Jaundice Diet: What To Eat And What To Avoid?

We’ve all heard about jaundice, or ‘piliya’ as it’s commonly known in many households, since childhood. It’s that condition where the skin and eyes turn a noticeable shade of yellow. But have you ever wondered what it is, why it happens, and how your jaundice diet chart can make a difference in managing it?

Today we’re going to unravel the mysteries of jaundice, explore its causes, and, most importantly, discuss how adopting the right jaundice diet can help you or a loved one on the path to recovery.

So, let’s explore how making smart dietary choices can make a difference in your journey to overcoming jaundice!

What Is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a medical condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This is caused by a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow chemical that is produced when old red blood cells degrade.

Our liver normally filters bilirubin from our blood, but when it isn’t performing properly, bilirubin builds up, producing jaundice. Jaundice can be an indication of liver problems or other medical difficulties, and it can cause fatigue or yellow urine.

Causes Of Jaundice

The cause of jaundice could be any of the below-mentioned three phases in bilirubin production.

Phase 1. This is before the bilirubin is produced and you might have unconjugated jaundice due to increased levels of bilirubin further, caused by:

• Blood clot under the skin which is called reabsorption of a large hematoma
• The removal of blood cells from the bloodstream before their life span, known as Hemolytic anemias 

Phase 2. So, in this, jaundice occurs during the production of bilirubin, further, caused by:

• Hepatitis A, chronic Hepatitis B, and C are all viruses and also, infectious mononucleosis.
• Alcohol
• Disorder of autoimmune 
• Defects of rare genetic metabolic
• Medicines like acetaminophen toxicity, penicillins, oral contraceptives, or anabolic steroids

Phase 3. This is the third phase in which jaundice causes blockage of the bile ducts after bilirubin is produced.

• Gallstones.
• Swelling of the gallbladder.
• Gallbladder cancer
• Pancreatic tumor

Symptoms Of Jaundice

Here are some symptoms you need to know.

• Yellowing Of The Skin And Eyes: The most noticeable indication of jaundice is a yellowish color of the skin and eye whites.
  
• Fatigue: Jaundice frequently causes sensations of weariness and weakness.
  
• Dark Urine: Urine might look deeper in color, resembling dark tea or cola at times.
  
• Pale Stool: Stools might become pale or clay-colored due to decreased bilirubin excretion.
  
• Itchy Skin: Jaundice can cause itching, which can be very unpleasant.
  
• Abdomen Pain: Some people with jaundice report abdomen pain, particularly on the right side, where the liver is situated.
  
• Appetite Loss: Jaundice might cause a diminished desire to eat. Symptoms Of Jaundiced.
  
• Nausea And Vomiting: Some patients feel nausea and vomiting during jaundice if the cause is underlying liver problems.
  
• Weight Loss: Inadvertent Weight Loss: Jaundice, combined with other symptoms, can often result in inadvertent weight loss.

Diagnosis Of Jaundice

Doctors diagnose jaundice by assessing signs of liver disease and then prescribe treatment for jaundice patients, including a tailored diet plan.

1. Physical Examination: Doctors assess skin and eye color for yellowing and inquire about symptoms and medical history.
   
2. Blood Tests: Measure bilirubin levels and liver function to determine the cause of jaundice.
   
3. Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI visualize internal structures to identify blockages or abnormalities.
   
4. Liver Biopsy: A small liver tissue sample is analyzed for signs of inflammation, fibrosis, or other liver diseases.
   
5. Additional Tests: Specific tests may be conducted to identify the underlying cause, such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, or genetic conditions.
   
6. Medical History: Detailed information on recent illnesses, medications, and exposure helps in diagnosis.
   
7. Physical Examination: Doctors examine the patient’s skin, eyes, and abdomen for signs of jaundice and liver issues.
   
8. Review of Symptoms: Inquiries about symptoms like fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and pale stools aid in diagnosis.

What Diet Should Be Taken In Jaundice?

What to eat in jaundice? So, Here is the Indian jaundice diet chart for the patient (You can alter your jaundice diet as per your healthcare expert’s advice).

