Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Primary Biliary Cholangitis (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis)

What should I eat if I have primary biliary cholangitis?

Good nutrition is important in all stages of primary biliary cholangitis.

You should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Good nutrition is important in all stages of primary biliary cholangitis to help your liver work properly and manage complications.

Your doctor can recommend a healthy eating plan that is well-balanced and provides enough calories and nutrients. Your doctor may recommend that you eat foods high in calcium and vitamin D or take dietary supplements of these nutrients to help prevent osteoporosis. If you have low levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, or K, your doctor may also recommend supplements of these vitamins. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the type and amount of vitamins you should take.

What foods should I avoid eating if I have primary biliary cholangitis?

You should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, fish, meat, and unpasteurized milk. Bacteria or viruses from these foods may cause severe infections in people with liver disease.

If you have primary biliary cholangitis, your doctor will recommend that you quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol or, at least, limit your intake. If you have primary biliary cholangitis and cirrhosis, you should completely stop drinking alcohol.