Protein and Liver Disease

You have been advised to consume ________g/day of protein.

Why is a higher protein diet required?

When your liver is not working properly your body needs more protein than usual. Extra protein in your diet helps to prevent muscle loss and can help to rebuild muscle, especially when combined with physical activity.

How can I meet my protein requirements with my diet?

We recommend that you spread your protein intake throughout the day to optimise its use within your body. Aim to have at least four good sources of protein per day, for example:

• Eggs with breakfast,
• Meat, fish or a protein alternative such as tofu with lunch and evening meal
• At least one high protein snack, such as Greek-style yogurt

The table below gives examples of high protein foods. These values provide a guide for an average product and portion size, individual products may vary. Please use product labels for specific information.

Other foods not shown in the table also contain smaller amounts of protein and can add to your overall daily protein intake, for example, a slice of wholemeal bread contains 3g and a portion of pasta contains 8g of protein.

Protein fortification of meals

The protein content of meals and snacks can be increased with the addition of the following:

Yoghurt or Skyr, milk or cheese:

• Yoghurt can be added to sauces for instance salad sauces or as a side sauce with main meals.
• You could try yoghurt dip mixed with herbs such as dill or mint and a small amount of olive oil.
• The addition of a yoghurt to thicken a curry sauce would also increase the protein content of the dish.
• Milk can be added in hot drinks or milkshakes and glasses of milk can be consumed as a beverage.
• Lower fat grated cheese can be added into main meals such as pasta Bolognese and can be mixed into soups.
• Addition of skimmed milk powder: Add 4.5 heaped tablespoons (57g) of dried skimmed milk powder to a pint of semi- skimmed milk (total 39.8g protein). This can then be used throughout the day in beverages including coffee or tea, added to breakfast cereals or porridge, or when making sauces or fruit smoothies.
• Skimmed milk powder can also be mixed into soups, mashed potato, sauces or yoghurt.

Nuts and seeds

• Unsalted nuts and seeds are a good source of protein and can be added to breakfast or eaten as a snack.
• Pumpkin, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, peanuts and cashews can be added whole or ground to salads and soups or can be mixed with breakfast cereal/ porridge and with yoghurt.
• Nut butters such as peanut butter can be used as a spread or can be added to porridge and smoothies.

Pulses and beans

• Pulses such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are a good source of protein and can be added to soups, sauces, casseroles or curries as a way of increasing the protein in the meal.
• Hummus or black bean salsa can be a high protein addition to accompany breads, breadsticks or crackers.

If you are unintentionally losing weight or feel your muscle is wasting away, please contact the liver dietitians on 01223 216655 for additional dietary advice for liver disease.