Fatty liver disease is on the rise globally, and while many associate liver problems with alcohol. Every day food choices are often the real culprit, especially in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Let’s explore 8 common foods that may be silently sabotaging your liver health.

1. Sugary Beverages (Sodas, Energy Drinks, and Juices)

Fructose-heavy drinks like soda, sweetened teas, and even fruit juices overwhelm the liver, encouraging fat buildup and insulin resistance.

Better Option: Stick to water, lemon-infused water, or herbal teas.

2. Refined Carbs (White Bread, Pasta, Pastries)

Highly processed grains rapidly spike blood sugar and lead to liver fat accumulation. Items made with white flour—such as crackers, cookies, and bagels—lack nutrients and strain liver function.

Better Option: Choose whole grains like quinoa, oats, or whole wheat bread.

3. Fried and Fast Foods

Items like fried chicken, burgers, and fries are full of unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives. These foods trigger inflammation and promote liver fat storage.

Better Option: Cook at home using healthier oils such as olive or avocado oil.

4. Sweets and Processed Sugar

Overconsumption of sugar-laden snacks like candy, ice cream, and chocolate bars can overload the liver, making it harder to detox and regulate fat.

Better Option: Opt for fresh fruits, a piece of dark chocolate, or a handful of nuts.

5. Processed Meats (Sausages, Bacon, Hot Dogs)

Loaded with sodium, saturated fat, and nitrates, processed meats can trigger inflammation and accelerate fat accumulation in the liver.

Better Option: Switch to lean proteins like tofu, fish, lentils, or skinless poultry.

6. Artificial Sweeteners (Diet Sodas, Sugar-Free Snacks)

While marketed as healthier alternatives, artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame may disrupt gut bacteria and are linked to fatty liver development.

Better Option: Use natural sweeteners like honey, monk fruit, or stevia in moderation.

7. Highly Processed Packaged Foods

Frozen meals, instant noodles, and snack chips often contain trans fats, preservatives, and high sodium levels—all of which tax liver function.

Better Option: Prioritize homemade meals with fresh, whole-food ingredients.

8. Alcohol (Even Minimal Amounts)

Even modest alcohol intake can negatively affect liver function, increasing inflammation and fat retention, especially when combined with a poor diet.

Better Option: Cut back on alcohol and try kombucha, herbal drinks, or non-alcoholic cocktails.

How to Naturally Support Liver Health:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly to reduce liver fat.
• Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Add liver-friendly foods like garlic, lemon, and turmeric to your meals.

Final Takeaway:

Your liver plays a vital role in detoxifying your body, so taking care of it is crucial. By minimizing or eliminating these eight harmful foods, you can promote better liver function, reduce fat deposits, and enhance your overall health naturally.

Diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver: Discover all the benefits of this tea

Diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver: Learn all the benefits of this tea

Benefits of carqueja tea

Carqueja tea is made from the leaves of the carqueja plant, which is a medicinal plant scientifically known as Baccharis trimera. It can be found in health food stores and farmer’s markets.

Carqueja has hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive and diuretic properties, which can contribute to wellbeing in several ways. The main benefits of carqueja tea include:

– Diabetes management: This can tea can decrease the rates of sugar absorption from food, which helps to control sugar spikes. This effect continues to be studied, however.

– Liver detox: This tea contains flavonoids that protect the liver.

– Blood pressure management: Which can be favorable for people diagnosed with hypertension

– Improvement of digestive problems: This tea helps to protect the stomach from ulcers, as it contains substances that decrease gastric acid secretion.

– Cholesterol management: The saponins found in this tea’s composition can help to prevent the absorption of cholesterol

– Decreases inflammation: It can help to decrease systemic inflammation.

– Weight loss: This tea can be an excellent complement to a weight loss diet as it reduces appetite

– Relieves fluid retention: The diuretic components in this tea stimulate fluid excretion, which can help with swelling.

– Strengthens the immune system: The antioxidant properties found in this tea help to combat foreign invadors.

How to make carqueja tea

Carqueja is a plant widely used in folk medicine, and the tea prepared with its leaves offers several health benefits.

To prepare carqueja tea, follow these steps:

– Step 1: Boil 1 liter of filtered water
– Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of carqueja leaves
– Step 3: Let it boil for a few minutes and then turn off the heat.
– Step 4: Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Note:

It is important to remember that carqueja tea should be consumed in moderation, as excessive use can cause complications.

Diabetics and hypertensive patients should consult a doctor before consuming the tea, to determine the correct amount.

Additionally, children, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid consumption and need to consult a doctor.