Regulate Water Intake
Water is undeniably one of the best ways to recharge the liver. Keeping the body well hydrated makes the blood thinner. In addition, ideal water intake helps the liver filter harmful substances from the body. In a dehydrated state, the liver becomes less efficient in filtering harmful toxins, including alcohol, making cirrhotic patients more susceptible to poisoning and developing complications.
Increasing water intake may not be the best option for people with liver cirrhosis. However, as ascites is one of the most common complications of liver failure, it’s crucial to regulate water intake. The development of ascites in patients with cirrhosis is caused by a series of events, including portal hypertension and progressive vascular dysfunction.
Patients with ascites are more susceptible to severe complications, including hyponatremia, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and progressive kidney failure. The main goal for cirrhotic patients dealing with ascites is to manage the complications to improve their quality of life and increase their chances of survival. Fluid intake restriction is an obsolete treatment for ascites. To effectively manage ascites, cirrhotic patients are now recommended to drink at least 1.1 liters daily, an insufficient volume to cause fluid loss.
