Your body must break down foods before it can use them to provide energy and build healthy tissues and red blood cells. The liver plays an integral role in accomplishing this because it is responsible for breaking down nutrients and turning them into substances your body can use. If you have liver disease, your liver cannot properly break down certain foods in your body. When this is the case, your physician may recommend following a modified diet, eliminating certain foods.
Alcohol
Your liver is responsible for filtering alcohol in your body. If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol -- more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women -- your liver cells can become damaged, according to Hepatitis Foundation International. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis of the liver that causes permanent damage. For this reason, your physician may recommend completely avoiding alcohol when you have liver disease.
Excess Protein Foods
Your liver is responsible for breaking proteins down into smaller components. When you have liver disease, excess amounts of protein can cause a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy, which causes mental confusion. While you do not have to avoid protein entirely, high-protein sources like 12 oz. of cooked fish, poultry or meat may be too much for your body to break down in one sitting.
High-Sodium Foods
Foods that contain excess amounts of sodium can be harmful to your liver because swelling can be a common side effect of liver disease. The extra sodium in your diet can attract fluids and further contribute to swelling. For this reason, your physician will recommend avoiding high-sodium foods like bacon, sausage and deli meats cured with sodium. Canned and frozen foods also tend to have lots of excess sodium because sodium is used as a preservative. Sauces like soy, barbecue and teriyaki sauce also tend to be high in sodium.
Instant Milk Products
Some milk products can be high in proteins and phosphorus, a compound that can build up as a toxin in your liver. Examples of milk products to avoid include instant beverage mixes like cocoa and breakfast drinks, according to The Ohio State University Medical Center. Instant pudding and custard mixes also should be avoided. Cultured buttermilk and ready-to-eat pudding also can be high in phosphorus and should be restricted when you have liver disease.
