Jaundice Diet Chart for Patients - Best Foods to Eat

Jaundice, or icterus, is a medical condition characterised by the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes. The condition occurs when there is an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that develops when red blood cells break down. 

In a healthy body, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it in the bile. However, bilirubin can accumulate when there is an issue with the liver’s function or an excessive breakdown of red blood cells. This leads to jaundice.

The most common symptoms of jaundice may include:

1. Yellowing of the skin, mucous membrane, and white of the eyes

2. Dark urine

3. Pale stools

4. Itchiness

Diet plays an important role in jaundice management as it helps support or interfere with liver function. The following is how food affects liver function, making the right food choices vital for jaundice:

1. Bile Production: The liver produces bile during the digestion of food. Bile helps in breaking down fats in the intestine. The liver also metabolizes most digested nutrients, toxins, and medications.

2. Liver-Friendly Foods: Different nutrients and chemicals are processed differently by the liver. This makes some foods more liver-friendly than others. The right food for jaundice can help digestion, protect the liver from further harm, and support in detoxification of liver. 

3. Digestion Impact: Foods that are difficult to digest can increase the workload on the liver. It particularly includes foods high in refined sugars, salt, and saturated fats. 

4. Toxins and Medications: Toxins like alcohol and certain medications can damage liver cells during metabolism.

When dealing with jaundice, you should focus on a diet that is liver-friendly, aids in recovery, and promotes overall well-being. Here is a list of foods and beverages that are generally considered beneficial for individuals with jaundice:

1. Water

Hydration is a top priority in aiding the liver’s recovery from jaundice. Water plays a vital role in facilitating digestion. It also supports the liver and kidneys in expelling toxins from the body.

A daily intake of around 2 litres of water is recommended for most individuals. Also, you can add a teaspoon of fresh lemon or grapefruit juice for additional antioxidants.

2. Coffee and Herbal Tea

Both coffee and herbal teas boast substantial amounts of antioxidants and caffeine, which can act as a digestive stimulant. According to a report by the British Liver Trust in 2016, coffee in moderate amounts can lower the risk of liver-related ailments like cancer and fibrosis (the formation of scar tissue). It also helps slow down their advancement. 

A study by PubMed published in 2021 revealed that consuming green tea can reduce the chances of having abnormal liver biomarkers.8 

3. Vegetables and Fruits

Fresh vegetables and fruits have abundant antioxidants and dietary fibre. They reduce liver damage during metabolic processes and facilitate smooth digestion. The recommended daily intake of these foods varies based on several factors, like age, gender, weight, and physical activity.

However, according to the Dietary Guidelines updated in 2011, adult males typically require between 2 ½ and 4 cups of vegetables daily, along with 2 to 2 ½ cups of fruit. Adult females are advised to consume 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit daily with a vegetable intake ranging from 2 to 3 cups.

Vegetables and fruits for jaundice include:

To maximise health benefits, opting for whole fruits and vegetables is advisable. Avoid high-calorie, low-fibre options like fruit juices and blends.

4. Whole Grains

Whole grain foods are rich in liver-friendly nutrients such as healthy fats, fibre, antioxidants, and essential minerals. A study published by ResearchGate in 2013 revealed that individuals who incorporated beta-glucan-rich oats into their jaundice diet experienced improved liver function. 

Examples of whole grains that benefit liver health include:

1. Brown rice

2. Oats

3. Whole wheat bread and pasta

4. Bulgur

5. Nuts and Legumes

Plant-based proteins like nuts and legumes are liver-friendly foods. They have a high content of antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenolic acid. Additionally, they contribute to a suitable diet for jaundice patients due to their fibre and healthy fats. 

A study published by NCBI in 2015 shows that regularly consuming nuts can positively impact liver function. Examples of nuts and legumes include:

1. Walnut

2. Chickpeas

3. Lentils 

4. Horse gram

5. Kidney beans

6. Lean Proteins

When selecting proteins, it is best to steer clear of fattier cuts. You can opt for various protein sources, including plant- and animal-based options. If you prefer animal proteins, go for leaner selections like:

1. Skinless chicken breast

2. Beef flank steak 

3. Fish

These sources of lean proteins put less stress on the liver than red meat. Furthermore, fatty fish species like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 and zinc. They help metabolise fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, and alcohols. 

7. Dietary Supplements

Multivitamins can be beneficial in ensuring you meet your daily vitamin and mineral requirements, promoting optimal liver health. However, you must consult a doctor before trying any supplements for liver health. This is important because supplements can interact with other medications you may be taking. Moreover, certain supplements might not be safe for individuals with liver disease.

A jaundice diet chart should focus on gentle foods that are good for the liver and promote recovery. A sample Indian diet for jaundice patients is as follows: 

You can customise your jaundice diet according to your nutritional needs and dietary preferences. Consult a doctor or registered dietician for a personalised diet plan.

