Liver Damage

I've heard foods high in fructose can put strain on the liver, but your friend might need to consult a doctor or nutritionist for more in depth information.

By "damage," I'm assuming you mean that she has developed cirrhosis? I, too, have a failing liver, but mine is the result of two faulty heart valves which went undiagnosed until they caused heart failure, and the heart failure in turn in causing liver dysfunction, specifically in terms of metabolizing protein. So, I have to restrict protein to avoid having unprocessed protein in my blood, which causes kidney damage. But not everyone who has a liver problem has to restrict protein. For some conditions, like fatty liver, a higher-protein diet is the way to go. I would advise her to see a liver specialist, if she hasn't already, and then see a dietitian.

But in general, liver dysfunction causes fluid retention, especially in the abdomen, which can be very dangerous. She should cut her sodium intake immediately, as much as possible, especially if she has already developed cirrhosis. I was never one to add salt to food, but I did have to ditch canned/processed/frozen foods (Which is pretty much all I used to eat) and start doing my own cooking so that I could control the ingredients...but I've found that I actually enjoy it. Liver dysfunction will often also cause increased blood pressure within the liver itself, called portal hypertension, which is also very dangerous. Reducing sodium will help with this. Giving up caffeine (which raises BP throughout the body) would also be an excellent thing to do. I did that back this past fall, when I thought the heart palpitations/arrhythmia I was having was caused by caffeine. That wasn't the case, for me, but I will say I don't miss caffeine one bit, although the withdrawal was awful.

As for stuff to eat...I'm not really sure. My dietitian didn't specifically didn't say to eat certain things, only to avoid certain things (like sodium, for both my liver and my heart) and to eat healthily in general. I did have to give up all animal products because of my protein issue (Plant proteins are easier for the liver to work with), but that's specific to my condition. I don't know a whole lot about hepatitis. So, like I said, I suggest a good dietitian.

There are some herbs that are said to be beneficial to the liver, like milk thistle, but when I asked my dietitian about that, she said that wouldn't be good for me. I think they might work better to prevent damage that to do anything for damage that has already happened.

Anyway, your friend will be in my thoughts. Liver issues are no fun at all.