Do you ever feel confused and uncertain about how to deal with Jaundice? Or are you unsure what your diet plan should be to heal jaundice quickly?
You are not alone if that’s the case. Jaundice patients frequently need clarification about what foods to include and avoid in their diet.
In order to clarify this confusion, we’ve created a blog that offers a comprehensive list of dietary recommendations for jaundice patients.
In this blog, you will explore:
- What to eat in Jaundice?
- What to avoid eating in Jaundice?
- What are the different types of Jaundice?
- What are the complications of Jaundice?
And other vital aspects associated with jaundice disease. So, if you have any concerns or questions about Jaundice, then this guide is your ultimate solution.
Let’s dive in.
What to Eat in Jaundice?
An essential dieting tip frequently advised by doctors for Jaundice patients is to pay attention to your body’s signals and consume small, frequent meals throughout the day. It helps prevent overwhelming your digestive system.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) 2020–2025 recommend that people’s main liquids should be water and those with healthy components and no added sugars, including milk.
The DGA does not advise consuming a certain amount of water everyday, although the National Health Service of the United Kingdom suggests 6-7 glasses.
Here is a list of nourishing foods and meal options suitable for individuals with jaundice:
1. Fruits:
Include easily digestible fruits such as bananas, apples, and pears in your diet. These fruits are gentle on the stomach and offer essential vitamins and minerals to aid in the healing process of your body.
2. Vegetables:
Include cooked vegetables in your diet, such as carrots, spinach, and bottled gourd. These vegetables are rich in nutrients and easy to digest, which aids in nourishing your body without putting extra strain on your liver.
3. Soups and Broths:
Soups and broths help keep your body hydrated, and recharge lost electrolytes caused by Jaundice. You can take vegetables and lean meat clear soup as your frequent meal throughout the day.
4. Whole Grains:
Consuming whole grains in your diet during Jaundice provides sustained energy and fiber without overwhelming your digestive system. You can include rice, oats, and quinoa into your diet. These whole grains can easily be digested and keep your body nourished.
5. Lean Protein:
Include lean protein sources like boiled chicken, fish, and tofu in your diet. These proteins are easier for your body to process compared to fatty or fried meats.
6. Herbal Teas:
Sip on herbal teas like chamomile or ginger tea to soothe your stomach and promote digestion. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol as they can exacerbate Jaundice symptoms.
Read more about What to Eat in Jaundice.
Which Foods are Best for Jaundice?
Jaundice is a disease that can be cured quickly with proper structured food intake. A structured and right diet is more effective than meditation. So, below are the foods that are easily best for jaundice.
1. Take pulses like Turmeric chickpeas:
Consuming turmeric chickpeas is one of the most influential conventions to reduce the effect of jaundice on your body. It offers potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in liver health and overall recovery.
2. Leafy Greens:
Include leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens in your diet, as they are rich in chlorophyll, which can help detoxify the liver.
3. Lemon or Lime Juice:
It is recommended to opt for lime or lemon juice over plain water. Lemon juice can assist in stimulating bile production and supporting digestion.
4. Flattened rice and Puffed rice:
Flattened rice and puffed rice are suitable options to include in the diet during jaundice. Adding turmeric and cooked vegetables can enhance their nutritional value and aid in recovery.
5. Coconut Water:
Drink coconut water to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes without overloading the liver.
6. Sugarcane Juice:
Another effective liquid option to reduce the effects of jaundice is sugarcane juice. Sugarcane juice has rejuvenating properties and is rich in essential nutrients that support liver function and overall health.
7. Probiotic Foods:
Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables to support gut health and enhance digestion.
Read more about Which Foods are Best for Jaundice.
What To Avoid Eating in Jaundice?
Patients with jaundice often harbor a singular concern – “What to avoid eating in jaundice?” the answer is as follows:
Fatty Foods
Avoid eating foods with high fats, which includes fried foods, fatty meats, and decadent desserts, as they can strain the liver and worsen jaundice symptoms.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods may irritate the digestive system and intensify discomfort, so it’s best to steer clear of them during jaundice.
