Hepatic Encephalopathy: Therapy

General measures

Alcohol abstinence (complete abstinence from alcohol).
Nicotine restriction (abstaining from tobacco use) – smoking promotes fibrosis of the liver.
Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.

The following vaccinations are advised, as infection can often lead to worsening of the present disease:

Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
- Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
- Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
- High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
Observe the following special dietary recommendations in chronic hepatic encephalopathy:
- Reduce protein catabolism (protein breakdown) by providing adequate caloric intake in the form of carbohydrates; an ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet is suitable (eggs and milk/dairy products are consumed)
- With regard to protein intake, vegetable protein should be preferred, as well as milk protein.
- Cave: protein restriction is contraindicated. It would lead to the loss of muscle mass.
- Depending on the state of consciousness, nutrition is provided orally (by mouth), partially (partially), or totally parenterally (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, e.g., venously).
Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis.
See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.