Archive for the Patient Category

Progression 3 (P3) (hardest) FR

On April 3, 2025 / Patient / Leave a comment

This exercise program is not medical advice

Talk to your healthcare team about starting an exercise program before you begin.

This website should not be relied upon or serve as a replacement for medical advice from your healthcare team. Do not disregard or delay or discontinue your ongoing medical treatment because of your use of this website. Your continued treatment by your qualified medical practitioners is important to your health. If you have any concerns, address these with your medical team.

Any medical guidelines or recommendations from your medical practitioner regarding exercise in liver disease supersedes any information on this website. The information on the website is provided on an “as is” basis without any representations or warranties.

Balanced posture using light hand-held weights.

Aerobic

At this level, complete 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity spread out over the week. For example, walk at a brisk pace or jog continuously for 30 minutes on 5 different days.

The goal is to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing stronger but can carry on a conversation.

Muscle strengthening

Aim to complete 3 to 4 sessions each week.

For each exercise, start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. Gradually increase to 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

Once this is achieved, increase the weight or resistance and begin anew with 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

While completing these exercises, aim to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing moderately but can still talk.

At P3, complete all 7 exercises listed. Allow 24 hours between each of these sessions so the muscles can recover. Can alternate between upper and lower exercise sessions if you wish to exercise every day.

Lateral Arm Raises with hand-held free weights

At P3, the weights should be more than 3 lbs each. Remember to increase the weight slowly to prevent injury.
(upper body)

Bicep Curl – single leg with hand-held free weights

(upper body)

Triceps Dip

Make sure to have someone holding the chair or support. Otherwise use an immovable support like a park bench or car/truck bumper. (upper body)

Leg Extension – with banding

Use a banding with a higher resistance than in P2. (lower body)

Leg Curls – with banding

Use a banding with a higher resistance than in P2. (lower body)

Calf Raises – with banding and single leg

Can use one or two legs . If using two legs, increasing the resistance of the banding. (lower body)

Squats – with hand-held free weights

At P3, the weights should be more than 3 lbs each. (include with either the upper or lower body exercise sessions)

Flexibility

Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions held for 20 to 30 seconds each. Hold the stretch until there is a slight discomfort. Avoid overstretching.

Perform at least two Flexibility sessions each week. These can be part of the cool down after a Muscle Strengthening session, combined with a Balance session, or completed on its own..

Include stretches from Intro (performed while standing) and P2.

Quad Stretch – seated

Balance

Complete 1 set of 10 steps with 3 repetitions at least twice a week. Increase the number of steps as you improve.

Make sure to have access to a wall or railing in case of unsteadiness.

A Balance session can be used as the cool down following a Muscle Strengthening session, can be combined with a Flexibility session, or completed on its own depending upon your schedule.

Heel-to-Toe Walk

Place the heel of one foot in front of the other so that the heal touches the toes. Now, walk in a straight line as far as you can go.

Example of a weekly P3 exercise program

Aerobic: Over 5 different days, complete 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for a weekly total of 150 minutes.

Muscle strengthening: On 3 or 4 days each week, do 2 sets of 10 repetitions of each of the following exercises:

Lateral arm raises standing on one leg with hand-held free weights
Arm curls with handheld free weights
Overhead triceps extensions with hand-held free weights
Leg extensions with banding
Standing calf raises with banding
Hamstring curl with a towel
Squat with free weights

Flexibility: On 2 different days, perform all stretches 2-3 times lasting 20-30 seconds on each side.

Balance: On 2 different days, perform 3 repetitions of 10 steps each.

Lateral Arm Raise – single leg with hand-held free weights

Bicep Curl – single leg with hand-held free weights

Triceps Dip

Leg Extensions with banding

Leg Curls with banding

Calf Raises with banding and single leg

Squats with hand-held free weights

Useful Links

Canadian Liver Foundation
American Liver Foundation

References:

The information on this page was adapted (with permission) from the references below, by the Cirrhosis Care Alberta project team (physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and patient advisors).

This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.

References:

Last reviewed March 15, 2021

Progression 2 (P2) FR

On April 3, 2025 / Patient / Leave a comment

This exercise program is not medical advice

Talk to your healthcare team about starting an exercise program before you begin.

Sitting or standing with resistance bands for added muscle strengthening.

Aerobic

Include 6 days of aerobic activity each week, for a total time of 150 minutes per week (e.g., 20-30 minutes each session).

