Jaundice Diet Chart: What Should You Add or Remove?

Understand Jaundice

Jaundice is defined as a high level of bilirubin in the blood, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It occurs when the liver cannot process bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. The condition might be a sign of something else going on, like hepatitis, liver disease, or gallstones. Adhering to a healthy diet that supports liver function and aids in recovery is one of the most important aspects of managing jaundice.

Why is a diet important for jaundice?

The liver is heavily involved in digestive and detoxification processes. When it is compromised by jaundice, it becomes crucial to follow a jaundice diet chart to reduce the liver's workload and encourage the healing process. A diet for jaundice focuses on giving the body the right nutrients and avoiding foods that can be stressful to the liver.

Below is information on how food affects liver function; making the right choices is vital for recovering from jaundice. 

• Bile Production: The liver produces bile when food is digested. Bile helps break down fats in the intestine. Digested nutrients, toxins, and medications are also metabolized in the liver. 
• Liver-Friendly Foods: Fruits such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, beetroots, garlic, etc., support liver regeneration. A diet lacking essential nutrients can weaken the ability to function properly. 
• Digestive Impact: Foods that complicate the digestive process can stress the liver. These include sugars, salt, and saturated fats. 
• Toxins and Medications: Alcohol and certain medications can destroy liver cells during metabolism. 

Let’s hear it from experts regarding a diet for jaundice patients: 

• According to the American Liver Foundation experts, eating a balanced diet that includes foods from all groups is highly recommended. 
• According to gastroenterologists, jaundice patients should focus on foods that are easy to digest and promote liver regeneration. Fruits like papaya and leafy greens such as spinach help with detoxification. 
• Some clinical dietitians say lean proteins such as fish, legumes, and chicken help prepare liver cells. However, red meat and processed foods should be avoided. 

Also Read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/healthy-diet-chart-for-weight-loss/

Dayswise Best Diet Chart for Jaundice Patients

Below is a detailed diet chart for jaundice patients: 

Meal Time	Sunday
Breakfast (8:00 AM)	1 cup vegetable soup
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	coconut water ( 1 cup) + unskinned apple (one)
Lunch (2:00 PM)	½ cup khichdi
Evening (4:00 PM)	⅓ cup boiled black grams + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00 PM)	½ cup khichdi

 

Time	Monday
Breakfast (8:00 AM)	1 cup boiled white chickpeas and tomato
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	coconut water ( 1 cup) + grapes ( ½ bowl)
Lunch (2:00 PM)	2 chapati + fish (1pc.) stew
Evening (4:00 PM)	⅓ cup roasted rice flakes + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00 PM)	½ cup boiled rice + ⅓ cup baked pumpkin

 

Time	Tuesday
Breakfast (8:00 AM)	1 cup carrot soup
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	1 cup coconut water + ½ cup pomegranates
Lunch (2:00 PM)	½ cup boiled rice + ⅓ cup cabbage curry
Evening (4:00 PM)	½ boiled potato and black grams + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00 PM)	½ cup boiled rice + 2 mashed potatoes + 1 tsp ghee

 

Time	Wednesday
Breakfast (8:00 AM)	1 cup vegetable soup
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	1 cup coconut water + 1 guava
Lunch (2:00 PM)	1 carrot uttapam + ⅓ cup raita
Evening (4:00 PM)	½ puffed rice + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00 PM)	½ cup khichdi

 

Time	Thursday
Breakfast (8:00 AM )	Baked tomato and broccoli with bell pepper soup (1 cup)
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	coconut water (one cup) + ripe papaya (⅓ cup)
Lunch (2:00 PM)	2 chapati + ½ cup baked vegetables + ⅓ cup Raita
Evening (4:00 PM )	⅓ cup boiled black grams + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00 PM)	cup boiled rice (½ cup)+ cup bottle gourd curry (⅓ cup)

 

Time	Friday
Breakfast (8:00 AM)	1 cup broccoli and bell pepper soup
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	coconut water (1 cup) + orange (one)
Lunch (2:00 PM)	½ cup boiled rice + ½ cup lentil soup
Evening (4:00 PM)	½ cup roasted rice flakes + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00 PM)	½ cup boiled rice + fish (1pc.) stew (⅓ cup)

 

Time	Saturday
Breakfast (8:00 AM)	1 cup carrot and beetroot soup
Mid-Meal (11:00 AM)	1 cup coconut water + 2 Chikus (Roseberry)
Lunch (2:00 PM)	1 dosa + ½ cup sambar
Evening (4:00 PM)	½ cup boiled potato and black grams + 1 cup black tea
Dinner (8:00-8:30 PM)	½ cup boiled rice + pointed gourd without peeling

8 Quick Tips: What should your diet for jaundice include?

Here are eight quick tips regarding what you should include in your jaundice diet. 

