Foods to Avoid During Jaundice Recovery
Discover which foods to avoid during jaundice recovery to support liver healing. Learn about dietary restrictions, harmful ingredients, and tips for a liver-friendly diet.
Jaundice is a condition where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It often occurs when the liver is unable to process bilirubin efficiently, which can happen due to infections (like hepatitis), liver damage, or other underlying conditions. Recovery from jaundice requires rest, proper hydration, and a carefully planned diet to support liver function and avoid further strain.
Eating the wrong foods during this time can slow down recovery or even worsen symptoms. Here’s a guide on what foods to avoid while recovering from jaundice and what you should eat instead.
Foods to Avoid During Jaundice Recovery
1. Fatty and Fried Foods
Fried foods like chips, samosas, and deep-fried snacks are high in unhealthy fats, which make the liver work harder to process them. Since the liver is already weakened during jaundice, consuming fatty foods can lead to indigestion and bloating.
What to avoid:
Deep-fried snacks (pakoras, fries, fried chicken)
Butter, ghee, and margarine in excess
Heavy cream and full-fat dairy
2. Spicy and Processed Foods
Spicy foods can irritate the digestive system, leading to discomfort, acid reflux, and nausea—common issues during jaundice. Processed foods (like instant noodles, canned soups, and ready-to-eat meals) contain preservatives and artificial flavours that burden the liver.
What to avoid:
Hot peppers, excessive garlic, and strong spices
Packaged snacks (chips, instant noodles, processed meats)
Pickles and overly tangy foods
3. Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks
Alcohol is toxic to the liver and can worsen jaundice by increasing liver inflammation. Caffeinated drinks (coffee, strong tea, energy drinks) can dehydrate the body, making it harder for the liver to flush out toxins.
What to avoid:
Beer, wine, whiskey, and all alcoholic beverages
Excess coffee and strong tea
Carbonated sodas (high in sugar and caffeine)
Consult Top Nutritionists For A Personalised Diet
4. Sugary and Refined Foods
High sugar intake (from sweets, desserts, and sugary drinks) can lead to fatty liver and insulin resistance, slowing recovery. Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries, maida-based foods) lack fibre and nutrients, making digestion sluggish.
What to avoid:
Candies, chocolates, and sugary desserts
White bread, pasta, and pastries
Sweetened juices and soft drinks
5. Red Meat and High-Protein Foods (in excess)
While protein is essential for healing, excessive intake—especially from red meat—can be hard to digest and may strain the liver. Instead, opt for lighter protein sources like lentils, tofu, and lean chicken.
What to avoid:
Beef, pork, and fatty cuts of meat
Heavy protein supplements (unless advised by a doctor)
6. Raw or Undercooked Foods
Raw foods (like sushi, undercooked eggs, or unpasteurized dairy) may contain harmful bacteria, increasing infection risk when the immune system is weak.
What to avoid:
Raw seafood (sushi, oysters)
Undercooked eggs or meat
Unpasteurized milk and cheese
What to Eat Instead for Faster Recovery
To help your liver heal, focus on:
Hydration: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, and herbal teas.
Fresh fruits & vegetables: Papaya, apples, beetroot, and leafy greens help detoxify.
Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, and whole wheat provide fibre.
Lean proteins: Moong dal, tofu, and boiled eggs (in moderation).
Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, and olive oil (in small amounts).
Final Tips for Jaundice Recovery
Eat small, frequent meals to ease digestion.
Avoid skipping meals to maintain energy levels.
Get enough rest and avoid strenuous activities.
Follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications.
If jaundice symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor immediately. You can book a liver function test or a specialist consultation on Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance.
Would you like personalised dietary advice for jaundice recovery? Schedule a consultation with a nutritionist or hepatologist today on Apollo 24|7 for expert care.
Consult Top Nutritionists
Consult Top Nutritionists For A Personalised Diet
Dr. Bhukya Pavan Kalyan
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS DNB Paediatrics
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Ramalinga Reddy
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS MD General medicine
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dt. Ila Sharma
Clinical Nutritionist
18 Years • Master in food & Nutrition
Gurugram
VIPUL GREENS - SOCIETY CLINIC, Gurugram
Dr Sumanth R
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Sasikamalam
General Practitioner
1 Years • MBBS
COIMBATORE
Apollo Sugar Clinic Coimbatore, COIMBATORE
Consult Top Nutritionists
Dr. Bhukya Pavan Kalyan
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS DNB Paediatrics
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Ramalinga Reddy
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS MD General medicine
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dt. Ila Sharma
Clinical Nutritionist
18 Years • Master in food & Nutrition
Gurugram
VIPUL GREENS - SOCIETY CLINIC, Gurugram
Dr Sumanth R
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Sasikamalam
General Practitioner
1 Years • MBBS
COIMBATORE
Apollo Sugar Clinic Coimbatore, COIMBATORE
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