What role does diet have ?
In my experience, diet has been crucial in managing my PSC.
As a starting point, I'd recommend a radical re-think of your eating habits with a focus on regular intervals and portion control. Consulting a dietician is a very good idea. Your entire eating future becomes a game of 'trial and error' mixed with 'risk versus reward', and they can help you think of alternatives and implement an action plans.
The best thing I've done to help myself in this regard was to take an active interest in my body and my diet. Not long after I was diagnosed I went on a mission of broadening my 'meal-base' at dinner, rather than eating the same old stuff week after week. I learned how to cook quality meals, I researched water-rich & nutrient-rich foods, and little-by-little, applying all of these small changes, I truly believe it's extended my liver lifespan.
You need to be aware of fat-content in food. Giving up fast-food is a great idea if you can do it, but like you I'm a creature of habit too, and lets face it .... I understand that at 12am choices are limited when your out having a good time.
But by no means am I suggesting you give it up completely, but at the bare minimum I highly recommend you reduce your consumption from the likes of KFC, McDonalds, etc by 75%. You'll need to develop the discipline to choose 'healthier options' from their menus. I still love pizza (non-spicy, no processed meats where possible). I eat Subway occasionally (leave exotic sauces off please). Of everything I could have, they seem like the ones to cause me the least amount of trouble.
For me, the old adage "everything in moderation, EVEN MODERATION" rings true.
You simply have to have the occasional 'indulgence' or your just not living.
I find when you do eventually pig-out on that block of chocolate, or a $10 dessert, you just have to disciplined about how often, and how much in one sitting. Over indulgence of anything, not just alcohol, can set off an “attack”. Likewise, the slightest indulgence can rigger an attack too (ie: a Freddo Frog once set me off for hours).
Get used to the idea of balanced meals, balanced sizes, and if possible eat according to a regular routine ... I've given myself a fighting chance by conditioning the body to expect quality foods at regular intervals, so my insides can cope with the disease in a relaxed environment.
I can and occasionally DO drink alcohol, but again ... after much trial and error, I do it the smart way these days - Light beer. My friends may mock me, but they don't drink my beer (Cascade Light, if you're wondering). So the good news there is, everything I buy will be for me, and I wont have to shout a round ... :p
That being said, just remember what I said earlier .... everything in moderation, even moderation.
Be disciplined. Plan well. Research your options. You wont 'stop' the attacks, but you will nourish your body better than what you were and give yourself a fighting chance long-term.
As a starting point, I'd recommend a radical re-think of your eating habits with a focus on regular intervals and portion control. Consulting a dietician is a very good idea. Your entire eating future becomes a game of 'trial and error' mixed with 'risk versus reward', and they can help you think of alternatives and implement an action plans.
The best thing I've done to help myself in this regard was to take an active interest in my body and my diet. Not long after I was diagnosed I went on a mission of broadening my 'meal-base' at dinner, rather than eating the same old stuff week after week. I learned how to cook quality meals, I researched water-rich & nutrient-rich foods, and little-by-little, applying all of these small changes, I truly believe it's extended my liver lifespan.
You need to be aware of fat-content in food. Giving up fast-food is a great idea if you can do it, but like you I'm a creature of habit too, and lets face it .... I understand that at 12am choices are limited when your out having a good time.
But by no means am I suggesting you give it up completely, but at the bare minimum I highly recommend you reduce your consumption from the likes of KFC, McDonalds, etc by 75%. You'll need to develop the discipline to choose 'healthier options' from their menus. I still love pizza (non-spicy, no processed meats where possible). I eat Subway occasionally (leave exotic sauces off please). Of everything I could have, they seem like the ones to cause me the least amount of trouble.
For me, the old adage "everything in moderation, EVEN MODERATION" rings true.
You simply have to have the occasional 'indulgence' or your just not living.
I find when you do eventually pig-out on that block of chocolate, or a $10 dessert, you just have to disciplined about how often, and how much in one sitting. Over indulgence of anything, not just alcohol, can set off an “attack”. Likewise, the slightest indulgence can rigger an attack too (ie: a Freddo Frog once set me off for hours).
Get used to the idea of balanced meals, balanced sizes, and if possible eat according to a regular routine ... I've given myself a fighting chance by conditioning the body to expect quality foods at regular intervals, so my insides can cope with the disease in a relaxed environment.
I can and occasionally DO drink alcohol, but again ... after much trial and error, I do it the smart way these days - Light beer. My friends may mock me, but they don't drink my beer (Cascade Light, if you're wondering). So the good news there is, everything I buy will be for me, and I wont have to shout a round ... :p
That being said, just remember what I said earlier .... everything in moderation, even moderation.
Be disciplined. Plan well. Research your options. You wont 'stop' the attacks, but you will nourish your body better than what you were and give yourself a fighting chance long-term.