Cirrhosis is defined histologically as a diffuse hepatic process characterized by fibrosis and conversion of the normal liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules. The progression of liver injury to cirrhosis may occur over weeks to years.

Signs and symptoms
Some patients with cirrhosis are completely asymptomatic and have a reasonably normal life expectancy. Other individuals have a multitude of the most severe symptoms of end-stage liver disease and a limited chance for survival. Common signs and symptoms may stem from decreased hepatic synthetic function (eg, coagulopathy), portal hypertension (eg, variceal bleeding), or decreased detoxification capabilities of the liver (eg, hepatic encephalopathy).

Portal hypertension
Portal hypertension can have prehepatic, intrahepatic, or posthepatic causes. Budd-Chiari syndrome, a posthepatic cause, is characterized by the following symptoms:
Hepatomegaly
Abdominal pain
Ascites

Ascites is suggested by the following findings on physical examination:
Abdominal distention
Bulging flanks
Shifting dullness
Elicitation of a "puddle sign" in patients in the knee-elbow position
Hepatic encephalopathy

The symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy may range from mild to severe and may be observed in as many as 70% of patients with cirrhosis. Symptoms are graded on the following scale:
Grade 0 - Subclinical; normal mental status but minimal changes in memory, concentration, intellectual function, coordination
Grade 1 - Mild confusion, euphoria or depression, decreased attention, slowing of ability to perform mental tasks, irritability, disorder of sleep pattern (ie, inverted sleep cycle)
Grade 2 - Drowsiness, lethargy, gross deficits in ability to perform mental tasks, obvious personality changes, inappropriate behavior, intermittent disorientation (usually with regard to time)
Grade 3 - Somnolent, but arousable state; inability to perform mental tasks; disorientation with regard to time and place; marked confusion; amnesia; occasional fits of rage; speech is present but incomprehensible
Grade 4 - Coma, with or without response to painful stimuli

Remedies for Cirrhosis of the Liver
There is no natural cure for cirrhosis of the liver that has been found to be effective, but some natural treatments can help to relieve the symptoms and facilitate recovery. Treatment for cirrhosis of the liver can be very effective, but to improve the effects of treatment you also need to make significant changes to your diet and lifestyle. Home remedies should not be used as an alternative to conventional treatment but can be used along with it. If you do wish to try out any home remedies for cirrhosis of the liver make it a point to consult with your doctor first.

Milk thistle is one of the most popular herbal remedies for cirrhosis of the liver and is widely used in some parts of the world. Investigations into the effects of milk thistle suggest that flavonoids like silymarin that are present in the herb may help to protect the liver from damage caused by certain toxins and drugs. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the herb may also help facilitate repair, but there is little evidence to suggest that this can help treat liver cirrhosis.

Diet for Cirrhosis of the Liver
A diet for cirrhosis of the liver will not help to cure the condition or prevent it, but it can certainly help restrict the damage and give you a better chance at recovery.

The most important concern would be alcohol consumption. Whether or not the liver damage that resulted in cirrhosis was caused by excessive alcohol consumption or not, alcohol poses a high risk to the liver and should be avoided completely, while you are undergoing treatment. It would also be advisable to avoid the consumption of alcohol after recovery, as the liver could sustain damage again.

Fluid retention can be a significant problem in individuals who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver. For this reason, it would be best to follow a low sodium diet. Foods that are rich in sodium could worsen the symptoms of cirrhosis, like abdominal swelling or edema. To this end you should cut down on your salt intake and avoid all processed and junk foods. Check the nutritional value of any packaged products before buying them. To compensate for the lack of taste with reduced salt, you could try using various herbs for seasoning of food.

As the liver plays an important role in the digestive process, particularly with the breakdown of fat, you should reduce your intake of fatty and oily foods.

Try and stick to a healthy and highly nutritious diet to combat the risk of malnutrition. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet and also consume legumes and lean meats like poultry and fish in moderation