Alcohol
Alcohol puts additional stress on the liver and can worsen jaundice symptoms. It’s crucial to abstain from alcohol until your liver function returns to normal.
Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks can dehydrate the body and may interfere with liver function. Instead, opt for herbal teas or lime water.
Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary treats, are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives. Such unhealthy indegredients can hinder the body’s healing process.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes may inflame digestive issues and should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.
Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables can be challenging to digest, especially for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that you consume cooked or steamed vegetables instead.
What Is The Recommended Diet for Jaundice?
If you are confused about what is the recommended diet for jaundice then the following diet plan can provide you with a solution.
| Meal | Food Options |
| Breakfast | Oatmeal with sliced bananas or apples |
| Coffee, herbal tea, or diluted fruit juice | |
| Mid-Morning Snack | A small serving of yogurt, almonds, chickpeas, or pasta |
| A piece of fruit like a pear, kiwi, or peach | |
| Lunch | Steamed vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or spinach |
| Cooked flattened rice or whole grains | |
| Lime Water or herbal tea | |
| Evening Snack | A small bowl of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) |
| Tomatoes, papaya, or melons | |
| Dinner | Baked salmon or tofu |
| Fish, chicken soup, or flattened rice | |
| Mashed sweet potatoes | |
| Steamed asparagus or green beans | |
| Herbal tea or water |
Can I Drink Milk in Jaundice?
One of the common questions that arises in jaundice patients is: Can I drink milk in jaundice, while it is not advisable to drink milk or milk products in jaundice? Drinking raw milk or product is difficult for the liver to process.
Foods high in fat, such as whole milk and other dairy products, require more effort from the liver to digest and may exacerbate symptoms or prolong recovery.
Hence, it is advisable to avoid drinking milk, but you can choose low-fat or skim milk options or look for the alternative of whole milk with low fat if you are craving dairy.
These options are more accessible for the liver to process and less likely to exacerbate jaundice symptoms.
Can I Eat Curd in Jaundice?
The answer to your question about whether I can eat curd in jaundice is no!
Consuming milk products in jaundice should be avoided altogether. Milk products are complex for the liver to process, which may not only exacerbate symptoms but also hinder the recovery process.
Further, to satisfy your craving for curd, you can consume alternatives such as plant-based yogurt made from almond milk or coconut milk.
Is Apple Good in Jaundice
Apple is a widely recommended fruit that is beneficial for consumption in various health conditions. So, the answer to your question about an apple that is good for jaundice is yes!
Apples are easy to digest, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and can provide essential nutrients to support overall health and recovery. Additionally, apples contain soluble fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote bowel regularity.
What are Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It can happen for various reasons, such as liver problems or blockages in the bile ducts.
If you notice these signs in your body and are wondering what signs and symptoms of jaundice are, then explore further.
Here are the signs and symptoms of jaundice:
- Pale yellow urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Jaundice can also cause changes in mental status or behavior in severe cases
However, these symptoms can vary in severity depending on the underlying cause of jaundice. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
What are Side Effects of Jaundice in Newborn?
Jaundice in newborns, also known as neonatal jaundice, is a common condition caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Hence, we have listed the significant side effects of Jaundice in Newborns below:
Kernicterus
This is a rare but serious complication of severe jaundice where high levels of bilirubin in the blood can lead to brain damage.
Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy
This refers to the acute effects of bilirubin toxicity on the brain, which can include lethargy, poor feeding, high-pitched crying, decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), and abnormal reflexes.
Dehydration
Jaundiced newborns may have difficulty feeding, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can exacerbate jaundice and increase bilirubin levels in the blood.
Poor Weight Gain
Jaundice can affect a newborn’s ability to feed effectively, resulting in inadequate weight gain or weight loss.
Increased Risk of Infection
Newborns with severe jaundice may have weakened immune systems, increasing their susceptibility to infections.