If needed, take short 1 minute rests and work toward continuously exercising for the entire session.

The goal is to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing stronger but can still carry on a conversation.

Muscle strengthening

Aim to complete 3 to 4 sessions each week.

Alternate between the different exercises for the upper and lower body. At P2, include 4 to 5 exercises each session.

For each exercise, start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. Gradually increase to 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

While completing these exercises, aim to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing moderately but can still talk.

Lateral Arm Raises with hand-held free weights

To start, use LIGHT weights of 1 lb to 3 lbs each. (upper body)

Arm Curls with hand-held free weights

(upper body)

Overhead Triceps Extension with hand-held free weights

(upper body)

Leg Extensions with banding

This exercise targets the quadricep muscles. (lower body)

Standing Leg Curls with banding

(lower body)

Standing Calf Raises with banding

(lower body)

Squats with hand-held free weights

To start, use LIGHT weights of 1 lb to 3 lbs each. (middle body or torso)

Flexibility

Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions held for 20 to 30 seconds each. Hold the stretch until there is a slight discomfort. Avoid overstretching.

Perform at least two Flexibility sessions each week. These can be part of the cool down after a Muscle Strengthening session, combined with a Balance session, or completed on its own..

Include stretches from the Intro level but do them while standing.

Stretches for P2 are: quadriceps stretch (video), Hurdler’s, wrist, and calf stretches.

Quadriceps Stretch

Continue with stretches learned in the Introductory and P1 levels.

Balance

Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions of 10 steps at least twice a week. As you improve, increase the number of steps.

If confident of your stability and balance, can try this without holding onto a support. Make sure to have it within easy reach though in case of loss of balance!

A Balance session can be used as the cool down following a Muscle Strengthening session, can be combined with a Flexibility session, or completed on its own depending upon your schedule.

Narrow Walk

Walk in a straight line with a narrow gait (small steps).

Example of a Weekly P2 Exercise Program

Aerobic: Over 6 different days, complete 20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise for a weekly total of 150 minutes.

Muscle strengthening: On 3 or 4 days each week, do 2 sets of 10 repetitions of each of the following exercises:

Arm curls with handheld free weights
Overhead triceps extensions with hand-held free weights
Leg extensions with banding,
Standing calf raises with banding,
Squat with free weights

Flexibility: On 2 different days, perform all stretches 2-3 times lasting 20-30 seconds on each side.

Balance: On 2 different days, perform 3 repetitions of 10 steps each.

Arm Curls with hand-held free weights

Overhead Triceps Extension with hand-held free weights

Leg Extensions with banding

Standing Calf Raises with banding

Squats with hand-held free weights

Useful Links

Canadian Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation

Wellness Toolbox

References:

The information on this page was developed by the Cirrhosis Care Alberta project team (physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered dietitians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and patient advisors).

This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.

Last reviewed March 15, 2021

Progression 1 (P1) FR

On April 3, 2025 / Patient / Leave a comment

This exercise program is not medical advice

Talk to your healthcare team about starting an exercise program before you begin.

Can done while seated, good for those who may have balance issues, with or without equipment.

Aerobic

Include 5 days of aerobic activity each week, for a total time of 150 minutes per week.

As in INTRO, take short 1 minute rests as needed and work toward continuously exercising for the entire session.

The goal is to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing stronger but can carry on a conversation.

Muscle strengthening

Aim to complete 2 to 3 sessions each week.

Alternate between the different exercises for the upper and lower body. At P1, include 4 to 5 exercises each session.

For each exercise, start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. Gradually increase to 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

While completing these exercises, aim to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing moderately but can still talk.

Lateral Arm Raises with Banding

(upper body)

Arm Curls with Banding

(upper body)

Over-head Triceps Extension with Banding

(upper body)

Leg Extensions with a Pause

(lower body)

Hamstring Curl with a Towel

Can use a scarf, belt, or a plastic bags knotted together instead of a towel. (lower body)

Standing Calf Raises

(lower body)

Squat (chair assisted)

Stand with your back almost touching a wall. Slowly move down to a squatting position and then return to a standing position. Keep your back straight and head up. This “squat” is similar to the Intro level’s Chair Sit-to-Stand exercise.

Flexibility

Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions held for 20 to 30 seconds each. Hold the stretch until there is a slight discomfort. Avoid overstretching.

