Jaundice Diet Plan: Foods to Eat, Avoid, and Recovery Tips

High bilirubin levels can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain. A structured jaundice diet chart helps to reduce stress on the liver and promotes recovery and long-term wellness through proper food choices and hydration. 

Understanding Jaundice and Its Dietary Importance 

Jaundice impairs the liver’s ability to filter waste, leading to a build-up of toxins. A proper jaundice diet helps to reduce this burden. Food choices have a direct impact on liver function, speed of recovery and treatment of symptoms.  

Therefore, diet during and after jaundice is an important element of treatment. 

Foods to Include in a Jaundice Diet 

A balanced jaundice diet should be rich in nutrients, low in fat and easy to digest. The right foods will support liver regeneration and overall health throughout the recovery phase. 

Hydrating Fluids 

Hydration supports detoxification. These include coconut water, herbal teas, sugar-free electrolyte drinks and warm water. These fluids support liver function and reduce fatigue — an essential part of a jaundice diet and overall recovery. 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

Fruits such as papaya, pomegranate and berries are rich in antioxidants. Leafy greens, carrots and beetroot promote liver health. They are an important part of the diet of individuals with jaundice and provide fibre, vitamins and protection against oxidative stress. 

Lean Proteins 

Opt for plant-based proteins such as lentils, tofu and pulses. Low-fat dairy products and egg whites are also safe. Avoid red meat. These sources of protein are key to a jaundice diet as they help rebuild damaged tissue without stressing the liver. 

Whole Grains 

Brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread provide sustained energy and fibre. They improve digestion and prevent liver overload. They are essential in any diet plan for individuals with jaundice, as they provide nutrients without excess fat or sugar. 

Foods to Avoid During Jaundice 

Foods high in fat, additives and sugar slow down liver healing. Avoiding these foods will help reduce inflammation and support a cleansing and nutritional diet plan for jaundice. 

Alcohol and Caffeine 

Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body and increase the burden on the liver. They should be strictly avoided during illness. They disrupt the diet plan for jaundice and aggravate symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and liver inflammation. 

High-Fat and Fried Foods 

These foods are difficult to digest and stress the liver. Say no to chips, cheese, and deep-fried snacks. A diet for jaundice recovery should avoid trans fats, which impair liver repair and increase cholesterol. 

Refined Sugars and Sweets 

Limit sweets, desserts and sugary drinks. Excess sugar converts to fat and puts a strain on the liver. A diet for individuals with jaundice must reduce sugar content to promote healing and keep blood sugar levels stable. 

Sample Diet Chart for Jaundice Patients 

A daily diet plan for jaundice helps to maintain the consistency of the diet. It includes fluids, fruits, light proteins and whole grains. This plan provides consistent energy and supports the liver, making recovery easier. 

Breakfast Options 

Choose one daily: 

• Oats porridge with bananas: Fibre-rich and easy to digest 
• Moong dal Chilla with mint chutney: Light, protein-packed, and flavourful 
• Steamed idly with coconut chutney: Soft, gut-friendly with healthy fats 
• Ragi dosa with tomato chutney: High in calcium and antioxidants 
• Boiled egg whites and toast: Lean protein, low-fat, and filling 
• Fruit smoothie with low-fat milk: Hydrating and vitamin rich 
• Vegetable upma with carrots and peas: Wholesome, fibrous, and lightly spiced. 

Each option supports a jaundice diet food list with easy-to-digest meals made using minimal oil. 

Mid-Morning Snack 

Choose one daily: 

• Coconut water with soaked almonds: Hydrating and rich in good fats 
• Apple slices with peanut butter: A sweet-salty combo with fibre and protein 
• Pomegranate juice: Antioxidant-rich and refreshing 
• Carrot and cucumber sticks: Crunchy, cooling, and fibre loaded 
• Buttermilk (chaas): A probiotic drink that aids digestion 
• Papaya cubes: Gentle on the stomach and enzyme rich 
• Herbal tea with roasted fox nuts: Light, soothing, and protein filled 

These maintain hydration and energy. Ideal for a diet chart for individuals with jaundice aiming to avoid fatigue and liver stress. 

