Foods for Liver Health:
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It aids in filtering blood, digestion, bile production, and eliminating harmful toxins, keeping the body healthy. Known also as the 'jigar', the liver produces essential proteins for blood and helps regulate blood sugar. Therefore, our responsibility is to consume healthy foods to maintain liver health and stay away from unhealthy options.
Renowned liver specialist and gastroenterologist Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin discussed recently on a podcast about avoiding common fatty liver issues and maintaining liver health. He mentioned, 'The liver prefers foods that help produce bile, but it should be a thin bile. If it becomes thick, it's not good. Hence, consume natural foods.'
What the Liver Loves
He further explains, 'There's an excellent diagram in Chinese culture—a plate divided into four sections. In India, it's often three segments, while with four sections, one is for food, one for water, one for air, and one left empty. This implies the stomach should only be filled a quarter full.'
'We tend to fill our stomachs completely with food, leaving no room for anything else. That's when we start burping and claim we haven't eaten unless we burp. Allow space for air and water in the stomach.'
'60% of food should be raw'
Dr. Sarin emphasizes healthy foods for the liver, stating, 'Eat naturally. 60% of your diet should consist of raw foods like vegetables and fruits. Though it may not be favored by everyone, radish is easy to eat, affordable, and extremely beneficial.'
'Everyone should include it in their diet. Millets are excellent due to their low glycemic index. Consuming them won't spike your sugar levels rapidly as other foods might.'
Source: aajtak
Unhealthy Foods for the Liver
Discussing what to avoid, Dr. Sarin advises against sweeteners and sugar-free products. It's better to consume jaggery or sugar in moderation. Deep-fried foods aren't beneficial either; occasional consumption is okay. Avoid snacking between meals and maintain regular meal timings.
Beating Evening Cravings
Furthermore, the list of liver-healthy foods is extensive, including turmeric, chickpeas, and walnuts. These keep the liver in good condition. If you crave something post-lunch, opt for chickpeas over processed foods. A glass of cola contains roughly 200 calories. Foods with 'ose' like sucrose, fructose, and corn syrup should be avoided.
When questioned about fruits containing sugar, Dr. Sarin mentions, 'Fruits have natural sugars that aren't overly harmful, though they can contribute to weight gain. Consume very sweet fruits in moderation.'
