Food To Avoid For Jaundice: What To Keep Off Your Menu

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases claims that jaundice is a major health concern in India. On average, India has around 2.76 cases per 1,000 people. Monsoon (June-September) is the peak time when medical conditions such as jaundice spread. Jaundice appears in the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Doctors recommend certain foods to avoid jaundice. They suggest food that helps in improving digestion and liver health. It is very important to know what to eat and avoid during jaundice. Let’s get ahead and understand the causes of jaundice and the food to prevent it. 

What is Jaundice?

When the skin and eyes turn yellow because of excess bilirubin in the blood, it creates jaundice. The blood has three components: RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets. Biliburin is produced when jaundice is broken down. It indicates different medical conditions, such as cancer, infection, and liver disease. 

Jaundice is not a harmful or serious medical condition. However, one should monitor the symptoms and signs timely. If you see symptoms, seek a medical consultation. A doctor is the best to diagnose and determine the medical situation. 

Do You Know?

Jaundice can affect newborns as well. Data shows that around 14% of births experience significant jaundice. Low-birth-weight babies are three times more likely to experience jaundice in comparison to babies over 2500 grams. 

8 Causes of Jaundice 

There are numerous reasons for jaundice. Normally, jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. An unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits also pave the way to jaundice. Here are eight causes of jaundice. 

1. Gallstone 
2. Cancer 
3. Viral hepatitis 
4. Alcohol abuse
5. Liver diseases 
6. Genetic disorder
7. Autoimmune diseases 
8. Infection 

All these cause three major types of jaundice. These are obstructive jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice, and hemolytic jaundice. 

Along with these, jaundice can also be caused because of certain drugs, medicines, or toxins. If you are on medication, consult your doctor to know about the functioning and side effects of jaundice. Moreover, industrial chemicals can cause jaundice. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/liver/jaundice-types-symptoms-causes-and-treatment/ 

10 Symptoms of Jaundice

At the initial stage, the signs and symptoms are not visible. However, the symptoms completely depend on the underlying cause of jaundice. Ten symptoms that you might experience during jaundice include: 

1. Fever & chills 
2. Abdominal pain 
3. Yellow skin color 
4. Flu-like symptoms
5. Dark-color urine 
6. Clay-colored stool
7. Acute hepatitis A, B, or C. 
8. Pyoderma gangrenosum (skin disease)
9. Chronic hepatitis 
10. Liver and joint inflammation 

10 Foods To Avoid For Jaundice 

Jaundice is not a chronic disease. However, timely treatment is required for better and more effective treatment. A dietician or nutritionist may recommend liver jaundice food to avoid. Avoiding these ten foods can help prevent jaundice from becoming a serious medical condition. These include: 

1. Alcohol 
2. Refined carbohydrates 
3. Packed or canned foods
4. Full-fat dairy products
5. Saturated and trans fats 
6. High-fat foods
7. Spicy foods 
8. Iron-rich foods 
9. Citrus foods 
10. Caffeinated beverages

Let’s understand why you should avoid these foods for jaundice. 

Alcohol 

A healthcare provider already claims alcohol is a harmful component. An individual with jaundice must avoid jaundice. It is extremely detrimental to the liver and can further affect or damage the liver. Jaundice mostly affects the liver, and alcohol might negatively affect the liver.

Refined carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are food rich in sugar. It can increase the bilirubin in the blood, which may elevate jaundice levels. When RBCs break down, it leads to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood. Along with jaundice, sugary foods help to increase cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Sugary food ranks first in the list of jaundiced foods to avoid. Avoid high-carbohydrate foods such as cake, chocolate, candy, ice cream, pie, and cookies. 

Packed, Smoked, and Canned foods 

Packed or canned food contains preservatives, which help food stay fresh for a long period. These preservatives usually contain salt (nitrates and sulfates). Salt can dehydrate the body and make digestion difficult. This indigestion puts pressure and stress on the liver. Doctors advise that a jaundiced patient should avoid salt. So, to prevent severe stressful situations, individuals should avoid packed, smoked, and canned food. Instead, choose fresh, hot, home-cooked meals for better recovery. 

