Diet for jaundice: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Are you or your loved one dealing with jaundice and wondering how to treat it through diets? If you answered yes, you are in the correct place!

A good healthy jaundice diet plan can help you manage your jaundice by recommending the proper foods, which can make a small difference in your recovery process.

Following a professionally created jaundice diet chart can allow you to make the right dietary choices to alleviate jaundice symptoms. But what is a jaundice diet, and how does it work? Read on to discover out.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice happens when your skin, eyes, and even the inside of your mouth turn yellow. This yellowing is because your body has too much of a substance called bilirubin, which is made when the liver breaks down old or damaged blood cells. When the liver isn't working well, it can't remove bilirubin properly, causing it to build up and lead to jaundice. 

What you eat and drink can make a big difference in helping your liver recover and manage jaundice. This jaundice diet guide will help you know which foods to include in your diet and which ones you should avoid if you have jaundice.

What are some symptoms of high bilirubin?

Before delving into the right jaundice reduction diet, it's important to know the signs indicate high bilirubin levels. The most obvious sign is the yellowing of your skin and eyes.

But there are other symptoms too, like dark-coloured urine, changes in the colour of your stool (it may become pale), pain in your stomach, joint pains, feeling very tired, and sometimes even fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to visit a doctor immediately. They may ask you to take a urine or blood test to check your bilirubin levels and understand what's causing the problem. Book your health checkup at home.

Diet Tips to Help Your Liver During Jaundice

Check out the below jaundice diet tips that will help you heal faster : 

Keep your body hydrated

Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to help your liver. When you drink a lot of water, it helps your liver get rid of toxins, including the extra bilirubin in your body. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Besides water, drinking coconut water, fresh lime juice, or buttermilk can also be beneficial. In India, these drinks are common and can help keep you hydrated while being gentle on your stomach.

Remember to consume more fruits and vegetables

Eating different fruits and vegetables is very important for keeping your liver healthy. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body work properly.

Try to eat fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, which are easily available in India.

Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and bottled gourd (lauki) are also great choices. It’s best to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season because they are fresher and have more nutrients.

Wash them well before eating to avoid any infections, especially since jaundice can make you more vulnerable to illness.

Add a high-fiber food product to your diet

Fiber is vital for your liver because it helps remove bile and bilirubin from the liver. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Some good Indian options are whole wheat chapati, brown rice, dal, rajma, and chana. Eating high-fiber foods regularly can help your liver work better and reduce the risk of bilirubin building up in your body. You should aim to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day, which can be done by including these foods in your daily meals.

Opt for lean proteins in your diet

Proteins are needed to repair body tissues and maintain muscle strength. However, not all proteins are good for your liver when you have jaundice. It’s best to choose lean proteins, such as chicken without skin, fish, and eggs. These can be cooked with minimal oil and spices to make them easy on the liver. For a vegetarian option, you can include paneer (made from low-fat milk), tofu, and dal. These provide the necessary protein without putting too much strain on your liver.

Be mindful of the supplements you take for Jaundice

Sometimes, a doctor might recommend taking a multivitamin to make sure you get enough essential nutrients. However, be cautious about using other dietary or herbal supplements that claim to detoxify the liver.

In India, there are many herbal products available, but not all of them are safe or effective. Some supplements can interact with medicines or even harm your liver. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, even if it seems natural or harmless.

Get your personalised diet plan.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid during Jaundice

Follow the below list of foods and drinks to avoid during jaundice to recover faster:

Avoid fatty and oily foods

Diet for jaundice, it’s important to avoid foods that are high in fat because they can make your liver work harder. This includes fried foods, ghee, butter, and full-fat dairy products. It’s also best to avoid heavy Indian dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and parathas with a lot of oil. Instead, opt for lighter meals like steamed vegetables, plain dal, or rice. Cooking with minimal oil or opting for baking and steaming can be better for your liver.

Limit your intake of sugary foods

Sugar can be hard for your liver to process, so it’s a good idea to avoid foods with a lot of added sugar. This includes sweets like ladoos, jalebis, and sugary drinks like sodas and packaged juices. Instead, if you crave something sweet, opt for fruits like papaya or watermelon, which are natural and gentle on your liver.

Say no to alcohol

Alcohol is very harmful to the liver, especially when you have jaundice. Drinking alcohol can worsen liver damage and make it harder for your body to recover. It’s best to completely avoid alcohol until your liver is fully healed, and limit your alcohol intake to protect your liver from future damage.

Cut down your salt consumption

Too much salt can cause fluid retention, which is not good for someone with jaundice. Foods high in salt include pickles, papads, and processed foods like chips and ready-to-eat meals. Try to cook with less salt and avoid adding extra salt to your food at the table. Using herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric can add flavor without the need for extra salt.

