Foods That Are Good for Your Spleen: What to Eat and Avoid

Feeling tired all the time? Digestion isn't right? Well, it might be your spleen! This little organ works hard behind the scenes, but many forget about it. But if you don't give proper food to it, you might not feel your best.

Well, foods that are good for your spleen are berries, spinach, oats, and lean proteins. That said, you must avoid sugary drinks, fast food, and processed snacks to protect your spleen. Also, supplements like Vitamin C, B-12, and iron can also boost spleen health.

In this write-up, we'll explore the top foods that are good as well as bad for your spleen. You'll also know about supplements and major lifestyle habits to improve your spleen.

What Does the Spleen Do?

The spleen is a small organ, about the size of your fist, tucked away in the upper left part of your belly. But don't let its size fool you, it's great for keeping you healthy.

First off, your spleen is like a big filter for your blood. It holds onto red and white blood cells and platelets. Even if it's taken out, don't worry, other parts of your body's lymphatic system can step in to do these jobs.

Another key task of your spleen is to help your body respond to infections. It does this by activating cells that fight off invaders. Plus, it's involved in getting rid of old blood cells and managing your body's fluid balance.

Interestingly, research has found that your spleen makes important substances for healing and inflammation. So, while it might be small, your spleen is important for your overall health.

Foods that Strengthen the Spleen

Here are the foods that support the spleen which you should include in your diet -

Fruits: Berries, cherries, apples, citrus fruits, bananas.

Starchy Vegetables: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes.

Vegetables: Spinach, asparagus, broccoli, peppers.

Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, barley.

Legumes: Black beans, chickpeas, lentils.

Healthy Fats: Olive oil, full-fat yogurt, avocados, unsweetened coconut.

Seeds, Nuts, and Nut Butters: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds.

Spices and Herbs: Thyme, basil, turmeric, oregano.

Animal Proteins: Eggs, fish, chicken, shellfish, turkey.

Foods that You Should Avoid for Your Spleen

To protect your spleen and prevent related diseases, it’s best to limit or avoid certain foods and drinks —

Sugar-sweetened beverages: Milkshakes, soda, iced tea, energy drinks.

Sweets: Candy, ice cream, sugary baked goods.

Fast Food: Hot dogs, french fries, burgers, tacos, pizzas, nuggets.

Processed Meats: Bacon, tinned ham, salami, sausages.

Ultra-Processed Snacks: Crackers, chips, pretzels.

Dietary Supplements To Improve Your Spleen

Did you know that you can give your spleen a helping hand just by tweaking your diet? Well, eating good foods for the spleen and having small meals throughout the day can do wonders.

And guess what? Supplements can be a big help too!

Vitamin C

You’ve probably heard about Vitamin C’s abilities - it’s highly effective at strengthening your immune system. It also helps your body soak up iron, which is key to avoid anemia and keep your spleen from getting too big.

You can find Vitamin C in citrus fruits and leafy greens, but taking supplements can make sure you’re getting enough every day.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is a must-have for making red blood cells and keeping your nervous system running smoothly. If your B-12 levels dip too low, your red blood cells can start acting weird, making your spleen work overtime. So, keeping your B-12 levels up means your blood and spleen stay healthy.

Vitamin A

Did you know that Vitamin A is a key component in growing your bones, dividing your cells, and developing your teeth? But be careful, if you have too much, it can hurt your spleen and might even cause it to rupture, leading to dangerous internal bleeding.

Iron

Iron is a must-have for making hemoglobin and carrying oxygen in your red blood cells. But if you don’t have enough iron, your spleen can get bigger and become more likely to get damaged or rupture.

In severe cases, you might even need surgery to remove your spleen.

Red Ginseng

Feeling stressed? Red ginseng can give your spleen a boost and help reduce the strain. Plus, it’s good for your digestive and circulatory systems, which can lighten the load on your spleen.

Astragalus

You probably have heard of Astragalus. It’s a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine that can improve your immune system and help rejuvenate your spleen. If you’re feeling tired or have lost your appetite, Astragalus could be just what you need.

Just make sure to go for astragalus membranaceus for the best results. However, there are foods to boost your immune system and fight off infections you chould try with Astragalus.

Licorice

Licorice root is another great option for your spleen. It has properties that can cleanse your body and compounds that are good for your spleen and digestive organs. It helps keep your blood flowing smoothly, which can prevent your spleen from working too hard.

Since you won’t find licorice in your everyday foods, you might want to try it in a tea, tincture, or pill to keep your spleen in top shape.

What Else is Harmful to the Spleen?