Perform at least two Flexibility sessions each week. These can be part of the cool down after a Muscle Strengthening session, combined with a Balance session, or completed on its own..

Include stretches from the Intro level but do these while standing.

Seated Hamstring Stretch

To get a better stretch of the muscles, do this while standing. Use a chair for balance as necessary.

Balance

Complete 1 set of 3 repetitions at least twice a week.

If confident of your stability and balance, can try this without holding onto a support. Make sure to have it within easy reach though in case of loss of balance!

A Balance session can be used as the cool down following a Muscle Strengthening session, can be combined with a Flexibility session, or completed on its own depending upon your schedule.

BALANCE - P1

Single Leg Raises with eyes closed

Make sure to have a chair nearby!

Example of a Weekly P1 Exercise Program

Aerobic: Over 5 different days, complete 150 minutes of aerobic exercise. Remember to take rests as needed!

Muscle strengthening: On 2 or 3 days each week, do 2 sets of 10 repetitions of each of the following exercises:

Lateral arm raises with banding
Arm curls with banding
Leg extension with a pause
Hamstring curl with towel
Squat

Flexibility: On 2 different days, perform all stretches 2-3 times lasting 20-30 seconds on each side.

Balance: On 2 different days, perform 3 repetitions of 10 steps each.

Lateral Arm Raises with Banding

Arm Curls with Banding

Leg Extensions with a Pause

Hamstring Curl with a Towel

Squat

Move the body the same as this video but do not sit on the chair! Alternatively, can do this with your back near to a wall without a chair.

Useful Links

Canadian Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation

Wellness Toolbox

References:

This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.

Last reviewed March 15, 2021

Exercise FR

On April 3, 2025 / Patient / Leave a comment

Before you start you will find loads of useful information here

Before you start

People living with cirrhosis may not get as much exercise as they need for many reasons. Gradually, the muscles can weaken and common tasks can become more difficult to do.

Here you can start different programs in progression of difficulty, starting with the easiest.

Program Intro

Progression 1

Progression 2

Progression 3 (hardest)

INTRO (easiest) FR

On April 3, 2025 / Patient / Leave a comment

This exercise program is not medical advice

Talk to your healthcare team about starting an exercise program before you begin.

No equipment, can be done while lying or reclining in bed or on a couch, suitable for most people with cirrhosis.

Aerobic

Begin by including 5 minutes of aerobic activity on 4 days each week. For example, take a walk down the street or in a local mall. If you need to, take short rests (1 minute) either standing still or sitting down.

The goal is to reach and maintain between 3 to 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing stronger but can still carry on a conversation. If you reach 6 or higher on the Borg Scale, take a rest, then resume the activity.

Once you can complete 5 minutes of continuous aerobic activity, increase the session by 1 to 2 minutes.

Remember to listen to your body and take rests if necessary or decrease the duration.

Other examples of aerobic activity are: swimming, cycling, curling, lawn bowling, dancing, cleaning the garage, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and washing the car. Any activity can be “aerobic exercise” providing that the heart rate and breathing are increased.

Muscle strengthening

Resistance exercises improve muscle condition and strength. These exercises target muscle groups in the upper, lower, and middle (torso) of the body.

Each week, do 2 sessions separated by a few days, such as Tuesday & Friday or Thursday & Saturday.

Each session should include 3 exercises, with 1 exercise for each body segment: upper, lower, and middle.
Select different upper and lower body exercises for each session so that all muscle groups are similarly improved.
For each exercise, start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions each. Gradually increase to 3 sets of 15 repetitions.

Once this is achieved, progress to 4 exercises per session.

During this session, aim to reach and maintain levels 3 & 5 on the Borg Scale – breathing moderately but can still talk.

Lateral Arm Raises

(upper body)

Arm Curls

(upper body)

Seated Triceps Extension (without banding)

For Intro level, perform this without using resistance banding. (upper body)

Seated Leg Extensions

(lower body)

Standing Leg Curls

For the Intro level, this can be performed without the resistance banding. (lower body)

Seated Calf Raises

This can be done either seated or lying down. (lower body)

Chair Sit-to-Stand

(middle or torso)

Flexibility

Start with 1 set of 3 repetitions. Hold each stretch for roughly 20 seconds or until you count to 20..

“One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi” and so on..

