While you might not think about your liver often, it plays an essential role in keeping your body healthy. A few of the liver’s functions include removing waste, producing important proteins for blood plasma, and producing proteins that carry fats through the body. That’s why you need to take care of your liver; eating the right foods is a great place to start.
10 Foods To Avoid For A Healthy Liver
1. Red Meat
This type of meat is usually high in saturated fats, which can encourage the accumulation of fat on the liver.
2. Refined Grains
Foods like white bread, white rice, and pasta tend to be low in fiber and are highly processed. Along with being low in nutrients, these foods may also raise your blood sugar levels more than whole grains. This can have a negative effect on the liver.
3. Processed Meats
Generally, meats are processed so they can have a longer shelf life. Unfortunately, processing often means adding salt, sugar, fat, or other preservatives. All of these additives can harm your liver. Some processed foods to avoid include pepperoni, bologna, salami, and bacon.
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4. Alcohol
This one might not come as a surprise as it’s well-documented that alcohol can cause liver damage. Experts suggest that you limit alcohol consumption to a drink per day but it’s better to avoid it altogether.
5. Fatty Foods
Though your body needs some fat to function, saturated fats are the worst for your liver. If you’re eating a lot of fast food, you may be eating more of this kind of fat than you realize. Your best bet is to cut down on how often you eat out or go for healthier options.
6. Foods With Added Sugar
Consistently high blood sugar levels can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver. Additionally, it increases your risk of developing diabetes, which in turn can cause liver disease. Some of the likely culprits include sodas, fruit juices, candy, and pastries. Added sugar can also hide in condiments, fruit cups, and dressings.
7. Salty Foods
When you consume too much salt, you run the risk of raising your blood pressure. This may also affect your liver. A lot of snacks have a higher salt content than you may realize. Added salt may also hide in canned soups, processed meats, and other processed foods.
8. Fried Foods
Fried foods are usually high in fat and salt. Both of these elements can result in liver damage. Your liver will be happier with foods that are