Dr. Rakhi Garg

Jaundice patients are advised to follow a liquid diet for the first four to five days of treatment.

•  Increase your fluid intake by consuming a lot of water. 
• Vegetable and fruit juices should form the bulk of your diet during this period. 
• Sugarcane juice is especially popular with jaundice convalescents in india. 
• This type of diet also helps to cleanse the body as it facilitates increased elimination of bilirubin through urination and excretion.

• Bilirubin levels in the body should already be decreasing by this point and you can begin consuming foods like fruits, broths, custard and yogurt. 
• Fruits like grapes, pears, watermelons, carrots and beets supply adequate electrolytes and simple sugars needed to fuel the tissues. 
• Leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach may also be added to your diet. 
• Protein is also an essential nutrient to overcome the excessive loss of nitrogen and fat accumulation in the liver. Include lean cuts of meat, skimmed milk in small quantities.
• Keep in mind that all foods should be consumed as boiled or steamed foods and they should not be fried or cooked with oil.
•  Consuming foods rich in carbohydrates like cereal porridge, bread, rice, potato, yam, custards ensures adequate supply of calories to the body so that tissue protein is not broken down for energy.
• Avoid consuming foods that are high in fats like red meats and fried or oily foods as the liver is still weak and these foods will increase strain on the liver. 
• Likewise, avoid consuming sugar rich foods and foods containing artificial sweeteners.
• Once the symptoms of jaundice have resolved you can also begin to include other foods but do this gradually. 
• Make it a point to consult your doctor before you make any changes in your diet.



• Try to eat smaller meals through the course of the day rather than following the traditional pattern of breakfast followed by two heavy meals later in the day. 
• Eat smaller portions but at more regular intervals through the course of the day.
• Keep in mind that resistance is low while you are recuperating and this makes it imperative for you to only consume foods that are prepared with the highest levels of hygiene. 
• Avoid consuming juices or foods prepared by hawkers or even from restaurants. 
• Home preparation is the only way to ensure such high levels of hygiene. Also make it a point to only consume fresh foods.