Processed Meats
Processed meats are any meats that have been treated to extend their shelf life or improve their flavor, like hot dogs, sausage, deli meats, bacon, and beef jerky. They are often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can be dangerous for people with cirrhosis.
Nitrates are also added to many processed types of meat as a preservative. However, when nitrates are digested, they turn into nitrites. Nitrites can then combine with amines in the body to form N-nitroso compounds. These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, so cirrhotic patients must avoid them as much as possible.
Because processed meats are high in saturated fat and sodium, they can put additional strain on the liver. This is especially true for cirrhotic patients, as the liver is already damaged and working overtime to heal itself.
While avoiding processed meats won’t cure cirrhosis, it can help prevent the progression of the disease and make symptoms more bearable.
