What Food to Eat in Jaundice -Complete Diet Guide

Jaundice is a condition caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. In medical terms, bilirubin is a yellow pigment released during the breakdown of red blood cells. When there’s too much of it, your skin, eyes, and gums may turn yellow. Normally, the liver filters bilirubin from the blood, but during jaundice, the liver becomes damaged or overloaded, leading to a buildup of bilirubin.

Common Symptoms of Jaundice

• Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: The most visible sign, caused by excess bilirubin.
• Dark Urine: Bilirubin in the urine gives it a dark yellow or brown colour.
• Pale or Clay Colored Stools: Lack of bilirubin in the intestines causes light-colored stools.
• Itchy Skin: Due to bile salt deposition under the skin.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Common in liver-related illnesses.
• Abdominal Pain and Swelling: Especially in the upper right abdomen, indicating liver or bile duct problems.

While medical treatment is essential, your diet plays an equally crucial role in jaundice recovery. The right food for jaundice patients can help strengthen the liver, detoxify the body, and speed up healing.

What’s the Role of Diet in Jaundice Recovery?

A balanced diet is one of the best natural approaches to treating jaundice. The liver produces bile to help digest fats and process nutrients, toxins, and medications from what we eat or drink. Some foods are easier for the liver to handle, while others, like alcohol or processed items, can cause further damage.

This article will help you determine which foods to eat in jaundice for a speedy, natural recovery.

Top Foods to Eat in Jaundice

Berries

During jaundice, your body needs more antioxidants and fibre to support liver repair and detoxification. Adding blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to your meals or snacks can be highly beneficial. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and fibre, which help flush out toxins and reduce oxidative stress on the liver.

Eating these fruits also helps in digestion and keeps you energised while recovering, as they are considered the best food for jaundice. For the best results, you can add them fresh to smoothies, salads, or as a light snack to naturally boost your liver health.

Nuts

Nuts are rich in healthy unsaturated fats and make an excellent addition to a liver-friendly diet. A study shows that eating 28 grams of walnuts daily as part of a Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, making walnuts a great food for jaundice patients. Another study also found that diets higher in nuts are linked to a reduced risk of liver-related issues, particularly among men.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest fats and is a great addition to a liver-friendly diet. During jaundice, the liver becomes stressed and struggles to process fats, so it’s important to limit their intake. However, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are much easier on the liver compared to saturated fats from animal products. Using olive oil in moderation supports digestion and provides essential nutrients without placing extra strain on the liver.

Tea

When it comes to food to eat with jaundice, tea is the one that you should never forget. Containing compounds called catechins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, these compounds aid in lowering non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In addition to jaundice, consuming green tea may also help prevent liver cancer. However, if you are looking for other supplements, it is better to stick with green tea, as excess supplements can further damage the liver.

Grapes

Much like berries, grapes are rich in fibre and antioxidants, particularly resveratrol, which is known for its liver-protective properties. Including grapes in your diet may help prevent further liver damage, especially in individuals dealing with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver condition. Studies suggest that regular consumption of grapes can help reduce liver inflammation and support overall liver function. Enjoying a handful of fresh grapes daily can be a simple and refreshing way to boost liver health during jaundice recovery.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

When deciding what food to eat in jaundice, certain fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and fibre can help protect the liver, boost metabolism, and aid digestion. According to the Liver Foundation, some of the best fruits and vegetables to include in your diet are:
Citrus fruits, including limes and lemons, are recommended for consumption.

• Avocados and Olives
• Tomatoes
• Carrots, beets, and turnips
• Papayas and Melons
• Ginger and garlic
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
• Spinach and Collard Greens

Right Hydration Level

Staying hydrated is considered one of the best ways to recover from jaundice. Water plays an important role in it by easing digestion and helping the liver and kidneys flush out toxins. To maintain the right hydration level, water and drinks with beneficial nutrients and no added sugars, like milk, should be consumed rather than sugary drinks. It is suggested to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, and fresh lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice can also be added as an antioxidant.

Papaya and Papaya Leaves

Papaya is a powerhouse of nutrients and digestive enzymes like papain that help break down proteins and ease digestion, reducing the burden on a weakened liver during jaundice. High water and fibre content also help flush toxins from your body. The juice of papaya leaves is equally beneficial, as it supports liver detoxification, boosts platelet count, and enhances overall liver function.

Regular consumption of ripe papaya or drinking diluted papaya leaf juice can help speed recovery, improve digestion, and maintain energy levels when the liver is under stress.

Healthy Fats

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered healthy fats as they help maintain balanced cholesterol levels and support overall liver health. During jaundice, the liver’s ability to process fats becomes impaired, so it’s important to choose light and easily digestible fat sources. Healthy fats like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and avocados provide essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and promote liver cell repair.

Also, oily fish like salmon and mackerel contain polyunsaturated fats, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, which help prevent serious health conditions such as NAFLD and liver cancer.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important food to eat in jaundice because they are rich in fibre and plant-based antioxidants like phenolic acid. Options such as wheat, oats, brown rice, quinoa, and rye support healthy digestion and improve liver function. Research also shows that whole-grain diets reduce the risk of chronic liver disease.

Lean Protein

Lean proteins like tofu, legumes, poultry, and fish are the ideal jaundice food to eat for maintaining energy and muscle mass without burdening the liver. They provide essential amino acids for recovery while avoiding excess fats found in red or processed meats. Always opt for steamed, boiled, or grilled forms to keep meals light and liver-friendly.

Jaundice often results from poor liver health, which can be linked to excessive alcohol use and inadequate nutrition. To recover effectively, it’s important to focus on light, nutrient-rich, and easily digestible foods during jaundice. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can naturally support liver healing.

Staying hydrated and choosing the right foods for jaundice will help restore energy and overall wellness. Always seek advice from your doctor or a nutritionist before making major dietary changes to ensure they suit your health condition.