When dealing with jaundice, you must avoid certain foods and beverages that put additional strain on the liver and worsen the condition. Here are some foods and substances to avoid:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol can negatively impact several internal body tissues, including the liver. For jaundice patients, alcohol can further damage the liver and interfere with its ability to process bilirubin. It can result in chronic inflammation and the development of fibrosis. Patients with jaundice should try to completely abstain from alcohol.

2. High-Fat Foods

Fatty foods, particularly those high in saturated and trans fats, can be difficult for the liver to process and should be limited. Examples of high-fat foods include:

1. Fried foods

2. Fast food

3. Oily food

Some dairy products are also high in saturated fats. These products include:

1. Cheese

2. Whole milk

3. Full-fat yogurt

According to the American Heart Association, you should limit your saturated fat consumption to 5-6% of total calories.

3. Excess Sugar

High sugar intake can cause several health conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. These conditions can impair liver function. You should limit the intake of food items that include high amounts of refined sugar. These include:

1. Soda

2. Baked goods

3. Sugary beverages, candies, and desserts

Instead, consider choosing fresh fruit and protein the next time you crave something sweet. Combining a handful of blueberries with Greek yogurt can be one option.

4. Sodium

Excess dietary sodium can lead to fluid retention. This hinders the liver’s efficiency. You should rinse and drain canned foods before eating. It helps remove excess salt and additives from canned vegetables, fruits, beans, and other food products. 

Reducing salt from your jaundice diet can also be done using herbs to add flavour instead of salt. These herbs may include onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. For those dealing with jaundice, a doctor or dietitian may advise opting for low-sodium foods.

Please Note: Food products containing 1.5 grams (g) of salt per 100 g or more are considered high in salt. 

5. Beef and Pork

Fatty meats like beef and pork are abundant in animal amino acids and fats. They may make digestion difficult and exert additional pressure on a damaged liver. Leaner protein options are usually more liver-friendly choices for protein intake. These include:

1. Poultry 

2. Fish

3. Legumes 

4. Tofu

The specific dietary recommendations may vary based on the underlying cause and severity of jaundice. You can keep a food diary to stick to your eating plan and see how you feel after each meal. Some general rules or tips for a healthy jaundice diet are as follows:

1. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is crucial. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush toxins from the body. 

2. Watch Portion Sizes: Consume four to six smaller meals throughout the day instead of having three larger ones. This will avoid overburdening the liver and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

3. Frequent Snacking: Consider snacking every few hours, including a bedtime snack. 

4. Add Variety in Flavours: Try experimenting with different flavorings to keep your meals exciting while avoiding excessive salt. This can enhance the taste of your dishes without straining your liver.

5. Avoid Alcohol: Completely abstain from alcohol, which can further damage the liver. Instead, choose nonalcoholic beverages. 

6. Practice Food Safety: Ensure that all foods are properly cooked and handled to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Foods that carry a higher risk of these illnesses include:

1. Unpasteurised dairy products, vegetable juice, and fruit juice

2. Unwashed fruits and vegetables

3. Raw or undercooked protein like poultry, meat, eggs, fish, seafood, tofu, etc.

4. Raw vegetable sprouts

Both children and adults who maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet have a low risk of developing jaundice. Therefore, they may not require any dietary alterations. However, you should eat liver-friendly foods if you are in the high-risk category for jaundice. People who can benefit from these foods include:

1. Children: The liver in children is in the developing phase and thus they are easy to get jaundice. Liver-friendly food supports healthy growth and development by providing essential nutrients. It also reduces the risk of liver-related issues.

2. Individuals with Compromised Immune Systems: These foods bolster the immune system by reducing the workload on the liver. As a result, this helps individuals with a weakened immune system better fight infections and illnesses. 

3. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: By reducing stress on the liver, these foods provide essential nutrients to support the mother’s health. Also, they ensure the development of a healthy baby. 

4. Those with Liver Conditions: These foods contain antioxidants that support liver health. They ease oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and prevent cell damage. This benefits people with hepatitis, bile duct obstructions, or fatty liver disease.

5. People Taking Specific Prescription Medications: Foods that are good for the liver can minimize the risk of adverse interactions while taking medications. This is especially true with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, pain medication, steroids, hormone-regulating drugs, etc. 

6. Individuals with Hereditary Conditions: A liver-friendly diet can be the right choice if you have conditions like Dublin-Johnson and Gilbert syndrome. These foods ease the liver’s workload, prevent symptoms from worsening, and promote overall health. 

A well-structured jaundice diet is vital in promoting liver health and facilitating recovery. Individuals with jaundice can support their liver’s function by emphasizing whole, nutrient-rich foods and avoiding harmful substances. Always consult a medical specialist for personalized dietary guidance in managing jaundice.

The team of experts at HexaHealth can help you manage the symptoms of jaundice. We will connect you with the best doctors for effective treatment. From finding the right doctor to recovery, HexaHealth will help you throughout your medical journey. Schedule an appointment today! 

Suggested Reads

1. Newborn Baby Jaundice Level Chart
2. Types of Jaundice
3. SGPT and SGOT Levels in Jaundice