Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial to our overall well-being. The liver, which is the second largest organ in the body, performs several functions such as removing toxins, blood purification, and protein synthesis. A healthy liver is essential for our body to function correctly. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a liver-friendly diet and lifestyle.

Certain dietary choices can positively or negatively impact liver health. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conversely, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help protect against liver damage.

Dr Rahul Dubbaka, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills Hyderabad, says, "Certain dietary choices can positively or negatively impact liver health. Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conversely, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help protect against liver damage."

Here are some of the foods that are good for liver health and those that may do more harm than good:

Foods to Eat for a Healthy Liver

Omega-3 Rich Foods
Omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds can help reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function.

Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, which can help detoxify the liver and promote its health.

Green Vegetables
Green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, contain high amounts of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against liver damage.

Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which can help protect against liver damage.

Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against liver damage.

Foods to Avoid for a Healthy Liver

Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar, which can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver and cause liver damage.

Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, and hence, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake is crucial for its health.

Refined Sugars
Refined sugars are found in baked goods, candy, and sweetened beverages, and consuming them can lead to liver damage.

Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and fried foods, and consuming them in excess can lead to liver damage.

Salt
Excess salt consumption can lead to liver damage, and hence, it is essential to limit salt intake.

Tips to Keep Your Liver Healthy

Apart from consuming a liver-friendly diet, here are some tips that can help keep your liver healthy:

Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for liver health. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help protect against liver damage.

Limit Fat, Sugar, and Salt
Limiting the consumption of unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and excess salt can help protect against liver damage.

Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help improve liver function and promote its health.

Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, and hence, avoiding or limiting alcohol intake is crucial for its health.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight