Jaundice is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood; too much causes the skin, eyes, and gums to turn yellow. The liver is the organ that filters bilirubin from the blood, so jaundice is often related to liver disease or failure.

What role does diet play?

Diet plays a very important role in both recovery and prevention of jaundice , because during digestion, the liver produces bile that helps the intestine break down fats. It is also responsible for processing or metabolizing most of the digested nutrients, toxins, and medications.

All foods and beverages require the liver to work, but different nutrients and chemicals are digested and metabolized differently , making some foods more ‘friendly’ to the liver than others. When food is difficult to digest, increase your work. This is especially true for large amounts of refined sugars, salt, and saturated fat.

What to eat

There are certain foods and drinks that most people with jaundice should add to their diet. These include:

Water

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to help the liver recover from jaundice. Water not only helps facilitate digestion, it also helps the liver and kidneys to eliminate toxins. Recommended amount: About 2 liters of water a day.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants and fiber that can help limit liver damage during metabolism and facilitate digestion. All fruits and vegetables are suitable for the liver, but some varieties are especially beneficial: blueberries, grapes, citrus fruits, especially lemons, limes and grapefruits, papayas and melons, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, avocados and olives, tomatoes, carrots, beets and turnips, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, ginger and garlic, or spinach and kale. Ideally, eat them whole and avoid juices or fruit mixes.

Herbal tea and coffee

Coffee and herbal teas contain high doses of antioxidants, in addition to caffeine, which can help stimulate digestion.

Whole grains

Whole grain foods contain high amounts of nutrients that are great for the liver, including healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.

Nuts and legumes

Most nuts and legumes are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E and phenolic acid. Whole nuts and legumes are also typically high in fiber and healthy fats. Various studies have shown that walnuts are beneficial for liver function when consumed regularly.

Lean proteins

Lean proteins, such as tofu, legumes, and fish, put less pressure on the liver than red meat.

Foods to avoid

Foods and beverages to avoid or limit during jaundice recovery include alcohol (it is toxic to most internal body tissues, including the liver), refined carbohydrates (sodas, baked goods, white bread, and pasta contain high amounts of refined sugar), packaged, canned and smoked foods (many packaged, canned or smoked foods, especially deli meats and canned vegetables, contain high levels of preservatives), saturated and trans fats (they are difficult to digest, especially those made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Some dairy products, including cheeses, whole milk, and whole yogurts, also contain high levels of saturated fat), raw or undercooked fish or shellfish (may contain toxins that can damage the liver and other digestive organs) and beef and pork (which contain high levels of amino acids and animal fats) diseases that can be difficult to digest and put pressure on the damaged liver).