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Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, primarily due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. It’s often a sign of liver dysfunction, caused by hepatitis, infections, alcohol abuse, gallbladder issues, or even certain medications. A well-planned diet plays a crucial role in supporting liver health and speeding up recovery. There is a debate regarding what to eat and avoid if suffering from jaundice and having to recover faster! In this blog, we’ll focus on the best foods to eat and avoid for jaundice, especially suited to the Indian palate.
Synopsis
Why Is Diet Important in Jaundice?
During jaundice, the liver is under stress and needs rest and detox support. The right foods can:
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Aid digestion
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Reduce liver inflammation
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Support detoxification
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Restore energy and nutrients
What Foods to Eat in Jaundice?
Here are the best liver-friendly foods to include in your daily diet:
1. Light, Easily Digestible Foods
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Khichdi (moong dal + rice with minimal ghee)
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Dalia (broken wheat porridge)
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Idli with coconut chutney (no spicy sambar)
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Steamed vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki), carrot, and pumpkin
Ideal Jaundice Diet Chart:
|
Time |
Meal |
Recommended Foods |
|
6:30 – 7:30 AM |
Early Morning |
- Warm water with lemon |
|
8:00 – 9:00 AM |
Breakfast |
- Moong dal chilla |
|
10:30 – 11:30 AM |
Mid-Morning Snack |
- Buttermilk (chaas) with jeera |
|
12:30 – 1:30 PM |
Lunch |
- Steamed rice or soft phulka |
|
4:00 – 5:00 PM |
Evening Snack |
- Roasted puffed rice (murmura) |
|
7:00 – 8:00 PM |
Dinner |
- Khichdi (moong dal + rice) |
|
9:00 – 9:30 PM |
Before Bed |
- Warm water |
2. Fresh Fruits (Rich in Antioxidants)
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Papaya – aids digestion and liver detox
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Apples – high in fibre and liver-friendly
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Pomegranate (anar) – boosts immunity
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Bananas – gentle on the stomach, energy-rich
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Avoid fruit juices with added sugar or packaged juices.
3. Hydrating Fluids
During jaundice, hydrating fluids play a critical role in flushing out toxins, supporting liver function, and maintaining electrolyte balance. The liver is under stress, and hydration helps it process and eliminate excess bilirubin more effectively.
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Coconut Water
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Sugarcane Juice (only when advised by a doctor – good for the liver but not suitable for all)
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Lemon Water with a pinch of rock salt
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Buttermilk (Chaas) – improves digestion
4. Protein (in moderation)
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Moong Dal and Masoor Dal – light and easy to digest
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Boiled Eggs (optional – only if liver enzymes are not severely elevated)
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Tofu or Paneer (light quantities)
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Avoid heavy dals like chana dal or rajma initially.
5. Natural Liver-Healers
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Turmeric – add a pinch to warm water or milk
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Garlic – has detoxifying properties (use in cooking)
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Beetroot – helps cleanse the liver (boiled or in soups)
Read our Blog: 10 Warning Signs of Acute Liver Disease You Should Not Ignore
Foods to Avoid During Jaundice
The liver helps digest fats and detoxify chemicals. Fatty, fried, or spicy foods overload it, slowing recovery. Processed foods, alcohol, and sugary drinks contain additives and toxins that a weakened liver struggles to break down. Jaundice can be accompanied by nausea and poor digestion. Avoiding rich or greasy foods helps reduce symptoms. Caffeine and salty foods can contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, worsening fatigue and weakness. A liver-friendly diet that’s low in fat and high in easily digestible nutrients aids faster regeneration of liver cells. A poor diet for a jaundice patient can exacerbate liver inflammation, increase bilirubin levels, and lead to complications like hepatic encephalopathy; hence, it is best to avoid foods that stress the liver or are difficult to digest:
1. Oily and Fried Foods
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Pakoras, samosas, puris, and fried snacks
2. Spicy and Masala-Heavy Foods
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Avoid gravies with garam masala, red chilli powder, and too much oil
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Stay away from restaurant food
3. Non-Vegetarian Foods
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Mutton, chicken, and seafood are hard on the liver; hence, they should not be a part of the diet for jaundice recovery.
- Also, avoid liver and kidney meats (organ meats)
4. Sugary and Processed Foods
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Biscuits, cakes, packaged snacks, and cold drinks
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Avoid excessive jaggery, mithai, and desserts
5. Alcohol and Tobacco
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Strictly avoid alcohol in any form—it’s toxic for the liver
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Tobacco also slows down healing
Consult gastroenterology department in Gurugram for expert treatment and care.
Conclusion
Recovering from jaundice requires rest, hydration, and a gentle diet that supports liver function. Indian foods, when chosen wisely, can be incredibly healing. Stick to light, home-cooked meals, stay away from spice and grease, and keep yourself well-hydrated. By avoiding fatty, processed, and spicy foods and focusing on light, easily digestible meals rich in fluids, natural sugars, and essential nutrients, patients can ease the burden on their liver and promote healing. A well-planned jaundice diet—especially one rooted in fresh, home-cooked Indian foods like khichdi, fruits, moong dal, and coconut water—can make a significant difference in recovery. Always consult with our dietitian or gastroenterologist in Gurgaon to personalise your diet based on the severity of your condition.
FAQ's
It’s best to avoid or minimise ghee and oils during jaundice, especially in the early stages. The liver is already under stress and cannot digest fats efficiently. Stick to steamed, boiled, or lightly sautéed food with very minimal oil.
Yes, sugarcane juice is traditionally recommended, as it’s considered beneficial for the liver. However, it should be:
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Freshly extracted
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Uncontaminated and clean
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Consumed in moderation
Always check with a doctor before drinking it, especially in severe cases or for diabetic patients
It’s best to avoid non-vegetarian foods like chicken, mutton, or fish during jaundice, especially in the initial recovery phase. They are harder to digest and put stress on the liver. Boiled eggs (egg whites only) may be introduced later under medical supervision if protein is needed.
Yes, but choose light dals like:
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Moong dal
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Masoor dal
Avoid heavy pulses like chana dal, toor dal, and rajma during the initial phase, as they can be difficult to digest.
Yes, fruits are encouraged!
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Bananas are gentle on the stomach and provide energy.
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Mangoes (in moderation) are fine during the recovery stage, but should be avoided if digestion is weak or if advised by a doctor.
Stick to easily digestible fruits like papaya, apple, pomegranate, and citrus fruits (like sweet lime).
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