It is important that women with ICP follow a diet that will assist the liver with ICP during pregnancy. Please note that diet is not recommended as a replacement for the proper medical treatment utilized by Maternal Fetal medicine specialist that includes the medicine Ursodeoxycholic acid and early delivery.  A healthy, low-fat diet is an integral, and often overlooked, factor in the treatment and management of cholestasis of pregnancy.

Please consult with your doctor before implementing diet changes. This page is completely dedicated to educating ICP patients about the impact that diet can play in the role to help along with the medicated treatment of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Brand Name- Actigall or Generic name-Ursodiol. By eating foods high in fat, higher levels of bile acids eventually filter into the bloodstream.  Cutting the fat content in the diet can decrease bile acid levels which helps not only with the itching, but ultimately keeps the unborn baby safer.

• Drink more than 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.
• Eat Fiber (at least 3 hours from taking medications)
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables preferably organically grown produce free of pesticides
• Vegetables with deep bright pigments such as 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.
• Fruits with deep bright pigments such as orange, yellow, red and green colors
• High protein from diverse sources such as legumes, eggs (free range), grains, fish, skin less chicken and meat
• Healthy Fats such as Essential Fatty Acids and low fat foods
• Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids- sunflower, flax , pumpkin seeds, raw nuts, soy beans, corn, legumes ( beans, lentils, peas) and leafy greens
• 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
• Breads- whole-grains, multi-grain, stone ground, pita, sourdough and pasta made from whole-grains, rice crackers, and pita bread
• Liver friendly oils such as cold pressed virgin vegetable and seed oils include olive, canola, sunflower, and flaxseed
• Avoid eating large amounts of sugar and artificial sweaters, especially refined sugars. Instead eat fresh raw fruits, sun-dried fruits, fruit sorbet, smoothies and honey
• Spreads for breads such as hummus, nut spreads include almond, cashew, honey, natural fruit jams, and fresh avocado
• Water-soluble PRENATAL vitamin (there are many on the market such as Vegan Prenatal)
• Supplement with Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root

If you have healthy recipes or diet tips you'd like to see mentioned on this page, please email Itchy Moms using the "Contact Us" link to the lower left portion of this site.