Breakfast:

• Fresh Fruit Juice: Start the day with a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice, preferably from fruits like oranges, apples, or pears. These fruits are gentle on the liver and provide essential vitamins.
  
• Cereal or Porridge: Opt for plain oatmeal, rice porridge, or whole grain cereal with a drizzle of honey. Avoid high-sugar cereals.

Mid-Morning Snack:

• Bananas: Snack on ripe bananas, which are easy to digest and rich in potassium.

Lunch:

• Steamed Vegetables: Steam vegetables like carrots, green beans, and zucchini. These are easy on the stomach and provide nutrients.
  
• Lean Protein: Include lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish. Avoid fried or fatty meats.
  
• Rice or Whole Grains: Choose white rice or well-cooked whole grains like quinoa or couscous. Avoid spicy or heavily seasoned dishes.

Afternoon Snack:

• Yogurt: Enjoy a small serving of plain yogurt, which is good for digestion and contains probiotics.

Evening Snack:

• Papaya: Opt for a serving of ripe papaya, as it’s gentle on the stomach and aids digestion.

Dinner:

• Light Soup: Have a clear vegetable or chicken soup with minimal seasoning.
  
• Boiled Potatoes: Include boiled or mashed potatoes without heavy butter or cream.
  
• Salad: A simple cucumber or lettuce salad with lemon juice as dressing can be refreshing.

Before Bed:

• Herbal Tea: Sip on chamomile or ginger tea before bed to soothe the digestive system.

Important Tips To Follow During Jaundice Diet

While fighting jaundice, the best trick is to keep a balanced jaundice diet.

• Split your meals into smaller meals instead of eating 3 large meals in a day.
  
• Keep drinking water to stay hydrated.
  
• Avoid sugar in your coffee or tea.
  
• Substitute milk or whole cream with low-fat milk.
  
• Instead of alcohol, drink low-calorie mocktails.

Jaundice Diet For Children 

• Hydration: Ensure the child stays well-hydrated with water and clear fluids to flush out bilirubin.
  
• High-Quality Proteins: Include lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and tofu for growth and healing.
  
• Low-Fat Choices: Opt for low-fat foods to reduce stress on the liver, avoiding fried or greasy items.
  
• Frequent, Small Meals: Encourage several small meals to ease digestion and prevent overloading the liver.
  
• Colorful Fruits and Veggies: Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants and vitamins.
  
• Limit Sugars and Salts: Reduce sugar intake and keep salt in check to support liver function.

How Jaundice Diet For Children Is Different From Adults?

A child’s jaundice diet plan may differ from an adult’s due to several factors, including the child’s age, nutritional requirements, and overall health. Here are some key differences:

• Nutritional Needs: Children have higher energy and protein requirements for growth and development, so their diet must provide adequate calories and protein in child-friendly forms.
  
• Micronutrient Focus: Children’s diets should prioritize essential vitamins and minerals necessary for their growth, such as calcium and vitamin D for bone development.
  
• Texture And Consistency: Young children may require softer textures and age-appropriate foods to accommodate their developing chewing and swallowing abilities.
  
• Portion Sizes: Children’s portion sizes are smaller than those of adults due to their smaller stomach capacity, requiring more frequent, smaller meals.
  
• Food Preferences: Children often have different taste preferences, so a children’s jaundice diet may need to incorporate foods that appeal to kids to ensure they consume the necessary nutrients.

Foods You Should Include In Your Jaundice Diet

Apart from the given diet here is the jaundice diet food list for jaundice patients, it is important to know the foods that you should eat.

Lean Protein: Include lean protein sources in your diet, such as grilled chicken, fish, and tofu. These meals deliver vital amino acids without overburdening the liver, assisting in the repair and recovery process during jaundice.

Coffee And Tea: Moderate use of coffee and tea can be good since they contain antioxidants and may assist in enhancing liver function. However, excessive caffeine use can be dehydrating.

Whole Grains: Choose whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. These give a consistent source of energy and fiber without overburdening the digestive system, promoting general health throughout recuperation.

Fruits And Veggies: Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet since they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, and berries are very good for liver health, assisting in cleansing and lowering inflammation. 

What Should You Avoid In A Jaundice Diet?

In the diet for jaundice patients, a diet chart should not include the below foods.

