Foods to Eat for Good Liver Health

Your liver provides a variety of important functions. It produces cholesterol, bile and proteins for blood plasma. According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the liver also clears the blood of poisonous substances and regulates blood clotting. Maintaining a healthy liver is essential and making nutritious food selections is the best method to do so.

Vegetables

Vegetables in the cabbage family---Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale---are rich in vitamin K. According to alive.com, vitamin K is a common deficiency associated with liver problems. Artichokes are another great vegetable choice as they contain acid that assists with protecting the liver. Vegetables can be eaten cooked or uncooked; however, avoid over-cooking as it may deplete essential nutrients.

Protein

Alive.com advises that eating protein in moderation will prevent fatty buildup in the liver. Select lean protein such as skinless chicken breast and tofu. In addition, eat coldwater fish like salmon and herring as they contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Fiber

Foods rich in fiber are an excellent choice to maintain liver health. According to alive.com, water-soluble fiber helps the liver rid itself of bile and cholesterol that results from fatty food consumption. Selecting foods such as wheat germ, oat bran and apples is an ideal choice for preserving the liver.

Oil and Fat

Northwestern Health Sciences University suggests that oils also promote liver health. Instead of preparing your food with butter or vegetable oil, try safflower or sunflower oil. Furthermore, sesame and flaxseed oils are great liver-healthy choices.

Foods that are Unhealthy for the Liver

Eating fatty foods can negatively affect how your liver functions. Always pay close attention to the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat. Consume processed food like white bread and candy in moderation. If you have pre-existing liver problems, avoid eating too much protein as the liver will have difficulty getting rid of the waste.

Considerations

Although certain foods are liver-healthy, always eat in moderation. Consult with your physician to determine a healthy diet plan. Furthermore, if you show any signs of liver problems, always seek medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms such as dark urine or blood in stool are signs of significant liver problems.