These are the common side effects of jaundice in newborns. However, parents need to monitor their newborns for signs of jaundice and seek prompt medical attention if jaundice appears severe.
What Causes of Yellow Eyes?
When you have jaundice, your skin and your eyes can turn yellow. It occurs due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when your body breaks down aged red blood cells. Under normal conditions, the liver metabolizes and eliminates bilirubin from the bloodstream.
However, impaired liver function can result in bilirubin accumulation, which leads to characteristic yellowing of your eyes. So, when you see yellow in your eyes, it’s often a sign that something might not be quite right with your liver.
So, if you ever wonder what causes yellow eyes, then it’s typically due to elevated bilirubin levels in the bloodstream, which often indicate liver dysfunction.
What Cause Yellow Skin?
Similar to yellow eyes, bilirubin causes yellow skin. When surplus bilirubin in the bloodstream dissolves in the layer of tissue located just beneath the skin, it results in a yellowish hue of the skin.
It can occur due to various reasons, including liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells.
Hence, if you wonder what causes yellow skin, then it’s due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood.
What Foods Help Lower Bilirubin Levels?
It is recommended to inhale food that supports liver health and function, enhances detoxification processes, and promotes bile flow. Consuming food that supports liver health contributes to a reduction of bilirubin levels in the body.
So, according to the Liver Foundation, the best food to eat that keeps the liver healthy are:
- Regular variety of wholegrains that include quinoa brown rice, oats, and barley.
- Fruits that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and apples.
- Leafy green vegetables like broccoli, Spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids, which should be lime water, sugarcane juice, and other hydrating beverages.
Taking in these foods and beverages keeps your liver healthy and helps to reduce the bilirubin level. These foods are high in fiber, Vitamin C, and proteins, which protect function and support its detoxification processes. As we conclude on what food helps lower bilirubin levels, let’s discuss a few recipes for jaundice patients.
Food Recipes for Jaundice Patients
Here are some food recipes for jaundice patients:
Vegetable Soup:
Ingredients: Carrots, spinach, celery, onions, garlic, vegetable broth.
Instructions:
- Chop the vegetables into small pieces.
- Cook them in a pot with a bit of olive oil until they get soft.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
- Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend everything until it gets smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients: Mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), banana, Greek yogurt, honey (optional), almond milk.
Instructions:
Blend mixed berries, banana, Greek yogurt, honey (if using), and almond milk until smooth.
Quinoa Salad:
Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil.
Instructions:
- Mix the cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, and chopped parsley together in a bowl.
- Shower lemon juice and olive oil over the salad, then mix everything.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fruit Juices for Jaundice Patients
Fruit juices are a refreshing and nutritious option for jaundice patients; they provide essential vitamins and antioxidants to support liver health and overall well-being.
Here is the list of fruit juices for jaundice patients:
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which aid in liver detoxification and bile production.
Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect the liver and promote healing.
Apple Juice
Apple juice is gentle on the digestive system and contains pectin, a soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol levels and support liver function.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that may assist in digestion and reduce inflammation in the liver.
Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is a good source of beta-carotene and antioxidants, which support liver health and improve bile secretion.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice contains betaine and antioxidants that help protect liver cells and reduce oxidative stress.
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice is hydrating and contains lycopene and antioxidants, which have protective effects on the liver.
Grape Juice
Grape juice contains resveratrol and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support liver function.
What Soup is Good for Jaundice?
Soup is a soothing and nourishing option for jaundice patients. Here are some soups that are generally considered suitable for individuals with jaundice:
Mung Bean Soup:
Mung beans are easy to digest and are commonly used in traditional medicine for their detoxifying properties. A simple mung bean soup with vegetables can be beneficial for jaundice patients.
Barley Soup:
Barley is a good source of fiber and nutrients that can support digestion and liver function. A barley soup with vegetables and lean protein can be a nutritious option for jaundice patients.