Saturated and Trans Fats 

People consider saturated fats as healthy as high-fat foods and sugary foods. However, it is not. People with jaundice should avoid saturated and trans fats. These fats contain oily, fried, and fast foods, which are difficult to digest. These food items are rich in calories, increasing cholesterol and making one overweight. 

Full-Fat Dairy Products 

Dairy products may elevate liver damage (jaundice) and slow down the healing process. Avoid full-fat milk, curd, eggs, and paneer (tofu). However, they are rich in calcium. Consult with your doctor; they are the best people to guide you on the right food to eat during jaundice. 

High-fat Foods

Individuals with jaundice must avoid high-fat foods. These include fried food and processed meats, which are similar to sugary foods. High-fat foods can also lead to fatty liver diseases, further damaging the liver and making the jaundice condition worse. Instead of lean meat or fried food, try eating fruits, lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. These alternates are useful in the treatment of jaundice. 

Iron-rich food

Iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, liver, red meat, and legumes are important to avoid jaundice. Iron can increase bilirubin levels in the blood, further worsening the jaundice situation. 

Citrus food 

Citrus foods such as oranges, lemons, and grapes are usually healthy for overall well-being. However, they may hinder metabolism, liver condition, and digestion and may harm medications for the liver. Either avoid citrus fruits or consult a healthcare professional for a better understanding of the consumption of citrus fruits. 

Spicy food 

Spicy food may cause discomfort and generate symptoms of jaundice. Doctors advise avoiding spicy food while following a jaundiced diet. It is best to avoid spicy foods for better and easier jaundice recovery. 

Caffeinated beverages 

Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, cold drinks, and certain energy drinks may dehydrate the liver and prevent early recovery. They should be avoided during jaundice, and even moderate consumption can help prevent it. Instead of caffeinated beverages, hydrate yourself with herbal teas or warm water. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/blood-tests-for-jaundice-for-diagnosis-and-management/ 

Ten other foods to avoid during Jaundice 

1. Beef 
2. Pork
3. Red meat 
4. Coconut 
5. Shellfish 
6. Raw or undercooked fish 
7. Lime juice 
8. Oregano 
9. Onion powder 
10. Garlic powder 

What To Eat for Jaundice Recovery?

You are aware of the foods to avoid for jaundice. You must also know the best or right food to eat for jaundice recovery. Here are certain foods to add to the diet for jaundice, which can help in better and faster recovery. 

• Fruits- Berries & grapes, papaya, watermelon, and a few citrus fruits (in moderation). 
• Vegetables- Pumpkin, sweet potato, tomato, carrot, beetroot, ginger, garlic, avocado, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. 
• High-fiber foods include almonds, walnuts, wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, chickpeas, prunes, and seeds. 
• Lean protein- Nuts & seeds, fish, meat (lean), skinned chicken, and soy products. 
• Water
• Dietary supplements

Tips For A Healthier Jaundice Diet 

• Keep your hydration levels moderate with water. It can enhance liver functioning and improve digestion. 
• Eat 4 5 small meals daily rather than three enormous meals. 
• Add high-fiber meals such as chickpeas, berries, and oatmeal. 
• Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. 

Key Takeaways 

Jaundice is a serious medical condition. It can turn your skin and eyes yellow. A proper diet and lifestyle modifications can help prevent the severity of jaundice. There are certain foods to avoid for jaundice. These include fatty foods, alcohol, spicy foods, and packed or canned foods. These foods can hinder the recovery from jaundice. Early detection, lifestyle modifications, and necessary dietary changes can help prevent jaundice from becoming a concerning or life-threatening co.

It will be best to take advice from a healthcare professional for medications and a dietician for a jaundiced diet chart. If they detect any symptoms, it is better to get yourself tested. Redcliffe Labs offers the Bilirubin Direct Test, which helps detect bilirubin levels and determine liver health.