Can Lifestyle Changes Slow Cirrhosis Progression?

In an attempt to heal itself, your liver produces scar tissue. Much like anywhere else on your body, scar tissue is made of fibrous tissue that is rigid and non-functional. With chronic liver conditions, as the liver gets damaged, more and more scar tissue appears, slowly replacing the healthy tissue, impairing the liver's function. 

Fortunately, many factors influence the progression of the disease, including lifestyle changes.

To help you out, we asked our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates what lifestyle changes are research-backed, proven ways to slow cirrhosis progression.

Alcohol abstinence

Quitting alcohol for good is one of the best ways to ensure your liver continues to work. Quitting alcohol increases your chance of reversing decompensation (the acute degeneration of liver disease) by twofold.

According to the study that followed cirrhosis patients who experienced reversal of decompensation after quitting alcohol, none of those who stayed abstinent from alcohol died from liver-related conditions.

Quit smoking cigarettes

Smoking not only worsens liver disease but can also play a role in the development of chronic liver diseases, as it contains over 4000 toxic chemicals, and it has an oncogenic potential. In studies, smoking cessation is linked to a lower risk of severe liver complications and heart disease.

Eat a liver-healthy diet

If your liver condition is linked to metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, lowering your sugar intake with the supervision of a professional can prevent further liver damage. Losing weight can also help if you are overweight, but not too quickly, as rapid weight loss is detrimental to the liver.

Low-sodium diets can also be helpful, especially if you experience abdominal fluid retention.

Dietary recommendations are not a one-size-fits-all for cirrhosis, as the cause of the liver disease often informs what guidelines work best, but with the right diet, your liver will stay healthier for longer.

Avoid self-medication

When your liver is more sensitive, even over-the-counter ibuprofen may harm it. If you do experience pain or other symptoms, speak with a medical provider about what liver-friendly solutions are available.

Learn more about slowing down your cirrhosis progression

Finding out your liver disease is advancing can be scary. However, with the right combination of lifestyle interventions and treatments, your liver is likely to stay resilient, even when afflicted by disease.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the information about managing your condition, but still want the peace of mind and reassurance that you are taking the best steps towards better health, contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Belmont and Charlotte, North Carolina.