Doctor’s Advice for Liver Health: Cut These 3 Foods

A highly respected gastroenterologist with a background from Harvard and Stanford offers a simple prescription for improving liver health: get rid of sodas, fried foods, and chips. The expert explains how these common foods contribute to the increasing problem of fatty liver disease and encourages people to make healthier dietary choices.

Here’s the breakdown of the foods to avoid:

1. Sugary drinks: The first item on the list is what the doctor calls “liquid poison.” Sodas and commercial juices contain large amounts of fructose, a type of sugar that the body has trouble processing in high quantities. The liver converts this excess sugar into fat, which leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Healthier alternatives include water, sparkling water, tea, or coffee.

2. Deep-fried foods: Next, the expert warns against eating deep-fried foods. The high amount of unhealthy trans and saturated fats in these foods directly contributes to fat buildup in the liver. This accumulation also causes inflammation, which is a key factor in liver damage and a known risk for obesity and related metabolic issues.

3. Ultra-processed foods: This category includes a wide variety of items, such as sugary cereals, candies, instant noodles, and hot dogs. These products are harmful due to their combination of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives. This mix puts a significant strain on the liver and can disrupt the gut-liver connection, which further promotes inflammation.

This advice is a powerful reminder that simple dietary changes can have a big impact on your health. By intentionally avoiding these three food groups, you can protect your liver from fat buildup and lower your risk of developing serious, diet-related diseases.