Liver Disease Treatment: 8 Options & Natural Remedies

Liver disease treatment may include rest, medication, dietary changes, regular exercise, or physical therapy when needed. In some cases, surgery may be recommended depending on the type and severity of the liver disease.

Liver disease should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed because some conditions can worsen over time. Symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, pain on the right side of the abdomen, abdominal swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, and itching.

Treatment should be supervised by a gastroenterologist or hepatologist and may be provided at home or in the hospital, depending on the severity of the condition. Hospital treatment may include IV fluids, drainage of excess abdominal fluid, or medications given through a vein.

Treatment options

Treatment options for liver disease vary depending on the cause and severity. A doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment for each person.

1. Rest

Rest may be recommended for acute liver inflammation, such as hepatitis A, especially when symptoms such as fatigue are present. Rest can help support the body during recovery.

It is also important to drink enough fluids throughout the day, such as water or other unsweetened beverages, to help prevent dehydration.

2. Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly, and losing weight when recommended, may be part of liver disease treatment, particularly for fatty liver disease.

According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), weight loss, dietary changes, and regular physical activity are key measures for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

These changes can help reduce liver fat and improve metabolic health.

3. Dietary changes

Dietary changes, such as limiting foods high in saturated fat or added sugar and increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods, can be important for managing fatty liver disease and gallbladder conditions.

Read more about a fatty liver diet to help ease symptoms and prevent complications. 

4. Medications

A doctor may prescribe medications to treat certain liver diseases, including:

• Antiviral medications for hepatitis B or C

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections, such as a liver abscess

• Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune hepatitis

• Statins, to treat certain forms of fatty liver disease

• Treatments to reduce excess iron, such as therapeutic phlebotomy for hereditary hemochromatosis

In addition, a doctor may prescribe medications to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, or hypothyroidism when these conditions contribute to overall health problems or liver disease. Regular follow-up appointments and laboratory tests may be needed to monitor the condition and adjust treatment.

5. Paracentesis

Abdominal fluid drainage, known as paracentesis, may be performed in a hospital or outpatient medical setting using local anesthesia. During the procedure, a needle or catheter is inserted into the abdomen to remove excess fluid caused by ascites.

This treatment may be used when a large amount of fluid builds up in the abdomen or when medications and dietary measures have not adequately controlled the ascites.

6. Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when gallstones block the bile ducts or when part of the liver needs to be removed because of a tumor or another localized abnormality.

Also recommended: Gallbladder Removal: Indications, Procedure & Recovery tuasaude.com/en/gallbladder-removal

7. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer treatments may be recommended for liver cancer. The treatment selected depends on the type and stage of cancer, liver function, and the person's overall health.

8. Liver transplant

A liver transplant may be considered when severe liver disease causes the liver to stop functioning adequately. This may occur with advanced cirrhosis or liver failure caused by conditions such as alcohol-associated liver disease, chronic hepatitis B or C, or certain bile duct diseases.

Liver transplantation may also be considered for selected people with liver cancer.

What to eat and avoid

Nutrition is an important part of liver disease treatment because it can help support overall health and normal liver function. The most appropriate diet depends on the specific liver condition and the person's nutritional needs.

1. What to eat

A balanced diet for people with liver disease may include:

• Fish

• Skinless chicken

• Salads

• Fresh or cooked fruit

• Whole grains or other complex carbohydrates

• Beans and legumes

• Vegetables, especially leafy greens

Adequate fluid intake is also important for many people with liver disease. However, fluid needs vary, and people with advanced liver disease, severe ascites, or low sodium may need individualized guidance from their healthcare team.

2. What to limit or avoid

Depending on the type of liver disease, foods and drinks that may need to be limited or avoided include:

• Foods high in saturated or trans fat

• Sugary drinks

• Fried foods

• Foods high in added sugar

• Foods high in sodium

• Highly processed foods

• Processed meats

• Foods or supplements specifically restricted by a doctor or registered dietitian

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), people with cirrhosis should completely avoid alcohol because it can cause further liver damage.

Natural treatments

Natural treatment for liver disease may include milk thistle capsules, which are sold as dietary supplements, or milk thistle tea, under a doctor's guidance. Milk thistle has traditionally been used to support liver health, but it should not replace medications or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.

To make milk thistle tea, add 1 tablespoon of dried milk thistle leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. The tea can be consumed about 3 times a day.