The liver functions as part of your diet metabolism, and it detoxifies drugs and chemicals into harmless metabolites. For this reason, liver damage can lead to severe health conditions. A diet for the liver involves foods that don't require much work from the liver, yet still provides it with nutrients to heal. A diet specifically for the liver is high in carbohydrates and low in proteins.
Function
The function of the liver is vital. The liver processes protein and it is a part of glycogen stores, which is a product made from carbohydrates. For this reason, eating a diet high in carbohydrates allows the liver to store energy for the tissue and the rest of the body. Lowering proteins reduces the work needed by the liver for digestion. The liver also recycles red blood cells, produces bile for fat digestion and produces some hormones.
Nutrients
Foods such as starchy vegetables, breads, pasta and grains can provide the liver with plenty of glycogen stores, which is used for energy by the body. Starchy vegetables include peas, carrots, corn and potatoes. According to the University of Maryland, carbohydrates should be the main source of calories and nutrients for people with liver problems. The liver processes proteins as well as synthesizes new proteins. Protein is not properly broken down in people with liver problems, so toxic levels of metabolism waste products can accumulate. Avoiding foods like red meat, poultry and pork will relieve the liver from protein metabolism.
Minerals
Minerals also play a role in a liver diet. Patients with liver damage or cirrhosis may have fluid buildup. Eating sodium enhances the body's ability to retain fluids. People who are eating for a healthy liver should avoid sodium to lower the amount of fluid retention. Sodium is present in most foods, so it's impossible to completely avoid sodium. However, patients can avoid food items with high sodium content. Oregon State University recommends staying away from foods with more than 300 milligrams of sodium.
Fluids
Fluids may be limited while patients are on a restricted diet due to liver issues. Water is still a necessity, and it can help flush the system. However, salty drinks such as soda and some fruit juices should be limited. Water is still a necessity and can be consumed. Sports drinks also contain a lot of sodium and should be avoided. Alcohol is strictly forbidden for liver damaged patients.
Vitamins
Any type of tissue damage requires time to heal. Patients should ensure that plenty of healthy foods like vegetables rich in vitamins are eaten. Fruits contain healthy carbohydrates and vitamins for patients. Vitamin supplements can help provide nutrients where the diet is lacking. Physicians may require higher amounts of B complex vitamins for liver damage patients.
