The liver is the heaviest organ in the body and one of the largest. It is responsible for functions vital to life. The liver primarily processes nutrients from food, makes bile, removes toxins from the body and builds proteins. It metabolizes many drugs, breaks down fat, produces cholesterol, converts glycogen into glucose and also creates immune factors necessary to fight infection.
Often liver diseases and disorders don’t show their symptoms until the problem has already developed further. That is why keeping the liver healthy is important in order to prevent illnesses like liver cirrhosis, jaundice, fatty liver, Hepatitis A, B, C, D & E and liver failure. A healthy liver is essential for our overall well-being. This blog will walk you through the list of foods that hampers the liver’s health. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Baked and Fried Foods
Everyone loves to eat pastries, fries, cookies and chips. But the truth is it adversely affects the liver. The liver breaks down fats and converts them into energy. However, too much baked and fried food could be harmful to the liver. It could also result in fatty liver disease, resulting from fat build up in your liver cells.
2. Fizzy Drinks
There is no harm in consuming aerated drinks occasionally. When consumed regularly, it can start damaging your liver and could lead to the development of various liver complications. When you drink it excessively, it can also be a significant cause of weight gain and obesity increasing the chances of developing fatty liver.
3. Alcohol
Excessive drinking of alcohol is one of the most common causes of acute and chronic liver diseases. Alcohol affects the liver contributing to fatty liver disease and other conditions such as cirrhosis.
4. Processed Meat
Processed meats like salami, nuggets, bacon and sausages tend to be high in saturated fat which when eaten over time may damage your liver. Red meat like beef and pork are all high in saturated fats.
5. Food Rich in Salt
Salt is never easy on your liver. Excess salt intake can lead to water retention in the body. You must avoid the consumption of canned soups and processed food items rich in sodium content.
6. Sugar
Too much sugar can harm your liver. Raw and refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup found in sugary foods such as candy, cookies, sodas, etc. cause a fatty build-up that can lead to liver diseases. Too much sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol.
The bottom line:
The liver plays an important role in the body. Although it primarily takes care of itself, a person can help maintain liver health by consuming certain foods and drinks. Taking proper nutrition is essential for maintaining liver health and preventing it from collapsing. A person may wish to avoid these. Eliminating or consuming the above food in moderation can help a person avoid potential health issues in the future.
Also read: https://www.dailyhawker.in/health-10-super-foods-for-a-healthy-liver/