These should be done twice a week. Can be done after the Muscle Strengthening session, on their own, or combined with a Balance session.

Other stretches that can be performed while seated are: lateral side bends, chest reach, and chair-sit and reach.

Shoulder Stretch

For INTRO, perform the stretch while seated.

Triceps Stretch

For the INTRO level, perform the stretch while seated. The triceps are located in the back of the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow.

Seated Hamstring Stretch

The hamstring muscles run along the back of the thigh between the hip and the knee.

Balance

Start with 1 set of 3 repetitions and these should be done twice per week.

This can be done after a Muscle Strengthening session, combined with a Flexibility session, or its own.

Slow and steady is the rule so that multiple muscle groups are involved in controlling fine, well coordinated movements.

Knee to Chin Raises

This can be modified to a sitting position. When seated and the feet flat on the floor, lift one knee up to the chest. Keep the back straight. Repeat with the other leg. Complete for the recommended number of repetitions.

Example of a weekly intro exercise program

Aerobic: At least 4 times each week, walk continuously for 5-10 minutes. Remember to take a short break if you need to catch your breath!

Muscle strengthening: On 2 different days, do 2 sets of 10 repetitions of each of the following exercises:

Arm curls
Seated calf raises
Chair-sit-to-stands

Flexibility: On 2 different days, perform all stretches 2-3 times lasting 20-30 seconds on each side.

Balance: On 2 different days, perform 3 repetitions of 10 steps each.

Arm curls

Seated Calf Raises

Chair Sit-to-Stands

Useful Links

Canadian Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation

Wellness Toolbox

References:

This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.

Last reviewed March 15, 2021

Cirrhosis Nutrition Info FR

On April 3, 2025 / Patient / Leave a comment

People with cirrhosis need more protein and calories than the average person. If your liver is not working well, you may become tired and weak. Eating enough protein and calories is important if you have cirrhosis because:

your liver may be working harder than usual
you may not be able to store as many nutrients as usual

The information on this page can help you get the nutrition (protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals) you need to stay strong and be able to do the things you need to do every day. It will also help you cut down on the salt (sodium) you eat.

When to Eat

Some people with cirrhosis can find eating quite challenging. Lack of hunger, fluid build-up, and nausea are just some examples of things that may impact your ability to eat. You can improve your food intact by making sure you eat:

breakfast soon after you wake up
every 3 to 4 hours during the day
a snack before bed, and again if you wake in the night

Protein

Everyone needs a different amount of protein. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much is right for you. Start by eating 3 meals and 2–3 snacks each day. Have a bedtime snack every day

Protein in foods

Use the Protein in foods table below to choose:

at least 2–3 servings of protein at each meal, and
at least 1–2 servings of protein at each snack.

Protein in foods

Food	1 serving
Milk products
Milk, kefir, chocolate milk	1 cup (250 mL)
Regular yogurt	3/4 cup (175 mL)
Greek yogurt	1/4 cup (60 mL)
Cheese *	1 0z (30g)
Ricotta or cottage cheese*	1/4 cup (60 mL)
Plant-based protein foods
Hemp seed hearts	2 Tbsp (30 mL)
Nuts and seeds, unsalted	1/4 cup (60 mL)
Nut and seed butters, unsalted	2 Tbsp (30 mL)
Meatless protein, vegetarian ground round	2 Tbsp (30 mL)
Peas, beans, lentils, soft tofu	1/2 cup (125 mL)
Hummus, soybeans (edamame)	1/3 cup (75 mL)
Tempeh	1/4 cup (60 mL)
Firm tofu	1/3 cup (3.5 oz/100g)
Soy beverage**	1 cup (250 mL)
Bread, whole grain	1 slice
Animal protein foods
Fish, chicken turkey, pork, beef, game meats (cooked)	1 oz (30 g)
Eggs	1
Egg whites	2 whites, 1/4 cup (60 mL)
Nutrition supplements
Nutrition supplement drinks, bars, pudding Protein powders Protein bars, shakes	Protein amounts vary. Read nutrition Facts tables on packages.

Meals higher in protein

Add beans or lentils to soups, stews, and sauces.
Melt low salt cheese in soups, sauces, scrambled eggs, and casseroles.
Have cereal with 1 cup of milk at breakfast.