Alcohol: Alcohol should be entirely avoided because it not only hinders the liver’s ability to process bilirubin efficiently but also contributes to liver inflammation and worsening jaundice symptoms. Staying alcohol-free is crucial for a speedy recovery.

High-Fat Foods: Steer clear of high-fat foods like fried dishes and fatty cuts of meat, as these can be challenging for the liver to process and may exacerbate inflammation, hindering the liver’s ability to function effectively during jaundice.

High Sodium And Sugar: Limit your intake of high-sodium foods such as processed snacks and sugary items like desserts and sugary drinks, as excessive sodium and sugar can burden the liver and lead to water retention and complications in jaundice.

Packaged Food: Reduce the consumption of packaged and processed foods as they often contain additives and trans fats that can contribute to liver inflammation and worsen jaundice symptoms. Opting for fresh, whole foods supports liver health during recovery.

Important Tips To Follow While Following A Jaundice Diet

While fighting jaundice, the best trick is to keep a balanced food journal and jaundice diet.

• Split your meals into smaller meals instead of eating 3 large meals in a day.
  
• Keep drinking water to stay hydrated.
  
• Avoid sugar in your coffee or tea.
  
• Substitute milk or whole cream with low-fat milk.
  
• Instead of alcohol, drink low-calorie mocktails.

Jaundice Diet: Important Do’s And Don’ts

Following are the do’s and don’ts that you must follow to cure your jaundice at a good pace.

Do’s	Don’ts
Limit the intake of alcohol	Do not eat spicy or packaged foods
Eat nutritious food	Avoid every kind of drugs
Take enough rest	Do not take illicit medicine
Get regular health check-ups	Stay home until you don’t get okay
Stay away from industrial pollution	Do not skip medicines

You Were Wrong About Health

Do you know what actually health is? Or are you living in your own myths and imagination? Well, to know all about it, watch this video by Dietitian Mac.

Fun Fact

When Kokilaben declared, “Nahi banegi sabji, pohe banege!” little did she know she was about to unleash the awesome power of pohe upon the culinary world! Do you know Pohe is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with nutrients like iron and fiber, which makes them the ultimate superhero of the breakfast universe?

A Weight Loss Journey Without Limits

Read the story of Dr. Nikita Joshi, a Doctor from Chandigarh who did an amazing transformation despite being stuck in a tight schedule and losing 5 kg but with an amazing transformation.

Nikita Weight Loss Transformation: 5 kgs Gone With Inch Loss | Fitelo

A Word From Fitelo

Regardless of age, jaundice can be safely and effectively treated at home. Yes, Fitelo has given you access to a jaundice diet that is both simple to follow and advised by the company’s top nutritionists. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t avoid consuming yellow foods while you have jaundice. Only unhealthy foods that might cause jaundice symptoms should be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Drink Fruit Juices During Jaundice?

Yes, you may consume some fruit juices when you have jaundice, but you must pick the proper ones. Choose freshly squeezed fruit juices, which are easy on the liver and rich in vitamins, such as those from oranges, apples, or pears. Juices with a lot of sugar and acidity should be avoided since they might make digestive problems worse. For tailored advice, always seek the advice of a medical expert or dietician.

Can I Eat Eggs During Jaundice?

It is advisable to use caution when eating eggs if you have jaundice. Despite being a wonderful source of minerals and protein, eggs should be cooked in a way that doesn’t put the liver under undue strain. For instance, eggs that are poached or boiled are simpler to stomach than eggs that are fried or severely seasoned.

Can Herbal Supplements Or Detox Teas Help With Jaundice?

When choosing herbal supplements or detox teas for jaundice, it’s important to use caution. Although certain herbs could be good for the liver, they might potentially combine with drugs or aggravate specific liver disorders. Before introducing herbal supplements or detox teas into your jaundice management strategy, always speak with a healthcare practitioner.

Contact Us Today

We’re never leaving you hanging with doubts, queries, as well as confusing questions. We understand how all this information gets overwhelming as well as a little confusing on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Hence, you can always contact us at any time as our experts are here to guide you 24/7. Also, we will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy as well, and Enjoy a long happy life.