What Should You Eat After Liver Surgery to Support Faster Liver Regeneration?

After liver surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, the body begins a recovery process. The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, particularly when supported by appropriate nutrition. Choosing suitable foods is therefore extremely important, with the following goals:

๐ Supporting the formation of new liver cells
๐ Reducing inflammation
๐ Strengthening the immune system
๐ Preventing complications

Dietary Guidelines to Support Liver Regeneration

1. Focus on High-Quality Protein

Protein helps repair tissue and support the formation of new liver cells.

Recommended foods:

๐ Egg whites
๐ White fish, such as tilapia and sea bass
๐ Skinless chicken
๐ Tofu
๐ Low-fat milk
๐ Dried beans and legumes

Foods to avoid or limit:

๐ Organ meats
๐ Animal fats
๐ Fatty red meat

These foods may be more difficult to digest and may place an additional burden on the liver.

2. Choose Healthy Fats and Reduce Unhealthy Fats

Healthy fats support vitamin absorption and may help reduce inflammation.

Recommended foods:

๐ Olive oil
๐ Rice bran oil
๐ Avocado
๐ Nuts
๐ Deep-sea fish containing omega-3 fatty acids

Foods to avoid or limit:

๐ Deep-fried foods
๐ Trans fats
๐ Fast food

3. Choose Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates provide a steady source of energy and are less likely to cause rapid increases in blood sugar.

Recommended foods:

๐ Brown rice
๐ Oats
๐ Sweet potatoes
๐ Pumpkin
๐ Whole grains

4. Eat a Variety of Colourful Fruits and Vegetables

Colourful fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, support immune function, and promote recovery.

Recommended foods:

๐ Dark green leafy vegetables
๐ Broccoli
๐ Carrots
๐ Pumpkin
๐ Guava
๐ Apples
๐ Berries

Foods to avoid or limit:

๐ Very sweet fruits, such as longan, durian, and lychee

5. Drink Enough Clean Water

Adequate water intake helps the body remove waste and reduces the workload on the liver.

๐ Drink approximately six to eight glasses of water per day, unless you have fluid retention or kidney disease.

Foods and Substances to Avoid After Liver Surgery

๐ Alcohol: It can damage liver cells while they are recovering.

๐ Raw foods: Raw fish and oysters may contain harmful bacteria and increase the risk of infection.

๐ Unregulated herbal products or unsafe supplements: Some products may be toxic to the liver.

๐ Very spicy or high-fat foods: These may be difficult to digest and may contribute to inflammation.

Vitamins and Supplements That May Be Beneficial

๐ Vitamin B complex: Supports metabolism and cellular recovery.

๐ Vitamins C and E: Provide antioxidant support and may help reduce inflammation.

๐ Silymarin from milk thistle: Some studies suggest that it may support liver recovery, but it should only be used after consulting a doctor.

๐ Omega-3 fatty acids: May help reduce inflammation in the liver.

Example of a One-Day Meal Plan for Recovery After Liver Surgery

Breakfast

๐ Fish rice porridge
๐ Stir-fried morning glory with sesame oil
๐ Fresh guava juice

Lunch

๐ Brown rice
๐ Boiled chicken with herbs
๐ Clear soup with tofu and Chinese cabbage
๐ Berries

Dinner

๐ Grilled fish salad
๐ Whole-wheat bread
๐ Boiled carrots

Snacks

๐ Unsweetened soy milk
๐ Roasted almonds

 

Reference :

Chularat Cancer Center

ArokaGO Providers Targeted Therapy Cancer Center