Cirrhosis Explained: How to Stay Healthy and Prevent Complications

A diagnosis of cirrhosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding what’s happening in your liver—and knowing what you can do to protect your health—can make a meaningful difference.
In this episode, Gastro Girl host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Jennifer Lai, MD, MBA, a hepatologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), for a practical conversation about living with cirrhosis and reducing the risk of complications.

Dr. Lai explains what cirrhosis is, why ongoing monitoring and regular medical care are so important, and how nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining muscle can play an important role in overall health. She also discusses complications people with cirrhosis should be aware of, warning signs that may require medical attention, and how patients can work with their healthcare team to stay as healthy as possible.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

– What cirrhosis is and what it means for your liver
– Why regular monitoring and follow-up care matter
– How nutrition and muscle health can affect people with cirrhosis
– Common complications of cirrhosis and what to watch for
– Practical steps you can take to protect your health
– How to stay actively involved in your care

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with cirrhosis, have been living with chronic liver disease for some time, or are caring for someone with cirrhosis, this conversation will help you better understand the condition, know what to expect, and feel more prepared to talk with your healthcare team.

This patient education episode was produced by Gastro Girl in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.