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The liver is the organ responsible for food metabolism and eliminating toxins. According to the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver, it performs over 500 different functions of which 22 are vital for the correct functioning of the remaining organs. For this reason, a liver problem affects the body as a whole. The most common causes of liver diseases and complaints are alcohol, taking an excess number of medicines and an unsuitable diet. Where food consumption is concerned, the amount and digestion are key to the state of the liver’s health.

The foods which are most suitable for the correct functioning of the liver are, without doubt, fruit and vegetables. They help to protect it and, in any case, participate in regenerating damaged liver cells and creating new cells.

Foods that are particularly good for us

Raw and under-cooked fruit and vegetables help to fight, prevent and treat liver diseases. Where fruit and vegetables are concerned, orange, yellow, purple and red fruits are recommended such as citrus fruits, plums, carrots and aubergines. They contain active enzymes, fibre, vitamin C, natural antibiotic substances and anti-carcinogenic nutrients. Asparagus, water melon and broccoli are also beneficial for these complaints. Meanwhile, dandelions, green mustard leaves, bitter melon and romaine lettuce help to cleanse the liver. As such, the most highly recommended foods for protecting the liver are garlic, onion, boldo and turmeric.
Detoxing the liver

Detoxing the liver takes place in two different phases: the first involves taking on vitamins, specific minerals and antioxidants which are found in many fruits and vegetables in order to flush out particles which damage liver cells. The second phase requires foods rich in sulphur, such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. That way any harmful substances will be flushed out in our urine and faeces. 

The most common liver diseases

A bad diet frequently causes liver disease. Hepatitis is particularly common. This involves an inflamed liver and can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites, radiation, drugs, chemical substances and other toxins. A distinction is made between viral hepatitis A, B and C. Each is transmitted in different ways and has different symptoms. Hepatitis C and the co-infection HIV is the most serious and there is no vaccine to prevent the disease.

Another serious condition is cirrhosis. This is scarring of the liver which prevents it from working correctly. Many chronic liver diseases result in cirrhosis. This occurs when the liver is repeatedly damaged due to drinking a lot of alcohol, taking recreational drugs, chronic viral hepatitis, repeated exposure to toxic chemical substances and cancer. Many chronic liver diseases are associated to malnutrition.

In short, good nutrition based on a balanced diet with sufficient calories, proteins, fat and carbohydrates can help a damaged liver to regenerate cells. In fact, in the case of some liver diseases, nutrition becomes an essential form of treatment.

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