A new study suggests that even small dietary changes—such as skipping meat in just one meal—can significantly benefit patients with liver disease, particularly those with cirrhosis.
Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine and the Richmond VA Medical Center have found that replacing meat with plant-based proteins in just one meal can lower harmful ammonia levels in people with advanced liver disease.
The Risk of Ammonia in Liver Disease
Ammonia is a toxic byproduct created in the intestines when gut bacteria break down protein. In healthy individuals, the liver processes this ammonia and the kidneys excrete it. However, in patients with cirrhosis, a form of severe liver damage, the liver’s ability to remove ammonia is compromised. This leads to a dangerous buildup in the bloodstream.
High levels of ammonia are linked to hepatic encephalopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects brain function. Symptoms can include confusion, memory loss, delirium, and in severe cases, coma or death.
The Study: One Meal Makes a Difference
To explore how dietary changes might help, researchers observed 30 adults with cirrhosis who typically followed a Western-style diet high in red meat and low in fiber. Participants were randomly assigned to eat one of three burger types—beef/pork, vegan meat substitute, or a vegetarian bean-based burger—each containing 20 grams of protein. The meal also included a whole-grain bun, low-fat potato chips, and water. No condiments or toppings were added.
Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the meal to measure ammonia levels and analyze gut bacteria. The study found that participants who consumed the meat-based burger had higher levels of amino acids linked to ammonia production and hepatic encephalopathy, compared to those who ate the plant-based options.
Expert Commentary
“It was exciting to see that even small changes in your diet, like having one meal without meat once in a while, could benefit your liver by lowering harmful ammonia levels in patients with cirrhosis,” said Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj, a hepatic encephalopathy expert at the Richmond VA Medical Center.
Dr. Bajaj added, “We now need more research to learn if consuming meals without meat can go beyond reducing ammonia to actually preventing brain function issues and slowing liver disease progression.”
Takeaway for Patients
So, does skipping meat in just one meal make a difference? According to the study, the answer is yes. A single plant-based meal can lead to measurable health benefits for people with cirrhosis. Dr. Bajaj emphasized that making positive dietary changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
“We wondered if an occasional change could be an option for these patients. Liver patients with cirrhosis should know that improving their diet doesn’t have to be difficult. Even small, manageable changes can make a meaningful impact,” he said.
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