A Healthy Diet for the Liver

A balanced and healthy diet for the liver is one of the simplest ways to prevent and treat liver disorders such as fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a liver disorder brought about by excessive fat, specifically triglycerides, accumulation in the liver, which is why regulation through a balanced diet for the liver is important.

The human liver has several functions such as bile production, blood regulation, detoxification, and metabolism. The liver helps emulsify fat, breaking down large fat globules into smaller ones that are broken down by lipase and other enzymes. It also helps regulate and maintain blood sugar levels. The liver also naturally filters toxic substances and excretes them in the form of urine. Lastly, it helps metabolize carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

Once too much fat is accumulated in the liver, symptoms may not immediately show. They usually come out later at a worse scenario. When someone is diagnosed with fatty liver disease, he or she can still have hope by following a balanced diet for the liver.

A diet for the liver must involve low fat or non-fat food, especially dairy products; high fiber intake through fruits and vegetables; and complex carbohydrates that can be found in whole grains, brown rice, and wheat bread. One should also consider the essential vitamins, minerals, and food groups to determine the specific meals to take each day.

When in a diet for the liver, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Although meats are a good source of protein, too much of protein in a diet for the liver will stress the liver even more. Try seafood, beans, and lean meat – and especially those that have only been steamed or boiled. In a diet for the liver, fruits and vegetables should always be present especially green vegetables and citrus fruits, which contain folic acid and vitamin C, respectively.

Dorothy Spencer is a licensed and practicing nurse for five years who had provided assistance and care for patients with fatty liver disease. In an e-book entitled “The Fatty Liver Diet Guide” she provides detailed information on fatty liver disease and suggests a comprehensive diet for the liver of patients with disorders and those who want to prevent liver disorders.