How many years can a person with ascites live? What should he pay attention to in his diet?

Many friends think that ascites is a terminal illness, but it is not. If ascites can be discovered in time and does not worsen, it can be cured. Combined with some dietary adjustments in life, the body can slowly recover. Patients with ascites must actively receive treatment and never give up.

1. Ensure vitamin supply

Patients with cirrhosis and ascites must ensure their vitamin supply. Vitamin C is directly involved in liver metabolism and promotes the formation of liver glycogen. Increasing the concentration of vitamin C in the body can protect the resistance of liver cells and promote liver cell regeneration. The concentration of vitamin C in ascites is equal to that in the blood, so a large amount of vitamin C should be supplemented when ascites occurs. When eating fruit, you should peel it or squeeze it into juice to drink.

In addition, B vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin play an important role in improving symptoms. In addition to choosing foods rich in these vitamins, you can also take multivitamin preparations orally. Patients with ascites must ensure the supply of vitamins.

2. Supply carbohydrates

Adequate carbohydrate intake can reduce protein consumption and reduce the burden on the liver; carbohydrates can maintain the glycogen content in liver cells, allowing it to be used in the formation and proliferation of liver tissue to protect the liver. To prevent toxins from damaging liver cells, you can eat 350 to 450 grams of starchy food every day.

3. Provide the right amount of fat

Fat intake is generally not restricted, because patients with ascites due to cirrhosis often have symptoms such as aversion to oil and loss of appetite. Under normal circumstances, there is no problem of excessive fat intake.

4. Use more zinc and magnesium foods

Patients with cirrhosis generally have low blood zinc levels, increased urinary zinc excretion, and reduced zinc content in liver cells. When drinking alcohol, blood zinc levels will continue to decrease. Alcohol consumption should be strictly prohibited, and appropriate consumption of foods high in zinc, such as lean pork, beef, eggs, and fish, should be consumed. To prevent magnesium deficiency, eat more green leafy vegetables, peas, dairy products and cereals.