From the Guidelines
Patients with hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) should not avoid any specific foods, except for alcohol, and instead focus on a healthy and varied diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, and protein. According to the EASL clinical practice guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease 1, there is limited scientific evidence to support the avoidance of specific foods in patients with liver disease, and a healthy eating pattern with a variety of foods is advisable.
The guidelines suggest that eating an adequate amount of calories and protein is more important than avoiding specific types of food, and recommend splitting food intake into 3 main meals and 3 snacks, with a focus on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains 1. It is also recommended to limit salt intake, but not to the point of making food unpleasant to eat, and to consult a doctor or dietician if necessary 1.
In terms of protein intake, the guidelines advise against reducing total protein intake, as it is not advisable in cirrhosis, and recommend consulting a doctor or dietician before making any changes to protein intake, especially for patients with hepatic encephalopathy 1.
Overall, the focus should be on a balanced and healthy diet, rather than avoiding specific foods, and patients with jaundice should consult their doctor or dietician for personalized dietary advice, taking into account any other underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or overweight/obesity 1.
Key points to consider include:
- Eating a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Avoiding alcohol completely
- Limiting salt intake, but not to the point of making food unpleasant to eat
- Not reducing total protein intake, especially in cirrhosis
- Consulting a doctor or dietician for personalized dietary advice, especially for patients with hepatic encephalopathy or other underlying health conditions.
From the Research
Foods to Avoid in Hyperbilirubinemia (Jaundice)
There is no direct evidence from the provided studies that specifies particular foods to avoid in patients with hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
General Guidance on Jaundice
- Jaundice is a symptom with a multitude of possible causes, including primary diseases of bilirubin metabolism, secondary hyperbilirubinemia in patients with liver disease, and diseases with bile duct occlusion [ 4 ].
- The differential diagnosis of jaundice can be organized into prehepatic, intrahepatic, and posthepatic causes [ 6 ].
- Evaluation of jaundice typically begins with liver chemistry tests, including bilirubin (conjugated and unconjugated), alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total protein [ 5 ].