NASH Patients: Add These Foods to Your Diet

Nov 3, 2016 | Mayo Clinic Transplant Dietitian | @mayoclinictransplantdietitian | Comments (48)

The second most common reason for liver transplant is a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH takes place when fat accumulates in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. At its most severe, NASH can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.

2016-11-04-almond crusted chicken

If you have NASH, losing weight and becoming more active are currently the primary treatments for a fatty liver. If your condition has progressed to liver failure and you need a transplant, your physician may recommend weight loss prior to receiving a transplant so you’re healthy enough for surgery.

What you can do

With weight loss, making healthy, long-term changes is key to success. We recommend a modified Mediterranean diet because studies have shown it can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver for people with NASH. Even modest reductions in weight (5-10% of total body weight) can help decrease the amount of fat deposited in the liver. Set reasonable goals for yourself as you begin your weight loss journey; a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week is ideal.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on delicious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy protein each day. Set yourself up for success by adding these foods to your diet each day:

Vegetables: Eat at least three servings of vegetables daily. Try eating vegetables that are in season for extra flavor and nourishment. Sneak vegetables into foods you love, like with this recipe for garlic cauliflower potato mash.
Fruit: Eat at least two servings of fruit each day. Serve it on a skewer with a low fat yogurt-based dip for a delicious snack.
Protein: Choose a good source of protein, like fish, shellfish, legumes or beans, white meat, lean red meat or eggs, with every meal. Try this almond crusted chicken for a filling and flavorful entrée.
Grains: Choose whole grains such as 100% whole-grain or whole wheat bread, 100% whole grain cereals, brown or wild rice. Experiment with grains such as quinoa, barley, bulgar, farro and whole-grain pastas. Give these protein-packed quinoa cakes as an appetizer or side dish.
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives: Choose up to 3 servings of dairy or dairy alternatives daily. Choose low fat or fat free milk, yogurt and cheese. Pass on sugar-sweetened dairy products such as yogurt or flavored milks or sweetened milk alternatives. This strawberry banana milkshake uses soy milk and fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Healthy fats: Eat healthy fats daily, like walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds. Be sure to count your calories for added fats and nuts into your daily allotment. Use “extra-virgin” or virgin olive oil in place of other fats such as vegetable oil or butter in low temperature cooking. Here’s a savory and superfood-packed recipe using walnuts to add healthy fat and a tasty crunch.

If you have NASH, how have you changed your diet? What are your go-to healthy recipes?

HELPFUL LINKS

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Explore Mayo’s Transplant Center.
Request an appointment.

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Sep 13, 2023

In reply to @halcomstock1942 "I'm 81 with non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Do they do transplants on people my..." + (show)

Welcome to Connect, @halcomstock1942. That’s a good question. Is there a cutoff date for liver transplants?

From my understanding after doing a little research, as long as the patient is healthy, not experiencing other co-morbidities (illnesses or conditions) which can interfere with success, older patients can do quite will with a liver transplant. There needs to be particular attention focused on pairing the patient with an older donor liver. But there have been positive outcomes.

Here’s a lengthy but detailed article from the National Institute of Health, PubMed regarding liver transplantation in older patients.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7239827/

~~
I also found a few discussions in Connect where other members broached the same subject.

Does age matter for liver transplant evaluation?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/age-for-liver-transplant/
With members @bibiliverbug @rosemarya @jerrynord and others discussing age with transplantation.

There are several conversation in our Transplant support groups with members who have had a liver transplant, such as @rosemarya @arqui02000 @kandidubrall @sg3 and many more which might be helpful for you.

Here’s a link to Liver transplant - Let's support each other https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-support-group/

Another member, @parrot53 had a similar question as yours regarding age limit for a liver transplant.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/637135/

Have you spoken with your doctor about the possibility of receiving a transplant?

parrot53 | @parrot53 | Sep 13, 2023

In reply to @loribmt "Welcome to Connect, @halcomstock1942. That’s a good question. Is there a cutoff date for liver transplants?..." + (show)

Thank you, Lori for keeping me in the loop. I am currently inactive on the transplant list with exception points in October this year. I am still doing fairly well and not currently considering going active. My biggest fear is that my condition will deteriorate and I will then be ineligible for LT. in the meantime I am taking each day to enjoy my family, friends, and current health. It is sometimes stressful but I am here and intend to enjoy each day as a gift.
Thanks again for all the members here who take the time to share their thoughts and experiences.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Sep 13, 2023

In reply to @parrot53 "Thank you, Lori for keeping me in the loop. I am currently inactive on the transplant..." + (show)

We surely never know what direction life will take us, do we?! You’re in a tricky period of waiting for a transplant but not really wanting anything to change that would bring it about sooner!
I think the important thing to know is that you have a game plan in the wings should anything change for you. That gives you the comfort to keep pushing forward and living life to the fullest. I’m like you, every day is a gift! I think when we realize that, we don’t take anything for granted and live in the moment. Dwelling on ‘what ifs’ just creates undue worry and robs us of precious time. ☺️
Wishing you continued good health!
I have to ask…do you have a parrot? We had a cantankerous African Grey for 35+ years…and the scars to prove it! LOL. But he was a prolific talker and quite entertaining.

parrot53 | @parrot53 | Sep 13, 2023

In reply to @loribmt "We surely never know what direction life will take us, do we?! You’re in a tricky..." + (show)

Yes! I am very glad to have a plan and wonderful care at Mayo.
Lol! No parrot. My brothers raised them for a while and we got to see how noisy and messy and old they can get to be. Lucky we got to see it from a distance. 😊
Thanks again. It’s a comfort to know you are here.

Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Sep 14, 2023

In reply to @halcomstock1942 "I'm 81 with non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Do they do transplants on people my..." + (show)

@halcomstock1942 I don’t have experience with liver transplant but I had a pancreas transplant. I am also inactively listed for kidney transplant. What I have found out regarding age restrictions and transplant is that there are few absolutes. Each transplant center has its own policies and procedures. Mayo in particular takes each patient’s situation into consideration and has a comprehensive departmental collaboration to determine how best to advise. Do you have a local Dr. supporting your pursuit of transplant? Perhaps s/he can pave the way towards getting a pre-transplant evaluation.

halcomstock1942 | @halcomstock1942 | Sep 15, 2023

In reply to @cehunt57 "@halcomstock1942 I don’t have experience with liver transplant but I had a pancreas transplant. I am..." + (show)

No I was just wondering if it is even possible. I will go through him first. thanks for the info.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @parrot53 "Thank you, Lori for keeping me in the loop. I am currently inactive on the transplant..." + (show)

@parrot53, I am well familiar with your fear of time running out. I think that your approach to this possible reality elevates you, your family, your friends to a higher level of appreciation/enjoyment for each day that most people never experience.
I wish there was a way to capture and then to release your attitude to everyone facing a chronic condition. Keep on looking for the gift that each day brings.

I'm glad that you are being treated at Mayo. 🤍

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Sep 19, 2023

In reply to @halcomstock1942 "No I was just wondering if it is even possible. I will go through him first...." + (show)

@halcomstock1942,
I don't know whether you are near one of the Mayo Clinic Campuses, but here is a link to the liver transplant department where you can call or email with your questions:
- Contact us with questions
Mayo Clinic transplant staff can answer your questions about the transplant process and post-transplant life.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/liver-transplant/home/orc-20211818
.
There are different degrees of cirrhosis. Has your doctor told you that you will need a transplant?