1. Stay Hydrated: Consume around 2 liters of water. It is generally recommended and safe. 
2. Rely on Herbal Tea and Coffee: Both herbal tea and coffee contain antioxidants and caffeine, reducing the risk of abnormal liver function. A 2022 study revealed that consuming more than three cups of coffee improves liver health markers.
3. Whole grains: According to a study published in 2021, older adults with a higher intake of whole grains had a lower risk of chronic liver disease, including liver cancer.
4. Variety of fruits and vegetables: Consume a healthy variety of fruits and vegetables. They are excellent sources of antioxidants and dietary fibre. According to the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines for Americans, eating different types of fruits and vegetables every day can benefit overall health. 
5. Lean Proteins are preferable for people with jaundice. Some well-known lean proteins are fish, tofu, legumes, and poultry. Animal-based proteins and plant-based proteins such as nuts, lentils, and beans can help liver function. 
6. Milk Thistle or doodh patra helps with recovery from jaundice. 
7. Honey, mango, and pineapple have natural digestive enzymes. Hence, their consumption can improve your digestion. 
8. Healthy fats, like nuts, are an excellent source of antioxidants and fibre. A 2019 study in China revealed that daily consumption of nuts results in a lower prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

5 foods you should avoid during jaundice

Here is a list of foods that you should limit in your jaundice diet: 

1. Alcohol consumption is not good for the liver. Excessive intake of alcohol can cause chronic liver disease and heart problems. 
2. Avoid saturated and Trans Fats: Fried, fast, and oily foods are high-fat foods, so consuming them is difficult and may lead to obesity or overweight issues.
3. Avoid foods that contain preservatives. Packaged, smoked, and canned foods contain salt, such as nitrates and sulfates, which can cause dehydration, make digestion and metabolism more difficult, and overload the liver. 
4. Refined Sugar: Drinks such as soda and foods like baked goods, pasta, and white bread contain high amounts of refined sugar. Excessive consumption can result in type 2 diabetes, impaired liver function, and obesity. 
5. Undercooked or Raw fish: Raw or uncooked fish or shellfish may contain bacteria or viruses, which can cause chronic liver disease. 

Final Views

A holistic approach is required to manage jaundice, and diet plays a crucial role. Adhering to a diet chart for jaundice can support liver function, encourage detoxification, and speed up recovery. Consult an expert for individualized dietary guidance and to monitor your recovery. 

Note: Every person has different requirements, so what works for one person might not work for another. 

Nevertheless, if you are searching for a reliable diagnostic centre for a full body checkup at home, your search ends here. Redcliffe Labs is one of India’s best diagnosis centres and offers a convenient way to access healthcare services at an affordable price. If suggested, you can book a high-quality full body checkup or a blood test online and enjoy free home sample collection and accurate reports. So, why wait? Book your test now!

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Jaundice Diet Chart

• Can dairy products be consumed in jaundice?

Only low-fat products like yoghurt and paneer are recommended for jaundice. They are easy to digest. 

• Can I eat bananas if I have jaundice?

Bananas are fibre-rich, so eating them in jaundice can pressure the digestive system. 

• Should I avoid all fats while suffering from jaundice?

No, not all fats need to be avoided. Nuts, avocados, and olive oil are healthy fats. Consuming them in moderation can help with jaundice. 

• How long should a patient follow a jaundice diet chart?

A patient should follow a jaundice diet chart until full recovery, which may take several days. However, it is essential to consult a doctor for personalized advice and to keep track of one's recovery. 

• What needs to be completely avoided on a jaundice diet?

Fried foods, refined sugars, alcohol, and processed foods should be completely avoided on a jaundice diet.