Patient's question:
My husband has had liver disease for six or seven years. Recently, due to cirrhosis and ascites, he was hospitalized. Over the past two days, I’ve noticed significant changes in his mental state and personality. The doctor diagnosed him with hepatic encephalopathy. I’m wondering what foods are suitable for someone with hepatic encephalopathy and what can help with recovery?Doctor's answer:
Hepatic encephalopathy is a very serious disease because it leads to the decompensation of liver function due to liver cirrhosis. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy cannot eat high-protein, high-fat foods, such as meat and eggs, as this can easily lead to increased levels of ammonia, which in turn can exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy. Avoid foods or medications that are harmful to the liver. If hepatic encephalopathy occurs repeatedly, acidic solutions should be used for enemas to reduce ammonia levels in the body, preventing shock or toxic symptoms caused by hepatic encephalopathy.