Everything that enters our body eventually passes through the liver. If we ingest healthy foods and beverages, then we can maintain a healthy liver. On the other hand, doing the opposite can have adverse effects.
But some foods are far more harmful than others and this can contribute to a sick liver. Knowing which foods to avoid can help protect your liver for many years to come.
4 Foods That Hurt Your Liver
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Deli meat: Deli meats are incredibly high in salt, which can be harmful to your liver. It’s true that we need some sodium in the body to help regulate blood pressure, but high amounts of sodium can create the excess fluid that your liver needs. Furthermore, many deli meats contain unhealthy fats, which can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is a growing problem in America. Generally, it’s a wise idea to moderate your sodium intake.
Canned vegetables: Canned vegetables are a convenient way to keep vegetables on hand without spoiling, but similar to deli meats, canned items contain a lot of salt as a preservative. If you wish to stock up on vegetables, opt for frozen rather than canned.
Dried fruit: Another item many people may have on hand is fruit. Dried fruit is often very high in sugar, which is detrimental to the liver. In particular, dried fruit is high in fructose, a type of sugar that doesn’t break down in the body the way other sugars do. This can result in inflammation and a fatty liver.
Sugary drinks: Even if you don’t drink booze, if you consume sugary non-alcoholic beverages, it can still contribute to a decline in liver function. Similar to dried fruit, sugary beverages tend to be high in fructose.
Being mindful of what you consume can go a long way in protecting your liver to ensure it continues to perform its over 500 different functions to keep you healthy.
Also read:
- What causes liver pain?
- What causes liver pain after drinking?
- Natural foods for liver repair and liver cleansing
- NAFLD diet plan: Dietary guidelines for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