Clear Vegetable Broth:
A straightforward vegetable broth made with a variety of vegetables and herbs can be gentle on the stomach while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Rice Congee:
Rice congee, also known as rice porridge, is a bland and easily digestible dish that can provide hydration and energy. It can be flavored with ginger and served with vegetables or lean protein.
Keep in mind that these are just a few types of soups beneficial for jaundice patients. There are many other varieties available, so you should consult your doctor to explore additional options suited to your specific needs and preferences.
After learning what soup is good for jaundice, let’s discuss the types of jaundice in the next section.
What are the Different Types of Jaundice?
Jaundice can be categorized into three main types based on the underlying cause:
Hepatocellular Jaundice
This type of jaundice occurs when there is a problem with the liver cells (hepatocytes). It can be caused by liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Obstructive Jaundice
Also known as cholestatic jaundice, this type occurs when there is a blockage in the bile ducts, which prevents bile from draining correctly. Common causes include gallstones, pancreatic cancer, or strictures (narrowing) of the bile ducts.
Hemolytic Jaundice
Hemolytic jaundice occurs due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis), which raises bilirubin levels in the blood. Conditions like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, or autoimmune disorders can trigger hemolytic jaundice.
Different types of jaundice can sometimes have similar symptoms, and a person may show signs of more than one type depending on what’s causing it. It’s essential to figure out the exact kind of jaundice by concerning a healthcare professional or doctor.
So, analyzing what are the different types of jaundice, let us discuss its complications in the next section.
What are the Complications of Jaundice?
Jaundice itself is a symptom, not a disease. If left untreated or if the underlying cause is severe, it can lead to various complications. Here, we have mentioned a few complications of jaundice.
Liver Damage
Prolonged or severe jaundice can damage the liver, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis or liver failure.
Bile Duct Obstruction
If jaundice is caused by a blockage in the bile ducts, it can lead to bile accumulation in the liver and bloodstream, potentially causing infection or inflammation.
Gallstones
Jaundice caused by gallstones can lead to complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Impaired Brain Function
In severe cases, high levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) can affect brain function. This leads to a condition called kernicterus that can cause neurological problems or brain damage, particularly in newborns.
Dehydration
Jaundice can sometimes be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, which can lead to dehydration if fluid intake is not adequate.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Poor appetite and impaired digestion associated with jaundice can lead to nutritional deficiencies if adequate nutrients are not consumed.
Increased Risk of Infection
Liver dysfunction associated with jaundice can weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of infections.
Knowing what the complications of jaundice are, let us analyze how jaundice is diagnosed in the next section.
How is Jaundice Diagnosed?
It would help if you visited your doctor, who will examine your eyes, nails, and abdomen and ask about your symptoms. They may also ask about your daily routine, lifestyle, and medical history.
After an analysis of your body, the doctor may order blood and urine tests. These tests provide a clear picture to the doctor about the level of bilirubin and assess the health of your liver.
Possibly, doctors order imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts for any abnormalities. The specific diagnostic approach may vary depending on the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and clinical presentation.
How to diagnose jaundice concludes here. Let us check its treatments.
How is Jaundice Treated?
Jaundice generally does not require treatment in adults. Proper and frequent appropriate diet can help support liver function and aid in the recovery process.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help reduce bilirubin levels or alleviate symptoms associated with jaundice. For example, medications may be given to increase bile flow or treat liver inflammation.
However, ensuring sufficient hydration and nutrition is crucial to maximize the effectiveness of medications.
Nevertheless, in newborns with jaundice, phototherapy may be used to help break down excess bilirubin in the blood. During phototherapy, the baby is placed under unique lights that help convert bilirubin into a form that can be excreted more easily.
Remember, the specific treatment approach will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s condition. Hence, individuals with jaundice need to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Read more about How is Jaundice Treated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has provided you with the information you need to understand and manage jaundice effectively. Maintaining good health through proper nutrition and hydration is essential. If you have any concerns or experience severe symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor promptly for appropriate treatment.