Snacks higher in protein

Add protein powder to hot cereal, smoothies, pudding, and homemade muffins.
Add unsalted nuts, seeds, and wheat germ to cereals, salads, smoothies, or yogurt.
Toast with 2 Tbsp (30 mL) peanut butter.
A muffin with cheese
Fruit and a container of Greek yogurt
A smoothie: banana, milk, protein powder.
Have a nutrition supplement drink.

Talk to your healthcare team about other ways to increase the protein in your diet.

Take a look at this handout for more information about protein and cirrhosis: Eating well with cirrhosis

Sodium (Salt)

Too much sodium can make your body hold on to extra fluid. This fluid can pool in your belly and legs. Swelling in your belly (ascites) can make you feel fuller, quicker. Eating foods with less sodium can help control ascites.

Aim to eat less than 2000 mg of sodium a day.
One teaspoon of salt has about 2300 mg of sodium.
All types of salt contain the same amount of sodium, including table salt, sea salt, and Himalayan salt.

Tips to reduce sodium:

At first, foods may taste bland. Over time, your taste buds get used to less salt.
Don’t add salt to your food while cooking or at the table.
Choose fresh, unprocessed, and homemade foods.
Eat less processed, packaged, or restaurant foods.
Limit condiments and sauces (ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, gravies, salad dressings).
Limit pickled foods, olives, chutneys, and dips.
To boost flavours, try adding spices, seasoning mixes with no salt added, lemon, lime, vinegar, fresh or dry herbs, garlic, or onions

Learn to read food labels

Vitamins and Supplements

People with cirrhosis can be low in some vitamins and minerals. Osteoporosis (weak bones) is common in liver disease. Getting enough vitamin D and calcium will help keep your bones strong.

Every day, take a multivitamin and mineral pill with no iron.
You may be asked to take calcium or vitamin D pills.
Talk to your healthcare team about what kind of supplement is right for you
There are many complementary and alternative medicines that are available that claim to ease the symptoms of liver disease or to reduce your risk of developing liver disease. Most of these medicines are processed by the liver, and can be very dangerous to people with liver problems. To learn more about these medicines, Click Here.

The Importance of Nutrition to Prevent and Treat Low Muscle Mass

The Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide

Our national team of healthcare practitioners specializing in cirrhosis developed a practical “nutrition tool” for patients. With our patients, this became “The Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide” – intended for patients as well as their family and friends.

For personalized nutrition assistance, ask your doctor or get a referral to a registered dietitian. Both types of healthcare practitioners can provide personalized nutrition goals and help you reach them.
To download the complete “Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide” (40 pages) as a .pdf file, click here.

Pour telecharger le guide complet: Nutrition pour la cirrhose (GUIDE DESTINÉ AUX PATIENTS) en français, Cliquez ici.

The Guide was made possible from extensive feedback from patients, and their family & friends, who attend The Cirrhosis Care Clinic (TCCC) at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Funding for the Guide’s creation was obtained from a research grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Alberta Innovates. Alberta Health Services provided protected time to V DenHeyer.

The following organizations provided support in the form of unrestricted educational grants to support the Guide:

Peer review regarding the content and format of the Guide was obtained from registered dietitians (RDs) and gastroenterologists in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. Additional input was obtained from experts across North America and Europe. Thank you for your valuable input and assistance.

If any portion of the Guide is used in research, communications, or patient care, please use the following citation:

Tandon P, DenHeyer V, Ismond KP, Kowalczewski J, Raman M, Eslamparast T, Bémeur C, Rose C. The Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. 2018. pp. 1- 40.

The Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide may be reproduced for non-commercial use as is and in its entirety without further permission. Adaptations, modifications, unofficial translations, and/or commercial use of The Nutrition in Cirrhosis Guide are strictly prohibited without prior permission.

Chapter 1 – Malnutrition

This chapter covers the following topics:

What is malnutrition?
Warning signs of malnutrition
Who is at-risk for malnutrition?
Why are patients with cirrhosis so susceptible?

Who will benefit from reading this chapter?

Any Patient with Cirrhosis
Caregivers
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners

Chapter 2 – What to eat and what to avoid?

This chapter covers the following topics:

What foods to avoid eating? Which foods are good for the liver?
BMI Calculator (Body Mass Index)
Daily calorie intake - what is it and why it is important
Important nutrients: protein & sodium
How and why it's important to track body weight

Who will benefit from this chapter?

