretics you need to supplement with a banana a day.
\nDo not take with Lasix.
\n
\n3. Use of diet to help alleviate the fluid retention and therefore weight gain
\nshould should also include reducing protein intake and/or consuming mostly whey
\nprotein. Whey protein is the most easily assimilated form of protein for
\ncirrhosis of
\nthe liver and also it will give you the albumin you need that your liver no
\nlonger makes. This loss of albumin in your body is what contributes to fluid
\naccumulation, ascites, in your abdomen.\r\n

\r\n __________________
\r\n "We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~
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