Another area riddled with myths is JAUNDICE. The poor patient is put on a bland diet for 4-6 weeks just because he/ she vomitted for a few days at the onset of disease. Till the eyes are yellow, nothing fried or spicy is given. This ONLY delays recovery. Surprised? Well that is the truth! In my practice I advise the following regime and believe me my patients are both happy and recover faster than when I would punish them with boiled food for 4-6 weeks
In the ACUTE phase: ie patient with fever, vomiting, bodyache, malaise etc
~ Boiled water
~ 100 Gms of Glucose powder (for an adult)
~ 6 sweet limes / other fruit to eat (eating fruit preferable over taking juice)
~ Sugar cane to eat
If hungry
~ Boiled vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, peas, carrots)
~ Dry chapati
~ Plain rice
~ Home made curd
AVOID
~ Fried food
as it may cause nausea
~ Spicy food as it may cause nausea
~ Food from unreliable source
- source of infections causing gastro enteritis and typhoid
~ Alcohol as it is toxic for the liver
Recovery phase~
~ Till the liver enzyme levels reach normal, high intake of carbohydrates in form of fruits, glucose powder etc is highly recommended.
~ Gradually add normal diet items keeping in mind that foods should be such that they are easily digestible and do not cause nausea.
~ Proteins should be taken in moderation
Ensure that patient gets clear bowel movements daily as constipation may trigger serious complications
Ensure that NO medicine is taken without consulting a doctor as several medicines are to be avoided in liver disease
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