Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and the whites of the eyes caused by high bilirubin levels in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). This jaundice meaning is a phrase derived from the French word jaune, which means yellow. Jaundice is a symptom of an underlying disease rather than a sickness in and of itself.
When the level of bilirubin in the blood exceeds 2.5-3 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), it is called jaundice. Adults can get jaundice due to a variety of medical disorders, some of which are significant and potentially fatal. Any adult who develops jaundice should receive a thorough medical examination to discover the cause. Meanwhile, neonatal jaundice, a disorder that affects neonates, is usually a benign condition that resolves without causing long-term consequences.
What Are The Symptoms And Indicators Of Jaundice In Adults?
As previously stated, jaundice is a symptom of an underlying disease process rather than a disease itself. Jaundice causes a yellow coloring of the skin that can range from mild to severe, as well as yellowing of the mucous membranes and the whites of the eyes. Individuals may suffer varied symptoms based on the underlying cause of jaundice. Some people may have very little symptoms, if any at all, while others may have more severe and prominent symptoms. Any of the following signs and symptoms can occur in people who have jaundice.
- Stools with a light color palette
- Urine with a dark color
- Itching on the skin
- Vomiting and nausea
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Chills and fever
- Weakness
- Loss of weight
- Appetite loss
- Confusion
- Pain in the abdomen
- Headache
- Leg swelling
- Swelling and distension of the abdomen as a result of fluid accumulation (ascites)
What Foods Should You And Should You Not Eat?
- At least eight glasses of water should be consumed each day. Water and herbal tea are both good choices.
- Consider including milk thistle in your daily regimen. You can make a fresh tea with the seeds or eat them as a snack.
- Choose fruits that are high in digestive enzymes, such as papaya and mango. Every day, consume at least 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit.
- Look for high-fiber foods such as oatmeal, cherries, and almonds.
- Avoid alcohol entirely as it might harm your liver even more.
- Choose lean proteins such as fish, which are less likely to harm your liver. Saturated fats, such as those found in meat, are also more difficult to digest by your liver. Olive oil, for example, is an example of an unsaturated fat that can be used in moderation.
- Refined sugar can induce fat accumulation in the liver, so choose foods with natural sugars instead. To fulfill your sweet tooth, use agave as a sweetener and fruits as a dessert.
- Avoid canned and processed meals to lower your salt intake.
Healthy Eating Tips And Tricks!
- Keeping a food journal is an excellent way to get started and stay on track with a jaundice-fighting diet. Make a list of everything you consume, including what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat it. You should also pay attention to how you feel after eating, as certain foods may exacerbate your symptoms.
- Rather than three huge meals, eat short, regular meals.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Use no sugar in your coffee or tea.
- Low-fat milk and cream can be substituted for full milk and cream.
- Experiment with different flavorings instead of using table salt. Spices, extracts, and lemon or lime juice are all examples of this.
- Low-calorie mocktails can replace alcoholic beverages.
An accumulation of bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice. Part of how long it takes to clear out of your system is determined by its fundamental cause. Jaundice can be relieved and prevented with a healthy, well-balanced diet that supports liver health. Consult your doctor or a dietician if you have any concerns. They can give you specific advice on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid.
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