Going meatless for one meal may benefit liver patients, finds study
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Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center reported that just one meal without meat can lower harmful ammonia levels in people with advanced liver disease.
High levels of ammonia in the blood are linked to cirrhosis and a type of cognitive decline called hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia levels are also known to be influenced by factors such as gut bacteria and diet. While earlier studies hinted at the benefits of a vegetarian diet for those with cognitive problems caused by cirrhosis, implementing long-term dietary changes can be challenging for patients to make and sustain. Further research is still needed to investigate the impact of vegan diets on cirrhosis and ammonia.
The study, published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, found that even a single meatless meal eaten by patients with cirrhosis generates less harmful ammonia.
In the study, researchers examined 30 adults with cirrhosis who typically consumed meat. They divided them into three groups to consume different types of burgers: pork/beef, vegan meat substitute, and vegetarian bean. Each burger provided 20 grams of protein, similar to a typical Western meal. Participants also had low-fat potato chips, a whole-grain bun, and water, without any condiments. Despite similar gut bacteria profiles initially, meal type appeared to influence ammonia levels differently, as observed in blood and urine samples taken before and after meals.
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