The liver is important because it helps convert food to energy and cleanses the blood of toxins and poisons. Nutrition for a healthy liver adheres to federal dietary guidelines for diet and exercise. An unhealthy diet can contribute to liver malfunction and lead to liver diseases like cancer, a fatty liver, cirrhosis, an enlarged liver and liver failure.
Fat
Fat is high in calories and contributes to obesity, high cholesterol and high triglycerides when consumed in excess. According to the American Liver Foundation (ALF) obesity, high cholesterol and high triglycerides are risk factors for liver disease. Examples of high-fat foods include butter, lard, oil, margarine, shortening, fat from meat, chicken skin, deep-fried foods, cream, cheese, mayonnaise, creamy salad dressings, desserts, pastries and baked goods.
One of the best ways to reduce dietary fat is to fill up on fruits and vegetables that are naturally fat free and consume whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins such as eggs, skinless chicken breast, lean ground beef, beans, legumes, fish, seafood and soy. Fat can also be reduced by using healthy cooking methods such as grilling, baking, poaching, roasting, broiling, steaming and boiling, because they require little or no fat.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a risk factor for liver disease. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is only found in animal products and is highest in organ meats, egg yolks, fatty red meats, butter, cream and shrimp. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting animal products and consuming more plant foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains to lower cholesterol. Low-cholesterol proteins include egg whites and egg substitutes, skim milk and lean cuts of meat such as pork tenderloin, fish and skinless chicken breast.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can lead to liver malfunction, and according to the California Pacific Medical Center, even one drink a day stresses the liver and can contribute to liver disease in the long run. Individuals who choose to drink alcohol should do so in moderation, which is defined as one drink a day for women and two drinks for men. Individuals who already have a malfunctioning liver or liver disease should avoid all types of alcohol to prevent progression of the disease.
Sugar
Sugary foods such as desserts, candy and soda tend to be high in calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, excess calorie consumption is the number one cause of obesity, a risk factor for liver disease. Sugary foods should only be eaten on occasion and portioned carefully to prevent overeating. Healthy replacements for sugary foods include fresh fruits or sugar-free gelatin for dessert, water or low-fat milk instead of soda and sugar-free sweets.
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