Diet for a Healthy Liver

The liver plays a central role in keeping the body running optimally because it converts nutrients consumed. Then, like a distribution center, it spreads these around to the parts of the body that need them. It also works as a filter, ridding the body of waste products that could harm the body. A diet for a healthy liver includes avoiding foods that could harm this important organ and replacing them with nutritious foods.

Meat Consumption

• Protein is essential for building muscle; however, consuming too much animal protein can tax liver function. A diet for a healthy liver entails watching grams of protein consumed. To find out how much protein your body needs, divide your weight in pounds by 2. This number indicates how many grams of protein your body needs per day.

Vegetarian Protein

• Instead of getting protein from meat, substitute vegetarian sources of protein like tofu and beans. These don't tax the liver as much as their animal counterparts.

Calories and Fat

• A diet for a healthy liver includes avoiding the consumption of excess calories and not taking in more than 30 percent of those calories from fat.

Junk Food

• The liver has a hard time working well when it is fed with low-density nutrients. Junk foods are empty calories and often combine excess sugar and fats that reduce the liver's ability to do its job.

Avoid Excess Alcohol

• Every time alcohol is consumed, the liver has to work harder to function. Limiting alcohol consumption to one or two drinks a day protects the liver. If people suffer from liver damage, alcohol should be avoided completely.

Antioxidants

• A diet for a healthy liver includes consuming food rich in antioxidants helps cut down tissue damage. Consuming foods like broccoli, cauliflower and kale contain multiple antioxidants.

Complex Carbohydrates

• Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits and vegetables cleanse the liver as they pass through the body. Thus, the liver is able to function efficiently.