Every patient does not expect liver cancer to return, but the reality is that regardless of surgical resection or medical treatment with alcohol injection or electroablation, the recurrence rate is on the rise year by year. In the face of liver cancer, it is a long-term battle. Patients should keep good physical strength and get enough nutrition. Generally speaking, high-protein and low-fat diet is recommended as the principle.

Generally, patients should eat 4-6 meals of foods containing carbohydrates and protein every day. Avoid drinking alcohol and eating foods containing too much fat. In the face of repeated recurrence and treatment, adequate protein should be supplemented to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration (1.2-1.3g of protein is required for every kilogram of body weight), and appropriate lipids should be given (which can be controlled below 30% of total calories. If you have steatorrhea or fat malabsorption, consider using oils with medium-chain fatty acids, such as coconut oil). Adequate carbohydrate intake provides sufficient calories for metabolic utilization

Limit fat intake

Because the hepatocytes’ function of secreting bile is reduced, the digestion and absorption of fat in food are affected. If the intake of fat is not limited at this point, there may be dyspepsia and increase the burden on the liver.

Eat several small meals a day

After treatment, there are symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal fullness, nausea, upper abdominal pain and so on. It is advisable to eat several small meals a day with nutritious, small or concentrated foods such as cheese, pudding, steamed eggs, etc. If eating condition is not good, consider tube feeding.

Eat a low-salt diet and limit water intake

As the disease progresses, the patient may have symptoms of edema or ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, gingival bleeding and subcutaneous bleeding. It is advisable to adopt a low-salt diet and limit the total amount of water to avoid the accumulation of water and salt in the body. Eat foods rich in vitamin B, C and K related to hematopoiesis, such as yeast, dairy products, green vegetables, citrus fruits, lean meat and animal liver. Avoid salty foods, such as processed or preserved foods.

Give a soft or liquid diet if necessary

Liver cancer patients with esophageal varices should avoid eating foods that are rough, hard, bulky, deep fried or fried. At the same time, they must chew slowly and eat a soft or liquid diet when necessary. Patients with bleeding esophageal varices should try to follow a soft and digestible bland diet in small meals.

Appropriate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables to increase fiber intake

If the detoxification function of the liver is affected, the accumulated ammonia and other toxins in the body cannot be discharged, and the toxins run to the brain, which has resulted in hepatic encephalopathy, leading to hepatic coma, while fresh vegetables and fruits should be appropriately ingested to increase fiber intake. A patient's smooth defecation helps relieve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, and helps remove metabolic wastes.