Any Patient with Cirrhosis
Caregivers
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners

Chapter 3 - Tips for eating even when not hungry

This chapter includes the following topics:

How to manage fatigue, cooking, and eating
How to cope when getting full after just a few bites
Smart tips for stretching the food budget
How to stick to a regular eating schedule

Who will benefit from reading this chapter?

Any Patient with Cirrhosis
Anyone who prepares food for person living with cirrhosis
Caregivers
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners

Chapter 4 – Recipes

This chapter includes liver-friendly recipes that are:

Nutritious
Easy to prepare & use inexpensive ingredients
Modifiable to accommodate dietary restrictions, tastes & preferences
Weight maintenance & weight loss friendly
Suitable for those with & without cirrhosis

Some recipe examples are:

Baked Chicken Dinner
Salmon Salad
Homemade Banana Muffins - YUM!
Black Bean Soup

Who will benefit from reading this chapter?

Anyone cooking for a Patient with Cirrhosis
Any Patient with Cirrhosis
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners
Anyone looking for easy-to-make, nutritious & delicious recipes!

Chapter 5 – Meal supplements

This chapter includes topics about:

When are meal supplements useful?
Common meal supplement drinks
Which supplement drinks are best for which health conditions

Who will benefit from this chapter?

Any Patient with Cirrhosis with a poor appetite or needing snack ideas
Caregivers
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners

Chapter 6 - Managing weight loss & cirrhosis

This chapter includes sections on:

Diet priorities for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Protein intake - it's a priority!
Tips for reaching daily protein targets
Eating to help the liver & lose weight at the same time - Help?

Who will benefit from this chapter?

All Patients with NAFLD, NASH, or cirrhosis caused by NAFLD or NASH
Caregivers
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners

Chapter 7 - What to expect in the hospital

This chapter includes topics about:

What meals and snacks to expect
I can't follow my usual eating schedule - Help?
What is a "nasogastric (NG) feed"
Why an NG may be prescribed

Who will benefit from reading this chapter?

Any Patient with Cirrhosis who is being admitted to the hospital
Caregivers
Family & Friends
Physicians & Other Healthcare Practitioners

Eating well in hospital

Useful Links

Canadian Liver Foundation
American Liver Foundation

References:

This information is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare team. They know your medical situation best. Always follow your healthcare team’s advice.

References:

Last reviewed March 15, 2021

Nutrition Basics

On July 13, 2023 / Patient

A well-balanced diet can help provide the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your body’s needs and promote overall health. Furthermore, a healthy diet can minimize further damage to the liver, support its function and help manage various complications associated with cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis Nutrition Info

Liver Friendly cooking

Get access to some great tips and tricks to help you eat healthier to support your liver.

Online Patient Education Study

On May 10, 2022 / Patient

Help us improve our educational videos!

On November 9, 2021 / Patient

Do you have cirrhosis? Do you have 10 minutes to make our educational videos better?

Watch a video about living with your condition
Learn important tips, including when to go to emergency and what symptoms to watch out for
Help us test the effect of a video series to improve care for all patients with cirrhosis!

Join The Study

What is the Goal of This Study?

This study is recruiting people with cirrhosis in order to understand if an educational video can help improve knowledge.

The study involves you answering questions to check your knowledge and watching a short video (~5 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I participate in this study?

Participation in this study will help us understand if the educational videos we’ve developed are helpful to improve knowledge for patients with cirrhosis.

What happens to the personal info collected by the study?

The information that you will share will remain strictly confidential and will be used solely for the purposes of this research. All efforts will be made to keep your information as secure as possible, but as this interaction happens online, there is always a risk of the information being exposed. The only people who will have access to the research data are the investigators listed above and their research assistants. Results will be published in pooled (aggregate) format.

How long does the study take to complete?

The surveys and video should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Will I receive any compensation for the study?

You will not receive any compensation from participating in this study. It is possible that you will experience no benefit for participating in this study aside from improving your knowledge about cirrhosis. The feedback you provide will be used to make improvements to the educational materials to help other patients with cirrhosis.

Are there any risks associated with the study?

None anticipated.

Can I withdraw my participation anytime during the study?

You are under no obligation to participate and if you choose to participate, you may refuse to answer questions that you do not want to answer. If you choose to have your data withdrawn from the study, this will be possible only before the data are analyzed. You can email the study email at [email protected] and provide them with the email you enrolled with if you want to have your study data removed.