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Fish & Liver Function

Weighing in at 3 1/2 pounds, the liver is the body's largest organ, according to the American Liver Foundation. Processing all that we consume, the liver has an important function as our body's detoxification system. Nutrition, including the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, has been found to assist in both prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. Research into hosts of omega-3s, including fish meat and oil, as possible aids in liver and heart function has produced various results.

  1. Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Fish oil and meat as well as some plants and nuts, such as olive oil and walnuts, contain omega-3 fatty acids. These docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids have been shown in multiple studies to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and lower blood pressure, among other benefits, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health website Medline Plus.

    Research Findings

    • A mild increase in liver function after consuming the omega-3 fatty acids in fish meat and oil has been rarely reported in studies, according to Medline Plus. Widely reported benefits of omega-3s include improvements in movement for rheumatoid arthritis patients taking fish oil and a lower rate of death from heart disease among men and women regularly consuming fish.

    Possible Complications

    • In rare cases, omega-3 fatty acid consumption for people with diabetes has increased sugar levels. Caution is advised when consuming omega-3s if a person has a high likelihood of bleeding and those with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

    Recommended Doses

    • The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week. Consumers should stay away from fish containing high levels of mercury, such as tilefish, swordfish, king mackerel and shark, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agencies advise young children and pregnant women to consume no more that two servings of fish per week. Common low-mercury choices include shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna and catfish.

    Liver Health

    • To improve your liver's health, the National Liver Foundation advises following a diet rich in fiber and vitamins C, E, B-complex, and nutrients methionine, cysteine and choline. Found in strawberries and spinach, vitamin C along with vitamin E, present in asparagus and almonds, help protect and repair the liver. Sesame seeds and brown rice are a good source of B-complex vitamins which are depleted when a liver is overtaxed by alcohol consumption or toxins. Methionine and cysteine help protect the liver and convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble toxins to be processed by the liver. These proteins are found in egg yolks, garlic and beans. Choline, found in fish and soybeans, is needed to metabolize fat in the body.

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