We are all aware that alcohol is hard on your liver. That meaty organ, the size of a football, that sits on the right side of your stomach ends up paying the bill for those fun nights out that include indulgent food and drink. But there is some good news. You can still have your favorite foods and drinks in moderation as long as you offset it with healthy choices.
This list will help keep your liver healthy!
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Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in fiber which your liver just loves since it helps it run efficiently. You can eat it for breakfast which also aids in weight loss.
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Broccoli
Studies show broccoli can help protect you from NAFLD. It is an ideal side or meal unto itself. It is delicious with roasted garlic, almonds, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
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Coffee
Coffee! That's right. Your favorite start to the day also helps your liver. Studies show two to three cups a day can help protect your liver from damage caused by too much alcohol or sugary foods. It may also lower your risk of liver cancer.
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Water
Where would a healthy organ be without water? One of the best things you can do for your liver is to drink water instead of alcohol, soft drinks, juices, and sweetened drinks. Drinking more water will also help you with your weight loss goals.
And now, let's look at the list of foods are bad for liver health.
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Saturated Fats
We all love a good burger, chips, and fried food, but eating them comes at a high price to your liver. Too many foods high in saturated fat can make it difficult for your liver to do its job which can lead to inflammation and potential cirrhosis.
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Sugar
It's no surprise too much sugar can be hard on your liver. Part of the liver's job is to convert sugar to fat. If you consume too many sweets, your liver makes too much fat which leads to obesity and potentially NAFLD.
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Salt
While salt is good for you body, many people unknowingly follow a high sodium diet which can lead to fibrosis- the first stage of liver scarring. Do your best to avoid processed foods such as ham, bacon, and deli meats. Try to replace salt with herbs while cooking.
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Alcohol
Everyone knows alcohol can make for a fun evening, but too much of a good thing is no party for your liver. If you consume more than 2 drinks per day, you can very likely look forward to liver disease, NAFLD, and cirrhosis.
While it is best to avoid these foods that are unfriendly to the liver, we are only human. It is best not to make a habit of it, but most of us are guilty of indulging in these vices from time to time.