Lunch Suggestions 

Choose one daily: 

• Brown rice, moong dal, steamed spinach: A balanced combo of fibre, protein, and iron. 
• Quinoa with sautéed vegetables: High in protein and easy to digest. 
• Khichdi with bottle gourd and carrots: Light, soothing, and liver-friendly. 
• Rice with plain curd and boiled beets: Cooling, probiotic-rich, and detoxifying. 
• Tofu stir-fry with chapati: Protein-packed and low in fat. 
• Pumpkin soup with multigrain toast: Warm, nutrient-dense, and filling. 
• Boiled chicken (for non-veg diet for jaundice): Lean protein option, cooked gently. 

Meals in a jaundice diet plan should be light, warm, nutrient-rich, and cooked with minimal oil. 

Afternoon Snack 

Choose one daily 

• Lemon water with jaggery 
• Baked sweet potato slices 
• Warm turmeric milk 
• Fresh fruit salad (avoid citrus) 
• Vegetable soup 
• Low-fat yoghurt with honey 
• Rice crackers with hummus 

These snacks sustain energy between meals and fit into a healthy jaundice diet food list. 

Dinner Choices 

Choose one daily: 

• Lauki (bottle gourd) curry with brown rice: Light, hydrating, and easy on the liver. 
• Palak dal with chapati: Rich in iron and protein, yet gentle. 
• Barley soup and sautéed vegetables: Warm, fibrous, and great for digestion. 
• Moong dal khichdi: Comforting, protein-rich, and low in fat. 
• Steamed fish (for nonveg diet for jaundice): Lean protein, softly cooked, and non-irritating. 
• Grilled tofu with boiled sweet potatoes: High-protein and antioxidant-rich combo. 
• Soft paneer Bhurji with rice: Easy to digest, calcium-rich, and wholesome. 

These options support digestion and detox overnight essential in any jaundice hepatitis A diet. 

Diet Tips for Post-Jaundice Recovery 

After recovery, continue to eat clean and light. The liver remains sensitive. A diet for individuals with jaundice after recovery should support the rebuilding of the immune system and maintain energy without overloading the system. 

Foods to Support Recovery 

Add fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, probiotics and lean proteins. These restore gut health and provide important nutrients. Low-fat dairy products, herbal teas, nuts and foods rich in antioxidants are also ideal.  

A consistent diet during recovery from jaundice prevents relapses and supports long-term wellbeing. 

Foods to Avoid 

Avoid fatty foods, processed snacks, fizzy drinks and too much salt. These cause bloating and disrupt liver function. Gradually reintroduce heavier foods but remain mindful.  

A diet for individuals struggling with typhoid and jaundice should always be gentle, nutritious and low in irritants. 

Key Advice for Maintaining a Jaundice Diet 

Stick to small, frequent meals and ensure adequate fluid intake. Favour fresh, home-cooked food with little oil and seasoning. Avoid alcohol, processed snacks and overeating.  

Gradually reintroduce heavier foods after recovery. A consistent diet plan for jaundice not only supports liver healing but also strengthens digestive health and the immune system in the long term. 

Jaundice Diet Recipes: Nutritious and Easy-to-Digest Meals 

Jaundice-friendly meals are simple, healing and gentle on the digestive system. Dishes like spinach dal, moong khichdi, papaya salad and barley soup provide essential nutrients without overburdening the liver. 

Recipes should use minimal oil, avoid heavy spices and focus on fibre, hydration and gentle cooking methods. Warm, home-cooked meals support detoxification and energy. 

Whether vegetarian or with light proteins such as steamed fish or boiled chicken, every meal in a jaundice diet should nourish without weighing you down. 

Nutrition Support for Jaundice Recovery with Cadabam’s Diagnostics 

Cadabam’s Diagnostics offers expert-led nutritional counselling for liver health and jaundice recovery. From creating a customised jaundice nutrition plan to post-recovery advice, our team will ensure your journey back to health is monitored, compassionate and evidence based.  

Let nutrition be your healing companion.