Unlock a Healthier Liver: Doctor Recommends These Foods

When considering dietary choices, it’s common to focus on gut health, heart health, or blood sugar regulation. However, the liver, our largest internal organ, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It filters toxins and dead cells from the blood, produces bile for digestion, and metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Thus, nurturing liver health through diet is essential.

Naturopathic doctor Janine Bowring, ND, recently highlighted three foods that can significantly benefit liver health in a video shared with her 1.1 million TikTok followers.

It’s crucial not only to incorporate liver-friendly foods but also to avoid those that can harm the liver. Excessive sugar consumption is one such culprit, as it can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

James Walker, MD, explains, “The liver metabolizes sugar and converts it into fat, which can accumulate in the liver if consumed in excess. This can lead to inflammation and scarring of liver tissue, impairing its ability to function properly.” Foods high in saturated and trans fats also pose a risk. Walker adds, “The liver plays a crucial role in fat metabolism, and consuming high amounts of fat can overload the liver and cause inflammation and scarring of liver tissue.”

Among the foods that can protect the liver, olive oil stands out. It is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols, which shield the body from damage caused by free radicals. Over time, free radicals can harm tissues and organs, including the liver.

Research indicates that polyphenols can reduce inflammation and fatty buildup in the liver. Moreover, olive oil’s monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) are linked to improved liver fat metabolism, potentially preventing NAFLD.

Another liver-friendly food is radicchio, known for its bitter taste, which enhances salads and slaws. This distinct flavor comes from sesquiterpene lactones, plant compounds that combat inflammation. Bowring notes that radicchio also aids in detoxifying the liver.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can be a simple yet effective way to support liver health. As always, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

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