Although there has been no research into ICP and diet there is some anecdotal (not scientifically proven) evidence to suggest that it may help women who have the condition to follow a healthy eating plan. This should not however replace any treatment and management plan that may have been implemented by doctors such as the medicine Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA or Actigall) and early delivery around 37-38 weeks.

Eating foods high in fat increases the levels of bile acids which may eventually filter into the bloodstream. Cutting the unhealthy (saturated) fat content in the diet may decrease bile acid levels and in theory, may help the liver to work more efficiently. Below is a list of things that some women have found helpful or to take during their ICP pregnancy together with some tips from a book and internet article that I researched.

Please note that to confirm if diet does help, a formal research trial would need to be conducted which has not yet taken place. As many doctors advise, it is important to eat healthy in pregnancy. Please keep in mind it is equally important that you do not place too much pressure on yourself to follow a strict diet which could result in increasing your anxiety levels that is also not good for you.

You should consult your Doctor if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes as they will have already been giving you dietary advice and will need to see and approve this information.

Please consult with your doctor before implementing any diet changes.

• Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Drink eight to twelve glasses of water daily as this helps to cleanse the liver
• Squeeze a half or whole lemon in a cup of warm water and drink it. Lemon is very good for the liver to detoxify it
• Nutritionists seem to suggest that eating vegetables with deep bright pigments is good for you. Vegetables like this include orange, yellow, red and green colors such as carrot, beet, broccoli, red and green cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkin, mushroom, potatoes, yams, avocado, olives, red and green peppers, garlic and onion
• The same idea applies to fruits with deep bright pigments such as orange, yellow, red and green colors
• Protein should feature in your diet and this can include legumes (pulses such as peas, nuts etc), eggs (free range), fish, skinless chicken and other meat
• Include essential Fatty Acids such as Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids - sunflower, flax, pumpkin seeds, raw nuts, soy beans, corn, legumes (beans, lentils, peas) and leafy greens
• Consider Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids- Fresh fish from cold oceans such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, flounder, sardines, bass, and herring (fish must not be fried). Shrimp, oysters, leafy greens, walnuts, wheat germ, fresh sea vegetables, cod liver oil, and linseed oil
• Grains such as rye, wheat, corn, oats, rice, and barley
• 'Liver friendly' oils such as cold pressed virgin vegetable and seed oils include olive, canola, sunflower, and flaxseed
• Avoid eating large amounts of sugar, especially refined sugars. Instead eat fresh raw fruits, sun-dried fruits, fruit sorbet, smoothies and honey
• Dairy products to reduce or avoid include full fat milk, cream and full fat cheeses such as cheddar
• Spreads for breads such as hummus, nut spreads include almond, cashew, honey, natural fruit jams, and fresh avocado
• Water-soluble PRENATAL vitamins (there are many on the market such as Vegan Prenatal)

References:

Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD Healthline Blog

The Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot Published 1997 by S.C.B International

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