Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease caused by conditions like alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease. It involves scarring and regeneration of the liver leading to loss of function. For patients with cirrhosis, dietary modifications are important and include a high protein, high carbohydrate diet with moderate or restricted fat intake providing 2000-2200 calories per day. The diet should also restrict sodium if ascites is present, provide adequate vitamins and minerals which may be malabsorbed, and restrict protein if hepatic encephalopathy is present.