Do we ever consider our liver health before deciding on what to eat? It is highly unlikely that many people think about their liver at all until they fall in severe pain. We can barely survive for more than two (2) days without our liver. This shows how important our livers are.
The liver is where health begins. It supports every system, serves as a detoxifier for everything we eat, absorb or inhale. It converts food into energy and stores it as glycogen.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, coffee, green tea in moderation(1-2 cups per day), nuts, eggs, and grapes nourish the liver and make it healthy. But do you know the foods that cause harm to the liver? Keep reading to know more about such foods.
1. Fatty foods
Fatty foods are poor choices in keeping the liver healthy. Foods like burgers and fries are high in saturated fat, which makes it difficult for the liver to do its job. Eventually, intake of these foods may lead to inflammation of the liver, causing cirrhosis.
2. Fizzy/aerated drinks
Occasionally, our bodies can accommodate the intake of aerated drinks. However, regular consumption of these fizzy drinks can damage the liver, and eventually developing other liver complications. It also a cause of weight gain and obesity in people.
3. Foods rich in sodium
Intake of too much salt can lead to water retention in the body. One must avoid the consumption of canned soups and processed food items that are rich in sodium content. Also avoid packaged savory snacks like chips, salty biscuits, among others as they are rich in saturated fat and salt.
4. Red meat
Red meat, although known to be a good source of protein, can create a tasking job for the liver with regard to digestion.
Excess protein buildup in the liver leads to fatty diseases which have adverse effects on the kidney and brain.
These foods are bad for the kidneys and the liver. It’s advisable to eat in moderation, but the moment you cross the limit you risk your liver.
References
1. Narayana Health. Liver Health 101: Avoid These Foods for a Healthy Liver. Available at https://narayana.org
2. Webmd. 11 best and worst foods for the liver. Available at https://webmd.com
