It is vitally important that patients with advanced liver disease maintain a balanced diet. Dietary salt should be restricted to a No Added Salt Diet. This means not adding salt while preparing, cooking or eating food. In addition, foods commercially produced with salt need to be avoided.
A common complication of advanced liver disease is the retention of excessive fluid, particularly in the abdomen (called ascites) and in the legs (oedema). Restriction of the intake of salt (sodium chloride) is an extremely important part of the management of people with fluid retention.
The typical Australian diet contains around 6 grams of sodium per day. A diet with 2.5 grams of sodium or less is recommended to help control fluid retention.
The most effective way to restrict your salt intake is by following a No Added Salt Diet. Foods to include and avoid are detailed here.
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