Refined sugars, and carbohydrates, for example, white bread, pasta, sugar, white rice, sweets and cakes, are all hard on the liver. Be sure to limit your consumption of anything that is made with white flour or sugar.
Refined grains: Refined grains contain carbs that can contribute to weight gain and worsen fatty liver. Grains that are highly processed are prepared by removing their fibre. Pastas, white bread, burger buns etc are all made with processed grains and must be avoided if you have fatty liver.
These foods spike glucose and insulin levels and may contribute to a fatty liver. Choose fibre-rich whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, 100-per-cent whole grain breads and oatmeal, foods that raise blood glucose gradually, not quickly.
As well as following the general dietary advice given to all patients with cirrhosis you may also be advised to eat a diet that is: High in starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, pasta and rice. Wholegrain options are healthiest. Low in red meat such as beef, pork and lamb.
Tomato is also good for liver health. Tomato has detoxification effect in the body. Probably it is due to the presence of chlorine and sulfur in tomatoes. According to some studies, 51 mg of chlorine and 11 mg of sulfur in 100 grams size of tomato have a vital role in detoxification process.
Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
Processed cheese is bad for your liver as it comes under the category of processed foods and has high sodium content and saturated fats. Excess consumption can lead to fatty liver diseases, plus obesity.
Many don't know that eggs are a food that's good for fatty liver. This is because eggs are rich in choline, which plays a role in transporting and lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Too much refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease. Some studies show that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol, even if you're not overweight. It's one more reason to limit foods with added sugars, such as soda, pastries, and candy.
Dairy: Full-fat dairy products will likely be too hard for your body to digest. Stick to low-fat Greek yogurt, small portions of low-sodium hard cheese, and fortified dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or soy. Rich, milk-based desserts like pudding, custard, and ice cream should be limited.
Fish. Ironically, eating fatty fish helps combat a fatty liver. Salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower the levels of fat in the liver and reduce inflammation.
Fatty Liver Foods to Avoid
Steer clear of saturated fats, which lead to more fatty deposits in your liver. This includes: Poultry, except for lean white meat. Full-fat cheese.
Avocados are another example of foods good for liver function. They're high in healthy fats and contain unique chemicals that reduce and slow down liver damage. Avocados are packed with glutathione, which helps get rid of harmful toxins in the body.
Onions have sulfur-containing amino acids, which aid in detoxing your liver.
Look for “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” “sprouted grain,” and “high fiber” on package labels. Choose foods with at least three grams of dietary fiber and fewer than eight grams of sugar per serving.
Getting enough protein is crucial for your liver, and lean chicken, turkey, fish and beef are good options. Try to have them instead of processed foods such as hot dogs, bologna and salami, which can contain a lot of fat and salt.
Yogurt is one of the best natural sources of probiotics which, scientists believe, may lower fat levels in the liver, reduce liver damage, and regulate fats in the blood.
In general, a balanced diet that is good for the liver should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates (potato, rice, bread, and pasta), milk/soy drinks, beans and pulses, meat (fish and egg), and unsaturated oils. Food items that are high in fiber are good for optimal liver functioning.
Some studies suggest that beans preserve liver health by preventing fat from accumulating in the liver, reducing the risk of a fatty liver. Kidney beans and navy beans help the body get rid of waste quickly. Ditch baked beans that are loaded with extra salt and go for something sodium-free.
8 foods to avoid
Butter and ghee: These foods are higher in saturated fat, which Younan Brikho says has been associated with high triglycerides in the liver.