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What are the best meals for seniors?

Aging Well | Last Active: Oct 27, 2021 | Replies (42)

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@gema98

My EGD seemed ok to the hepatologist, from all tests he said I am at an 8 on a chart with the PBC. I am curious about my food and think I need a dietician to understand what to eat. What advice have you been given? Hope you are doing well!

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Replies to "My EGD seemed ok to the hepatologist, from all tests he said I am at an..."

I’m glad your labs aren’t too bad. I don’t know about the PBC chart, did your doctor review the chart levels with you? Are you taking ursodial?

Unfortunately by the time I was diagnosed with PBC, I was in stage 3 liver cirrhosis. But, I assume adopting similar practices can benefit you as well. The main thing is to eat an overall healthy diet, high in fiber, and good low fat protein. Avoiding high salt/sodium foods, high fat foods, and processed foods is optimal. Maintaining enough calories for proper weight levels for your body, but to not gain too much weight. I was low in magnesium due to liver disease, so I’d recommend you stay on top of your labs and discuss these with your liver specialist. I’m sure you can get referred to a dietician who knows about appropriate diets for liver disease.

Also, avoid any raw fish and under cooked foods (eggs, meat) due to high bacterial risk. Adopting stringent food safety practices is essential. Paying attention to calcium and precautions against osteoporosis is one thing about which I wish I had been more aware. I have a high level of osteoporosis now due to liver disease. Definitely avoid all alcohol. You might also recommend avoiding ibuprofen and other medications known to be hard on the liver. I used liver support supplements, including milk thistle, elderberry, vitamin C. You might ask your doctor about these. Mine thought they were fine. You mainly want to keep your body as healthy, fit, and strong as possible. Walking and exercise are important as well.

Have you started itching? A good natural lotion is good. Benadryl or other ointment can help if it’s really bad. You might also ask your liver specialist about compression socks. My ankles and feet swelled heavily. I liked Bombas compression socks…very comfortable. Stylish is good when you have to wear them in warmer months!

Here’s a couple helpful links:
https://pbcers.org/eathealty/
https://liverfoundation.org/primary-biliary-cholangitis-diet-eat-avoid/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/primary-biliary-cholangitis/eating-diet-nutrition
Let me know how you’re doing. Stay safe! Athena