Best And Worst Foods For Liver Health

Avoiding alcohol is a good way to keep your liver healthy, but it is not the only way. Although alcohol has long been associated with liver disease, so it is a good step to maintaining good liver health.

There are many reasons to love your liver, such as recent studies in the US that have shown that 30 to 40 per cent of Americans have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can increase the risk of severe liver damage in COVID-19 patients.

There are many ways to keep your liver healthy, such as antioxidant liver supplements, as well as many ways to take it in the opposite direction.

Your diet is closely related to liver health. A diet of high-fibre and plant-based foods, for example, is associated with a lower risk of NAFLD, and there is some evidence that suggests it can protect against alcohol-related liver damage.

However, what you eat can also increase the risk of liver damage. Foods that are high in sugar, saturated and trans-fats and even salt can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, as well as scarring and disease.

Being mindful on what you consume every day can have a profound effect on your liver function and your health. We take a look at a few of the best and worst foods for your liver.

Oatmeal

Fibre will help your liver function at its best. Oatmeal is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibre, and research has suggested that people with high-fibre diets, in particular insoluble fibre, have less fat in their liver, which equates to a lower risk for liver disease.

Broccoli

While just about any vegetable will encourage improved liver function, broccoli could be the best. Some research shows it can protect against NAFLD, and cruciferous veggies such as broccoli may increase the liver’s natural detox enzymes.

Coffee

While there are often conflicting studies on the benefits of coffee, studies suggest that two to three cups of coffee a day may protect the liver from alcohol overindulgence or an unhealthy diet. Which doesn’t mean you can balance an unhealthy diet with more coffee! Be sure not to add too much sugar or flavoured syrups to it.

Fried Foods

Fried and fast foods are not good for your liver. Burgers and fries, and other similar foods are high in saturated fats, and possible trans-fats, that make it difficult for the liver to function efficiently. Over time, these foods can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of liver disease.

Sugar

Quite possibly the worst foods for your liver. Sugar will tax the organ by forcing it to turn excess sugar into fat, which not only decreases liver function but can lead to NAFLD.

Salt

Excess salt is not good for your health in many ways, and a high-salt diet can be taxing on the liver, contributing to fibrosis, which is the first stage of liver scarring, inhibiting its function. Avoid processed foods that are high in salt.

Cut down on alcohol, but also try eating more plant-based and fresh foods, as well as antioxidant liver detox supplements such as de-liver-ance®. Visit our store today to find out more.