Health Tips

What foods should be avoided for the liver?

Written on May 15, 2025, by Pauline de Santarome

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It performs many functions, including regulating metabolism, producing bile for fat digestion, and detoxifying and eliminating harmful substances in our bodies. Unfortunately, many foods that we consume regularly can cause damage to the liver and compromise its functionality. Therefore, it is essential to maintain liver health by adopting a healthy and balanced diet. In the form of herbal tea or organic and vegan dietary supplements, there are plants such as Desmodium that can help protect the liver and promote its healing in case of damage.

Liver

Foods to avoid to maintain liver health  

 

The foods we choose to eat can have a significant impact on our liver. Certain foods can cause considerable damage to this vital organ, while others can help protect it and keep it functioning properly.

 

Foods to avoid in order to protect your liver include:

  1. Fatty and fried foods: Foods high in saturated fats and trans fatty acids, such as fried foods, hamburgers, pizzas, hot dogs, and processed foods, can cause fat to build up in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (or NASH).

  2. Foods high in sugar and salt: Foods high in sugar, such as sodas, sweet desserts, and processed foods, can also lead to fat accumulation in the liver. In addition, excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which can damage the blood vessels in the liver and reduce its function.

  3. Red meat and processed meat: Red meat, such as beef, lamb, and pork, as well as processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of fatty liver disease and other liver disorders. It is therefore advisable to limit your consumption of red meat and processed meats, and to choose lean sources of protein instead.

  4. Alcoholic beverages: Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of liver disease. To protect your liver, it is recommended that you limit your alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether.

By avoiding these foods that are harmful to the liver, you can help protect this vital organ and maintain its optimal functionality. However, consuming these foods should not be completely eliminated from your diet, but rather limited in order to preserve your overall health.

Foods that are beneficial for the liver   

 

Our liver is an essential organ, so it is important to take care of it by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Fortunately, there are many foods that are beneficial to our liver health!

 

Here are some foods that can help protect and support liver function:

  1. Vegetables and fruits: Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (vitamin C), and minerals that help eliminate toxins from the liver and protect it. Fruits such as berries, apples, and citrus fruits also contain antioxidants and fiber that help maintain liver function.

  2. Lean protein sources: Lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and legumes, provide essential amino acids that are necessary for maintaining liver function and repairing damage. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, also contain omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and protect the liver.

  3. Whole grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa, contain fiber and nutrients that help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. Whole grains are also rich in B vitamins, which help metabolize nutrients and maintain liver function.

  4. Low-fat dairy products: Low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk and yogurt, contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals that help maintain liver function. Dairy products are also rich in calcium, which is important for bone health.

Finally, despite popular belief, chocolate can be beneficial for the liver due to its antioxidant content. However, only products containing at least 70% cocoa have a positive effect on our health.

 

It is important to note that these foods should be consumed as part of a balanced and varied diet for optimal health.

Dietary habits to adopt to protect the liver

 

In addition to choosing the right foods, it is important to adopt good eating habits.

 

Restrictive diets, such as very low-calorie diets or unbalanced diets, can cause nutrient deficiencies. It is therefore important tofollow a healthy, balanced diet to maintain a healthy liver.

 

Certain herbs and dietary supplements may be beneficial for the liver. Desmodium, for example, is an herb that has been traditionally used to treat liver disease. Studies have shown that desmodium may help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol and other toxins.

 

Eating regularly and in small amounts can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid insulin fluctuations. It is also important to eat nutrient-rich meals to support liver function.

Drinking plenty of water is also important for maintaining proper hydration. Water helps eliminate toxins from the body and maintain healthy liver function.

 

Finally, it is important to choose high-quality foods. Opt for fresh and organic foods, if possible, to give your liver the nutrients it needs.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Pauline


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It is important to take care of our liver by eating a healthy, balanced diet. By avoiding fatty, sugary, and salty foods and adopting good eating habits, we can maintain healthy liver function and prevent potentially serious diseases. By incorporating these simple tips into our daily lives, we can help our liver function optimally.

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