Is Poor Liver Health Linked to Eating Fish? Doctor's Reminder: People with Liver Issues Should Watch These Dietary Habits

**Is Poor Liver Health Linked to Eating Fish? Doctor's Reminder: People with Liver Issues Should Watch These Dietary Habits**

On the weekend, Aunt Zhang was happily browsing through the market. She’s a true food lover, especially fond of seafood, with a particular love for fish. Recently, however, she’s been feeling unwell. After a hospital check-up, she was told that her liver function indicators were slightly abnormal. Worried, she began to wonder, “Could it be because I eat too much fish?”

At that moment, her friend Ms. Li, a retired deputy chief physician of internal medicine in the county, happened to pass by. Seeing Aunt Zhang looking downcast, Ms. Li asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Aunt Zhang? You seem a bit low.” Aunt Zhang sighed and shared her recent health concerns with Ms. Li. Being a nutritionist, Ms. Li decided to give her some advice about liver health.

“Actually, poor liver health isn’t necessarily caused by eating fish, but diet indeed has a big impact on liver health,” Ms. Li explained with a smile. “Let me share a few dietary tips to help you better protect your liver.”

1. **Choose Low-Fat Fish**: Ms. Li suggested that while fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, opting for low-fat varieties like cod, bass, and tilapia would be more beneficial for liver health, as it helps avoid excess saturated fat intake, which can worsen liver issues. Too much fatty fish may strain the liver over time, especially if other high-fat foods are also common in the diet.

2. **Limit Salt Intake**: “Too much salt can burden the liver,” Ms. Li said. “Try to cut back on salt and use herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and lemon instead. These add flavor while protecting your liver.” She noted that excessive salt is also linked to higher blood pressure and water retention, which further stress the liver.

3. **Eat More Fresh Vegetables**: Ms. Li emphasized that vegetables are high in fiber and antioxidants, which help the liver detoxify. Foods like leafy greens, carrots, and beets are especially liver-friendly, assisting with natural cleansing. Aunt Zhang nodded, realizing that she often favored meat over vegetables and didn’t eat enough greens.

4. **Cut Down on Alcohol and Sugary Drinks**: Ms. Li advised earnestly, “Alcohol and sugary drinks can be very damaging to the liver. It’s best to avoid them. Drink water and tea instead to support liver metabolism.” Alcohol is directly toxic to liver cells, and sugary drinks increase the risk of fatty liver disease when consumed regularly. Both should be minimized for liver health.

5. **Regular Check-Ups**: Lastly, Ms. Li reminded her to get liver function tests regularly to stay informed about her health and to catch any issues early. By understanding her health status, Aunt Zhang can take action sooner if any problems arise, which is key in managing liver health.

After hearing Ms. Li’s advice, Aunt Zhang felt a sense of relief. She decided to adjust her diet starting that week, planning to prepare healthier seafood dishes and add more vegetables to her meals. Eager to start, she went home and cooked a light and delicious seafood vegetable soup – tasty and good for her health.

A few months later, Aunt Zhang’s liver function had gradually returned to normal, and she felt more energetic overall. She reflected, “I never realized how much diet affects our health. I’ll definitely pay more attention from now on!”

The liver is a vital organ in our body, and a healthy diet is essential to maintaining liver health. By choosing low-fat foods, limiting salt and sugar intake, eating plenty of fresh vegetables, and avoiding alcohol, we can better protect our liver. Let’s all be mindful of our diets and move toward a healthier life, understanding that small changes in our food choices can lead to long-lasting benefits for our liver and overall well-being.