Gilbert's syndrome is a common genetic disorder that can cause jaundice, a condition in which the large amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream causes the eyes and skin to turn yellow. Jaundice will generally not lead to any problems. It will come and go; no treatment is available or even necessary. However, certain situations can trigger it.
What is Gilbert's Syndrome?
Gilbert's syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects approximately 8 percent of the population, men more than women. This disorder develops if you have a mutation in an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase, also known as UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. Cells use enzymes to speed up the reaction, and liver cells use this enzyme to bind bilirubin to a substance called glucuronic acid.
The normal lifespan of a red blood cell is 120 days. After that time, the red blood cells break down and the hemoglobin, which the cell used to carry oxygen, turns into bilirubin; Bilirubin binds to an albumin protein and is sent through the bloodstream to the liver. Once inside the liver, the albumin protein leaves bilirubin, and glucuronyl transferase helps bind bilirubin to glucuronic acid. Bilirubin is now soluble in water; that is, it can now be dissolved in water.
In Gilbert's syndrome, with the mutated glucuronyl transferase enzyme, part of the bilirubin does not bind to glucuronic acid to become soluble in water, so a greater amount of bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream. The normal blood bilirubin range is 0.1 to 1.2 mg / dL. If you have this syndrome, bilirubin can be as high as 3 mg / dL, but it fluctuates and can rise to 5 mg / dL as a result of fatigue, illness, stress, alcohol consumption and not eating enough calories. Therefore, the only "food" to avoid is alcohol.
Should you avoid any food?
Experts don't list any foods to avoid. Instead, they recommend eating healthy and making sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. They also advise that you don't skip any food, but rather eat routinely throughout the day on a schedule, being careful to have enough calories each day and not fast. In addition to food recommendations, because stress can trigger an increase in bilirubin levels, they advise learning to manage stress with quiet moments of meditation or exercise.
One of the largest organs in your body, the liver is responsible for converting the nutrients in the food you eat into substances you can use, cleaning the blood of toxic waste and storing energy. It is important that you keep the liver in perfect condition for your health. Gilbert's syndrome does not lead to liver disease , but eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your liver healthy and prevent harmful effects. A good diet for a healthy liver includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein (such as poultry, seafood, and tofu), low-fat dairy, and healthy fats (olive oil and avocados).
Eat fiber-rich foods
Experts recommend including plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet to keep your liver healthy. Good dietary sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Getting more fiber in your diet is not only good for the liver but also for the heart and digestive system. Men need 30 to 38 grams of fiber a day and women 21 to 25 grams daily. When you increase the fiber in your diet, do it slowly to avoid gas and abdominal pain.
Don't forget the importance of drinking water
Dehydration, which occurs when the body does not have enough water to carry out its normal functions, can also trigger Gilbert's syndrome. The amount you need to drink to stay hydrated varies and depends on the weather, exercise, and diet. In general, 1 liter of water per day is needed for every 25 kilos of body weight. In addition to water, you can meet fluid needs by drinking 100% fruit or vegetable juices, unsweetened decaffeinated tea, skim milk, or fortified soy milk. It's also important to make sure you drink enough when you increase your fiber intake.
