A well-balanced diet can help provide the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your body’s needs and promote overall health. Furthermore, a healthy diet can minimize further damage to the liver, support its function and help manage various complications associated with cirrhosis.
Get access to some great tips and tricks to help you eat healthier to support your liver.
This study is recruiting people with cirrhosis in order to understand if an educational video can help improve knowledge.
The study involves you answering questions to check your knowledge and watching a short video (~5 minutes).
Participation in this study will help us understand if the educational videos we’ve developed are helpful to improve knowledge for patients with cirrhosis.
The information that you will share will remain strictly confidential and will be used solely for the purposes of this research. All efforts will be made to keep your information as secure as possible, but as this interaction happens online, there is always a risk of the information being exposed. The only people who will have access to the research data are the investigators listed above and their research assistants. Results will be published in pooled (aggregate) format.
The surveys and video should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.
You will not receive any compensation from participating in this study. It is possible that you will experience no benefit for participating in this study aside from improving your knowledge about cirrhosis. The feedback you provide will be used to make improvements to the educational materials to help other patients with cirrhosis.
None anticipated.
You are under no obligation to participate and if you choose to participate, you may refuse to answer questions that you do not want to answer. If you choose to have your data withdrawn from the study, this will be possible only before the data are analyzed. You can email the study email at [email protected] and provide them with the email you enrolled with if you want to have your study data removed.
Dr. Puneeta Tandon, Principal Investigator
Dr. Ashley Hyde, Postdoctoral Fellow
Emily Johnson, PhD Student
Many people with liver cirrhosis may need to follow a special diet to keep healthy. Usually, a written food record is completed to help health care providers understand what someone usually eats.
In this study, you will get to test a new image-based food record application on your phone/tablet for seven days to help us see how many days of recording are required to be accurate. You will receive a $15 gift card for participating in the study.
That’s why we created this website to help patients and their families navigate the challenges.
Our website contains content for patients with cirrhosis and their families, created by a large team of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and patient partners.
You’ll find resources on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental health, and more.
We know that finding credible information online can be challenging. The information on this website was developed by worldwide experts on cirrhosis and in partnership with people currently living with cirrhosis. There are videos and written information on a range of topics like symptoms, treatments, healthy living with cirrhosis and procedures you may encounter.
This website has a range of information for patients and families. It includes how the liver works, the stages and causes of cirrhosis, common complications and how to mange symptoms like itching, pain, sleep problems and muscle cramps. We also included information on nutrition and exercise for people with cirrhosis, medication and caregiver support.
This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
Cirrhosis is a lifelong condition that can be challenging to manage. You or your family may have many questions and our goal is to help you stay up to date with current information.
This website has learning modules on important topics for people living with cirrhosis. By creating an account, you can keep track of your learning, get certificates of completion, and get entered into a raffle to win prizes. You can also help us improve this site by providing direct feedback.
Home cooking is the only and most reliable way to eat high protein and low sodium foods. Home cooking is also cheaper than buying “ready made” foods or take out. Homemade meals can take more time but, with some practice and tips, will become quicker and less involved.
For many folks living with cirrhosis, making liver-friendly meals and snacks can be difficult. In this 5 min video, learn about Barb and Craig’s “low sodium” home cooking journey.
Favourites of Barb and Craig
Favourite Spice: Barb typically uses a combination of spices depending on the dish. The Club House Salt Free Original Vegetable & Herb Medley is one that she frequently uses.
Favourite Recipe: Honey and Lime Glazed Chicken with Lemon Scented Orzo is just one of their many favourites.
Favourite Food Made Ahead and Frozen: Barb is a firm believer in doubling her cooking recipes. Half of the food is eaten the same day while other half is frozen for another day. Suggestions include spaghetti sauce, chili, meatballs or baked chicken pieces.
Favourite Snack: Things to nibble on like carrot sticks, stuffed celery with peanut butter or egg salad, spicy chickpeas or rosemary nuts.
Best Quick Dinner: (1) Grilled pork chops with rice, (2) frozen cooked chicken pieces and a sauce or (3) previously frozen chili.
Most important pantry items: Cans (with no salt added) of: tomatoes, tomato sauces, black beans, kidney beans and chickpeas. These items are versatile. They are used in many recipes or can be served as side dishes to complement a main dish.
That is a great question but it is difficult to answer. Everyone has different tastes, preferences, and cooking skills.
Here are some good examples of high protein, low sodium meals and snacks:
For this project, we partnered with the Research Culinary Team at the Northern Alberta Institute for Technology (NAIT) and was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Chef Maynard and his team created liver-friendly recipes that are high in protein and low in sodium. Delicious and easy to make, they will be family favorites!
Each video includes step-by step instructions and variations. Recipes are listed beside each video and can be printed.
For experienced cooks, Chef Maynard gives tips about:
Serving suggestions and storage suggestions are also provided. Freezing cooked meals and leftovers make for quick and easy dinners during the week.
See the “Low Sodium Baking” video for how to make focaccia bread. It is used for the pizza base.
Please refer to the video.
This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team.
They know your medical situation best.
Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
Last reviewed June 8, 2021
As a care partner of someone living with cirrhosis, you may share many of the same emotions the person with cirrhosis is experiencing: fear, isolation, or even anger. To avoid burnout, it’s important to take care of yourself too.
Depending on how well the person living with cirrhosis is, you many need to play a variety of roles while providing support. Some people with cirrhosis don’t need care support, but if their condition gets worse and especially for people with hepatic encephalopathy, a care partner is often needed. Your care partner role may change over time, and even day to day, as the condition of the person living with cirrhosis changes. You may need to adjust the level of care partnering to meet the changing needs of the person living with cirrhosis.
It’s important to encourage independence for the person living with cirrhosis, but also support and help them with tasks as needed. Finding the balance is key. You might need to support the person living with cirrhosis by helping with physical activities, mental health, psycho-social well-being, spiritual well-being and managing finances:
If the person living with cirrhosis becomes very sick or has difficulty getting dressed, walking or bathing, you may be able to receive home care services. Talk to your healthcare team to learn more about this, or explore self-referral options in your community.
Before the appointment
During the appointment
Questions to ask
The information on this page was adapted (with permission) from the references below, by the Cirrhosis Care Alberta project team (physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and patient advisors).
This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
References:
Everyone can benefit from learning ways to manage stress. This includes people with chronic medical conditions, like cirrhosis.
Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. For exercise tips and routines, click Here.
For more information, check out the videos below from My Health Alberta, or visit their website topic by clicking here: Stress Management
How Your Body Reacts to Stress
Stress Management: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Stress Management: Roll Breathing
Stress Management: Using Yoga to Relax
The information on this page was adapted (with permission) from the references below, by the Cirrhosis Care Alberta project team (physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and patient advisors).
This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
References:
Depression is a condition that can cause symptoms like feeling sad, hopeless and tired. Anyone can get depression. Feelings of depression are common in people with chronic condition, like cirrhosis. Having depression can impact many parts of your life.
For more information, check out the videos below from My Health Alberta, or visit their website topic by clicking here: Depression
Depression Is Common
Depression: How it Affects Your Body
Depression: Balancing Brain Chemicals
Treatment For Depression
Counseling for Depression
Depression Medicines
The information on this page was adapted (with permission) from the references below, by the Cirrhosis Care Alberta project team (physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and patient advisors).
This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
References:
Excessively sore muscles for more than 24 hours after an exercise session indicates that the intensity of the exercise needs to be decreased. Allow 1 to 2 days of rest before exercising the same sore muscle group again at the lower intensity level.
People living with cirrhosis may not get as much exercise as they need for many reasons. Gradually, the muscles can weaken and common tasks can become more difficult to do. Loss of muscle strength affects balance, mobility, and can interfere with social activities and hobbies. Performing the right set of exercises at the right intensity can minimize muscle loss and weakness. This can help to maintain or increase your current activities.
Most people with cirrhosis can and should exercise regularly
Talk to your physician about starting an exercise program before you begin.
THIS EXERCISE PROGRAM IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE
This website should not be relied upon or serve as a replacement for medical advice from your doctor(s). Do not disregard or delay or discontinue your ongoing medical treatment because of your use of this website. Your continued treatment by your qualified medical practitioners is important to your health. If you have any concerns, address these with your medical team.
Any medical guidelines or recommendations from your medical practitioner regarding exercise in liver disease supersedes any information on this website. The information on the website is provided on an “as is” basis without any representations or warranties.
On the Borg Scale, the target area when exercising is to be between numbers 3 and 5.
The Talk Test – Exercise to the point where you can still talk out loud but are breathing somewhat heavily.
Exercising will get easier. Keep your doctor up to date on your progress and let them know if you wish to progress to the next level. Do NOT advance without your doctor’s approval!
Click here to see the Borg Scale & Talk Test
One of four levels of intensity can be followed. Most people with cirrhosis should be able to complete the Program 1 level of exercises. For some people, you may be referred to a certified exercise specialist or physiotherapist who will create a personalized exercise program for you.
There are four levels for each exercise. Your “Exercise Prescription” will indicate which level to complete.
Resistance Bands – Resistance bands provide extra resistance to strengthen muscles when exercising. Once an exercise can be completed without taking a rest between the repetitions and you feel minimal to moderate muscle fatigue, consider introducing a resistance band. Make sure to start with the stretchiest (easiest) band first. Sporting goods stores, online stores, and department stores usually offer these.
Hand-Held Weights or Dumbbells – Use when a wide range of motion is required of the exercise or when exercise resistance bands are no longer challenging. When an exercise can be completed without needing rest between the sets and not feeling muscle fatigue. Make sure to start with the lightest weights possible to prevent injury, usually 1 lb. Sporting goods stores, online stores, and department stores usually offer these.
Most people with cirrhosis can and should engage in regular exercise. Your physician or nurse practitioner may want to review your health and do some tests before you begin exercising, or when you wish to progress to a new level.
When exercising, there are some basic principles to be aware of to ensure your safety:
Below is a list of advice that patients have found most helpful for exercising. The list has been approved by physicians, physiotherapists, and certified exercise specialists with experience in cirrhosis patient care.
The information on this page was compiled by the Cirrhosis Care Alberta project team (physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and patient advisors).
This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.
