The collective term liver disease refers to several problems with the liver. The liver cleans the blood, produces the digestive liquid bile and stores energy in the form of glycogen sugar, according to KidsHealth. If not cared for properly, especially eating foods detrimental to the liver, you can develop a liver complication like cirrhosis. Although alcohol is the main cause of preventative liver disease, several foods also contribute to an unhealthy liver.
Sugary Desserts
The liver regulates and breaks down sugars introduced to the body, according to Christy Parkin, R.N., of the American Diabetes Association. Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of liver disease. Type 2 diabetes generally occurs due to obesity and high degrees of sugary intake, MayoClinic.com says. Poorly controlled blood sugar leads to cirrhosis, which scars the liver. Sugary desserts like processed cookies, cakes and pastries should be avoided or eaten sparingly. The Life Clinic recommends limiting sugar intake to 6 tsp. per day for a 1,600 calorie diet, 12 tsp. for a 2,200 calorie diet and 18 tsp. for a 2,800 calorie diet.
Salty Dishes
Although essential amounts of sodium helps the body maintain the balance of fluids, transmits nerve impulses and influences contraction and relaxation of muscles, Michio Kushi and Alex Jack say in their book "The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health," an excess of dietary salt over time can contribute to high blood pressure, as well as tighten and overburden the liver. Salty processed animal foods such as luncheon and cured meat, bacon, sausage, canned chicken, tuna and shrimp should be taken in moderation. Cooking with high amounts of salt is also detrimental to the liver. MayoClinic.com recommends eating no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day for a healthy adult; for those with kidney disease or diabetes, sodium intake should not exceed 1,500 mg daily.
Foods High in Saturated Fat
Foods high in saturated fat can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to Drugs.com. Metabolizing fatty foods turns them into fatty acids, which attach to liver. The acids can also cause the liver to generate more fat cells. If left untreated or if you continuously eat foods high in saturated fat, your chances of liver cancer increases. Foods high in saturated fats include processed meats, whole milk, butter cheese and cream, according to MedlinePlus. Generally, saturated fat should comprise 10 percent of your diet.
References
- KidsHealth: Your Liver
- MedlinePlus: Liver Diseases
- American Diabetes Association: Why is My Blood Glucose so High in the Morning?
- MayoClinic: Does Diabetes Cause Liver Disease?
- Life Clinic: Food Pyramid Guide
- "The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health"; Michio Kushi and Alex Jack; 2004
