Liver Cancer
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Liver Cancer

Nutrition

Liver cancer patients generally have high caloric requirements, yet treatment for liver cancer, as well as the cancer itself, can create many nutrition-related challenges. Nutrition plays an important role in helping you manage your diagnosis. It will help you stay stronger, both physically and mentally. Think of it as a type of treatment that you control — and being in control at this time can be a very satisfying feeling.

When the liver is damaged from cancer or another disease, your metabolism is often affected. As a result, the way your body absorbs food may change, which can affect your weight, appetite and the vitamins your body can absorb. When you cannot consume all the protein and vitamins your body needs, you may become malnourished. Losing too much weight can lower your energy levels and decrease your body’s ability to fight infection and endure treatment. 

Make a Plan

You are encouraged to talk with your care team soon after diagnosis, or at any time, about your nutritional needs. Your doctor may perform an assessment to establish your baseline nutritional information. Using this information, a nutritionist on your care team can help you create a personal nutrition strategy that is tailored to your type of liver disease, as well as your likes and dislikes. The goal is to help you adopt comfortable, consistent eating habits that prevent malnutrition, dehydration and weight or muscle loss. 

Developing a solid relationship with your nutritionist is important. Together, you can create the best plan for you. After all, you eat every day — and you should enjoy it! Get the ball rolling by asking a few questions:

  • What is good for my liver?
  • What can I eat that won’t make me sick (especially if I’m feeling nauseated from treatment)?
  • How can I keep weight on (if treatment is causing weight loss)?
  • If I am obese, have a fatty liver or have Type 2 diabetes, what can I eat that is nutritious and won’t make my other conditions worse?
  • Does my specific set of conditions require me to limit my intake of salt?
  • What is the best way to reach you when I have more questions (phone, text, portal)?
  • Can you recommend support groups or other resources for me? 

    Before, During and After Treatment 

    Your nutrition strategy will be unique to you and may need to be adjusted as you go along, but don’t worry. That is expected. Following are some general recommendations, but always check with your doctor or nutritionist.

    Before treatment. If you are scheduled for chemotherapy, it is often recommended you follow a low fat, high carbohydrate, high protein diet. Plan for appetite loss, which is a common side effect during liver cancer treatment. It puts you at risk of weight loss and is commonly caused by nausea. If you are scheduled for liver resection, some surgeons will recommend that you follow a low carbohydrate, low calorie diet only immediately before surgery, as this reduces liver glycogen stores which can reduce bleeding during surgery on the liver.

    During treatment. If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, eat a low-fat, high carb diet with small quantities of good quality protein. It may help to eat extra carbohydrates if you are having radiation therapy. Consider not eating your favorite foods a day before treatment in the event you develop a side effect like nausea which could cause you to develop a negative association with them. 

    If symptoms are severe enough, they may prevent you from finishing treatment. Nutritional supplementation may be needed. Rarely, doctors may prescribe parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) if eating is too difficult, your digestive tract is not working or there is a blockage that is leading to significant malnutrition. 

    It is also important to avoid dehydration because it can lead to kidney problems. Cancer treatment and its side effects can dehydrate the body, making it very important to drink plenty of water or fluids throughout the day. Be sure to ask your doctor how much fluid you will need each day. 

    Try to get some exercise each day. Exercise improves quality of life and general wellness. Recommendations will vary from person to person. Just stay active in some way. If you are frail or malnourished, your doctor may suggest balance training to strengthen postural muscles and improve your range of motion.

    After treatment. Eat a high protein diet and, with your doctor’s approval, consider antioxidant supplements and taking vitamins E and C. After radiation therapy, avoid simple sugars and lactose to avoid intestinal discomfort. Post-drug therapy, have small and frequent meals that are easy to digest.

    Nutrition Resources

    Healthy Habits

    Keep in mind that these changes can be made gradually. Everything doesn’t have to happen at once:

    • Consume foods and beverages high in protein. Protein helps the body repair cells and tissues and helps your immune system recover from illness. 
    • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Research shows that plant-based diets decrease risk of some specific diseases and cancers.
    • Include healthy fats like avocados, nuts/nut butters and seeds in your diet. 
    • Experiment with eating multiple small meals throughout the day rather than three big meals. This may help with nausea.
    • Identify when your appetite is the best and plan to have your biggest meal of the day at that time. 
    • When possible, avoid consuming added sugars, alcohol, salt and saturated/trans fats. These foods provide little nutritional benefit. 
    • Your health care team usually prefers that you get most of your nutrients from food, so talk to them before taking any vitamins or supplements.
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