Liver Diseases

The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body. It plays a major role in processing and storing nutrients, making vital plasma proteins, and purifying the body by filtering out toxins. Blood leaving the intestine goes directly to the liver for filtering. This is why overuse of alcohol, certain drugs like Tylenol, and some antibiotics can cause liver damage.

Liver diseases include Wilson's disease (a copper retention syndrome), hepatitis (liver inflammation), cirrhosis (circulatory problems), and hepatic cancers. The type of diet required by people with liver disease depends on their overall health, the disease itself, and the degree of liver function impairment. The major goal of diets for liver disease is to support health while making the liver do as little as possible. Easily-digestible, high quality fresh foods are the foundations of such a diet.

Kidney Diseases

Kidney diseases impact your body's ability to process protein, maintain an appropriate balance of body salts and fluid, and clear toxins from your blood steam. The type of diet you will be asked to follow will depend on the source of your kidney problems and how well your kidneys are functioning. Diets for kidney disease involve reducing protein, phosphorus, and sodium intake and monitoring saturated fat consumption. Diets designed to treat kidney disease are complex and require special planning. An IMC Center for Nutrition & Weight Management dietitian will work closely with you and the physician managing your kidney health to ensure you meet your nutritional needs while preserving kidney function.