What to eat for hepatic encephalopathy: Scientific dietary guidelines and hot topic analysis
Recently, the discussion on hepatic encephalopathy on the entire network has increased, especially in dietary management, which has become the focus of attention of patients and families. This article combines popular medical topics in the past 10 days to sort out authoritative suggestions for dietary treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, and attaches structured data for reference.
1. Dietary principles for hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy is a metabolic disorder caused by severe impairment of liver function, and dietary control is an important auxiliary treatment method. Core principles include:
| Nutrients | Recommended quantity | Mechanism of action |
|---|---|---|
| protein | 0.5-1.2g/kg weight | Mainly plant protein, reducing ammonia production |
| Branched chain amino acids | 30% of the total protein | Improve amino acid metabolism imbalance |
| Dietary fiber | 25-30g/day | Promote ammonia excretion |
2. Recommended food list
| Food Categories | Specific food | Edible suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality protein | Tofu, soy milk, quinoa | Daily dispersed intake |
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | Broccoli, banana, apple | Rich in potassium and fiber |
| Probiotic food | Non-sweet yogurt, pickles | Regulate intestinal bacteria |
3. Recent hot research (updated in 2023)
1.Branched chain amino acid supplements: Latest clinical trials show that oral BCAA can significantly improve cognitive function in patients with mild hepatic encephalopathy (NEJM latest study).
2.Mediterranean diet pattern: The International Society of Liver Diseases recommends that healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts be included in the diet plan.
3.Zinc supplement: Research has found that zinc deficiency is related to increased blood ammonia levels. It is recommended to supplement zinc-rich foods such as oysters and pumpkin seeds in moderation.
4. List of taboo foods
| Taboo Category | Specific food | Risk description |
|---|---|---|
| High-ammonia food | Sausage, bacon, cheese | Aggravate ammonia toxins |
| Irritating food | Chili, alcohol, coffee | Injury liver cells |
| High-salt food | Pickled products, canned | Aggravates edema |
5. Suggestions for matching three meals a day
| Meal times | Recommended combination | Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| breakfast | Oatmeal porridge + boiled egg white + banana | 350 |
| Lunch | Brown rice + steamed fish + cold spinach | 450 |
| dinner | Vegetable tofu soup + whole wheat steamed buns | 300 |
6. Recent popular online questions and answers
1.Can I drink milk for hepatic encephalopathy?: Choose low-fat milk, no more than 200ml per day, it is best to take it with lactase.
2.How to choose protein powder?: It is recommended to choose plant protein powder to avoid products containing aromatic amino acids.
3.Things to note when dining outside: Avoid soups and braised dishes, and give priority to steaming and boiling cooking methods.
Summarize:The diet for hepatic encephalopathy needs personalized adjustments. It is recommended to formulate a plan based on liver function grading under the guidance of a clinical nutritionist. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of intestinal microecology regulation and can appropriately increase fermented food intake. Regular monitoring of blood ammonia levels and nutritional status is key.
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