One of the major functions of your liver is to digest food consumed and filter toxins from the body.

So your liver is working round the clock so your body functions properly. However, poor dietary choices can overburden the liver, leading to conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

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Your body is made of the things you eat, so you should try to consume food items that are good for your liver and avoid foods that can hamper its functioning or make it work harder. Here are 9 everyday foods that could be slowly damaging your liver:

1. Baked Goods

Baked goods like cake, meatpies, cookies etc are loaded with sugar, refined flour and unhealthy fats and consuming too many of these can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increase triglyceride levels, which are linked to liver inflammation. It also contributes to obesity and fat accumulation in the liver.

2. Sugary Drinks

Sugary, fizzy drinks put stress on the liver. These beverages contain high fructose corn syrup, which accelerates fat buildup in the liver and increases the risk of fatty liver disease. Excessive consumption of these drinks can also contribute to obesity and insulin resistance.

3. Alcohol

If you can, completely avoid alcohol. It is one of the biggest enemies of a healthy liver. When the liver processes alcohol, it produces harmful toxins that can cause inflammation, cell damage, and scarring (fibrosis). Over time, excessive drinking leads to cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring), which can cause liver failure and even liver cancer.

4. White Bread, Pasta, and Processed Grains

Refined grains like white bread, pasta, and biscuits lack fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals. When consumed, they convert into sugar, which the body struggles to process efficiently. This excess sugar gets stored as fat in the liver, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease. Replace these foods with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread.

5. Fast Food (Burgers, French Fries, and Fried Snacks)

Fast food is packed with saturated fats and trans fats, both of which make digestion harder and cause liver inflammation. These unhealthy fats can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL), raising the risk of heart disease and liver complications. Over time, frequent fast food consumption can lead to cirrhosis.

Also, these fried snacks contain trans fats which are among the most dangerous fats for liver health.

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6. Salty and Processed Foods

Consuming excess salt can cause water retention, making the liver work harder to filter toxins. Processed foods like noodles and salty biscuits are loaded with sodium and unhealthy fats, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease and high blood pressure.

7. Red Meat

Although red meat is high in protein, digesting it places a significant burden on the liver. When protein breaks down, it releases byproducts that the liver must filter out. Excessive red meat consumption can lead to fat buildup, liver stress, and even kidney damage. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins are healthier alternatives.

8. High-Fat Dairy Products

Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, butter, cheese, and cream, contain saturated fats that can clog liver cells and increase fat accumulation. Regular consumption may lead to fatty liver disease and impair liver function over time. Instead, choose low-fat or plant-based dairy alternatives.

9. Excessive Fructose-Rich Fruits and Dried Fruits

Fruits are generally healthy but an excessive consumption of high-fructose fruits (such as raisins, dry fruits, and bananas) can increase liver fat storage. The natural sugar in these fruits, fructose, can contribute to fatty liver disease when consumed in large amounts. Moderation is key.

Your liver plays a crucial role in keeping your body healthy, so make conscious food choices that can reduce the risk of liver diseases and improve your overall well-being.

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