Top 12 Foods Good for The Liver

One of the top questions that hepatitis C and liver disease patients have is "What types of foods are good for my liver?".

Dealing with hepatitis C and liver disease can make a person feel like their body is out of control, but our diet is something we can control. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is not only nourishing and good for our body, but in my experience, it can help us feel more in control of our fighting liver disease.¹

Why diet matters

Diet and wellness alone do not cure the liver of hepatitis C, but it helps the liver function better. My doctor has also told me that a healthy diet also serves to help balance blood sugar and blood pressure, can help with weight control, and promotes good digestion, along with other health benefits.¹

My go-to, liver-friendly foods are blueberries, cranberries, grapes, grapefruit, cruciferous vegetables (brussel sprouts, broccoli and green leafy vegetables like mustard greens), nuts, fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and trout), poultry (without skin), olive oil, fiber-rich whole grains, coffee, and tea.¹

Liver Healthy Tips

To help my liver, I try to:¹

• Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are made with preservatives, additives, chemicals, and loaded with unhealthy fats, high sodium, and sugar.
• Prepare foods without frying. Instead, I broil, bake, steam, or grill.
• Purchase organic if possible. Fresh or frozen foods are better than can.
• Eat poultry and fish without skin. I choose lean cuts of meat.
• Eat fish containing omega-3 fatty acids two to three times per week.
• Eat beef only sparingly, due to the higher fat content. It takes the liver longer to process beef.
• Choose whole grains that are high in fiber.
• Choose low-fat dairy or fat-free dairy.
• Avoid most fast-food due to their heavy processed foods high in hydrogenated vegetable oils, sodium, and sugar.
• Eat foods with healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated)
• Avoid high-calorie sauces.
• Avoid food and beverages high sodium and sugar.
• Avoid alcohol

Talk to your doctor

If you have severe liver scarring like cirrhosis, or an associated medical condition, a special diet of certain foods and amounts, along with medications, may be needed to help you get the right nutritional balance you need.¹ Be sure to consult with your liver disease doctor and a registered dietitian who can help design a liver-healthy diet that's right for your liver and medical condition.