Foods to Avoid With a Bad Liver

Foods to Avoid With a Bad Liver

The liver serves a vital role in regulating digestion and metabolism and detoxifying harmful foods or chemicals out of the body. Hepatitis Foundation International indicates that when the liver is damaged, it is unable to efficiently convert the nutrients in foods the same way a healthy liver can, which results in continued damage if care is not taken. Following a nutritious diet while avoiding foods that agitate the liver is important for maintaining liver health and overall quality of life.

Animal Foods

Animal foods, including red meat, eggs and dairy, contain protein and essential amino acids. In a healthy liver, protein is able to help the body repair tissue and prevent fat accumulation that damages cells. The Alcohol Research and Health website indicates that a damaged liver is unable to metabolize proteins properly and break down the amino acids produced in the body from eating animal foods. Proteins from any animal source must be restricted in the diet to reduce the chance of toxic waste buildup due to poor liver processing, notes MedlinePlus. Opt for lean meats from poultry instead of fatty beef. Protein is important in overall nutrition, however, alternative non-meat sources include beans, nuts and wheat.

High-Sodium and Sugar Foods

Salt contains sodium, which is not processed completely by a damaged liver. Canned foods, including soups, meats or vegetables, are high in salt and sugar, which cause abdominal swelling and fluid retention. MayoClinic.com notes that following a low-sodium diet is optimal for preventing further liver damage as well as unnecessary inflammation. Use garlic, pepper or spices to flavor foods instead of salt. Avoid sugary foods such as candy, ice cream and cake and salty foods like potato chips, which are simple carbohydrates with high levels of sugar and sodium, respectively. Eat foods with natural sugars and fibrous carbs, such as strawberries, oranges or apples, to avoid unhealthy levels of sugar and sodium in your liver.

Alcohol

Depending on the severity of damage to your liver, a chance for regeneration can occur if you abstain from all alcoholic beverages, notes Hepatitis Foundation International. Alcohol Research and Health explains that chronic alcoholism contributes to the onset of liver damage because it inhibits proper absorption of nutrients, forcing the liver to become toxic. Avoid drinking beer, wine or champagne as well as any form of liquor. Take note that some over-the-counter pain medications also contain alcohol, such as cough syrup.

source : livestronge.com