TCM Treatment Evaluation for Hepatosplenomegaly
1. Alcohol-Induced Hepatomegaly
Alcohol abuse severely impairs liver function. Specific dietary changes for people with alcohol-induced hepatomegaly can help manage its symptoms. Eliminating alcohol, the primary agent of disease, will greatly reduce stress on the liver and effectively halt scarring. The consumption of high-quality, lean animal protein can help an impaired liver perform its protein digestion and formation functions more efficiently. Swelling of the extremities may result if the liver does not get adequate high-quality protein. Reducing salt intake will help manage water retention. TCM expert recommends that patients with cirrhosis avoid eating shellfish, since certain kinds may carry Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which presents health risks to people with cirrhosis.

2. Diabetes-Related Hepatomegaly
A person with diabetes who relies too heavily on insulin to control her blood sugar bears an increased risk of developing liver enlargement. TCM suggests that such cases of hepatomegaly can be brought under control with a calorie-restricted diet and more conservative use of insulin. TCM suggests that patients try to restrict their insulin use to as little as 15 to 20 units per day, and stop overeating because it causes blood sugar spiking. Avoiding foods that spike the blood sugar even in small quantities, such as refined sugar, flour and simple starches, helps to reduce insulin dependence. People with diabetes can replace these foods with foods that have low glycemic index values -- numbers that reflect the effect of food on a person's blood sugar -- such as whole grains, which offer primarily complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats and protein.