What to eat and what to avoid
People with jaundice can consume foods and drinks that help improve digestion and metabolism, protect the liver from further damage, and improve liver health.
Jaundice is a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment released during the breakdown of red blood cells. Too much of this pigment
The liver typically filters bilirubin out of the blood, so jaundice indicates the liver is not working correctly.
This article discusses what people with jaundice can eat, drink, or avoid to help protect the liver.
A person’s diet plays a significant role in jaundice recovery and prevention.
During digestion, the liver
The liver is also responsible for processing or metabolizing most nutrients, toxins, and medications a person consumes.
All foods and drinks make demands on the liver. However, nutrients and chemicals in some foods are easier to metabolize than others.
Toxins, such as alcohol and some medications, can also damage liver cells during metabolism.
The American Liver Foundation recommends eating a balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups. Foods containing fiber are particularly beneficial.
Learn more about what the liver does.
A doctor will provide an individualized treatment plan, including dietary suggestions, to someone with jaundice.
These suggestions will vary depending on the severity of a person’s condition and any underlying medical issues.
The following sections describe some foods and drinks to consume during jaundice recovery.
Water
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to help the liver recover from jaundice. Water not only helps ease digestion but also helps the liver and kidneys flush out toxins.
The
Although the DGA does not recommend drinking a specific amount of water daily, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service recommends 6–8 glasses.
If people find the taste bland, they can add a teaspoon or more of fresh lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice to water for an extra dose of antioxidants.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants and fiber that can help limit liver damage during metabolism and ease digestion.
Fruits and vegetables contain liver-friendly nutrients, but some varieties are especially beneficial for liver conditions. The Liver Foundation recommends eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially brightly colored ones, such as:
- whole cranberries, blueberries, and grapes
- citrus fruits, especially lemons, limes, and grapefruits
- papayas and melons
- avocados and olives
- tomatoes
- carrots, beets, and turnips
- cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
- ginger and garlic
- spinach and collard greens
Whole grains
Whole grain foods are important
- wheat
- spelled
- quinoa
- rye
- brown rice
- oats
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Learn more about the benefits of whole grains.
Healthy fats
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are “healthy fats” that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Nuts contain both types of healthy fats and are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenolic acid. They are also rich in fiber.
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Oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, contain polyunsaturated fats as well as omega-3 and zinc, which may help protect the liver and
Learn more about the benefits of fish oils and omega-3 oils.
Lean proteins
Lean proteins, including tofu, legumes, poultry, and fish, may benefit people with jaundice. The American Liver Foundation advises avoiding foods high in fat and salt, so lean proteins are preferable to processed or fatty cuts of meat.
Foods and drinks to avoid or limit during jaundice recovery include:
Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to most internal bodily tissues, including the liver. Excessive alcohol use can
Most people with jaundice or other liver conditions should try to avoid alcohol completely.
Refined carbohydrates
Soda, baked goods, white bread, and pasta all contain
Too much sugar can
Learn more about refined carbohydrates.
Packaged, canned, and smoked foods
Many packaged, canned, or smoked foods contain preservatives, especially deli meats and canned vegetables.
These preservatives are usually forms of salt, such as nitrates and sulfates. Salt dehydrates the body, making digestion and metabolism more difficult and putting stress on the liver.
Saturated and trans fats
Fried, oily, and fast foods contain saturated and trans fats that are difficult to digest, particularly those prepared with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
These foods are also
Learn more about saturated and unsaturated fats.
Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish
According to the
Jaundice indicates poor liver health, which can have causes including excessive alcohol use and inadequate nutrition.
To improve liver health, people can include plenty of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or unsweetened beverages is also essential.
Foods and drinks to limit with jaundice include fried foods, refined carbs and sugary foods, alcohol, and highly processed foods.