Avoid spicy foods

Spicy foods can irritate your stomach and liver, making it harder for your body to recover. Foods with a lot of red chili powder, garam masala, or black pepper should be avoided. Instead, opt for milder spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin, which are not only gentle on your stomach but also have healing properties. Simple dishes like khichdi or plain yoghurt with rice can be soothing and easy for your liver to handle.

7-Day Indian Diet Plan for Jaundice

Below is the 7 day diet plan for jaundice relief : 

Day 1

• Breakfast: Oats porridge made with water or low-fat milk, topped with a few slices of banana.
• Mid-Morning Snack: Fresh coconut water.
• Lunch: Plain khichdi (rice and moong dal) with a side of steamed carrots and spinach.
• Evening Snack: A small bowl of fresh papaya.
• Dinner: Plain dal (lentil soup) with a small portion of steamed rice and a side of boiled lauki (bottle gourd).

Day 2

• Breakfast: Dalia (broken wheat) porridge cooked in water, served with a handful of raisins.
• Mid-Morning Snack: Freshly squeezed orange juice (without sugar).
• Lunch: Steamed rice with a light vegetable stew made of carrots, beans, and peas.
• Evening Snack: A bowl of fresh watermelon.
• Dinner: Plain chapati with a simple spinach and moong dal sabzi (vegetable).

Day 3

• Breakfast: Poha (flattened rice) cooked with very little oil, peas, and a pinch of turmeric.
• Mid-Morning Snack: A glass of buttermilk.
• Lunch: Plain dal with a small portion of brown rice and boiled carrots.
• Evening Snack: A small bowl of fresh apple slices.
• Dinner: Steamed idli with coconut chutney (no oil).

Day 4

• Breakfast: Rava upma (semolina porridge) cooked with vegetables like peas and carrots, using very little oil.
• Mid-Morning Snack: Fresh coconut water.
• Lunch: Soft, boiled rice with lauki (bottle gourd) curry.
• Evening Snack: A few slices of ripe banana.
• Dinner: Masoor dal (red lentil soup) with a plain chapati and a side of boiled green beans.

Day 5

• Breakfast: Steamed dosa with a small amount of coconut chutney.
• Mid-Morning Snack: Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice (without sugar).
• Lunch: Plain khichdi with a side of steamed pumpkin.
• Evening Snack: A bowl of fresh pear slices.
• Dinner: Palak dal (spinach and lentil soup) with a small portion of steamed rice.

Day 6

• Breakfast: A bowl of soft idiyappam (string hoppers) with a small amount of vegetable stew.
• Mid-Morning Snack: A glass of unsweetened lassi (yogurt drink).
• Lunch: Plain rice with a simple, light dal and boiled vegetables like carrots and beans.
• Evening Snack: A small bowl of fresh papaya.
• Dinner: A plain chapati with a simple stir-fry of spinach and moong dal.

Day 7

• Breakfast: Ragi porridge cooked with water and a small amount of jaggery.
• Mid-Morning Snack: Fresh coconut water.
• Lunch: Boiled rice with a simple curry made of bottle gourd (lauki) and a side of dal.
• Evening Snack: A bowl of fresh apple slices.
• Dinner: A small portion of plain khichdi with a side of steamed vegetables like carrots and peas.

Conclusion

When you have jaundice, taking care of your liver is crucial. What you eat and drink can make a big difference in your recovery. By staying hydrated, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, choosing lean proteins, and avoiding fatty, sugary, and spicy foods, you can support your liver and help your body heal. Always remember to consult with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or starting new supplements. With the right care and attention, you can help your liver recover and prevent future episodes of jaundice.

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FAQs

1. When can I resume eating normal foods after jaundice?

The time it takes for the liver to fully recover varies from person to person depending on their nutritional state and previous behaviours such as drinking, thus doctors typically recommend a three-month non-veg diet because that is the usual length for liver recovery.

2. I have jaundice; can I eat apples?

Vitamins C, K, and B, as well as beneficial digestive enzymes, are found in fruits like oranges, berries, papayas, and apples. Eating raw carrots, broccoli, and bananas regularly may help strengthen the liver's detoxification capacity. The most important thing to do throughout the recovery process is to drink lots of water.

3. Can I drink milk when having jaundice?

Fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy products should be avoided during jaundice or other liver-related diseases since they can strain the liver's activities and slow the healing process.

4. Who should eat liver-friendly foods?

Both toddlers and adults who eat a healthy, well-balanced diet are less likely to acquire jaundice. As a result, people may not need to change their diet. If you are at high risk for jaundice, you should eat liver-friendly meals.

5. What is the suggested jaundice diet and chart for patients?

The suggested jaundice diet includes:

Hydrating with water

Coffee with Herbal Tea

Fruits and veggies.

Lean proteins (such as poultry and fish)

Whole grains

Nuts and legumes

A personalized jaundice diet chart should be developed in collaboration with a doctor.