What dietary adjustment is crucial for managing hepatic disease in older adults?

Reducing sodium intake is crucial for managing hepatic disease in older adults because sodium can contribute to fluid retention and exacerbate conditions like ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity commonly seen in liver disease. Excess sodium can lead to increased blood pressure and further strain the liver, ultimately impacting its ability to function effectively.

In hepatic disease, particularly cirrhosis, the liver’s capacity to process and eliminate sodium may be compromised. Therefore, a reduced sodium diet helps in managing symptoms and preventing complications related to fluid overload. This dietary change is essential to support overall health and may improve the quality of life for older adults with hepatic conditions.

While increasing fiber intake can be beneficial for digestive health, and hydration is important for overall wellness, those factors do not specifically target the complications associated with hepatic disease in the same way that sodium reduction does. Limiting protein intake can also be a consideration in hepatic disease, especially when hepatic encephalopathy is present, but it is not as universally applicable or as crucial in the management of hepatic disease compared to reducing sodium.