7 gastroenterologist approved snacks for a healthy liver

The liver is an important organ in our body. It weighs about 3 pounds and handles over 500 tasks, such as digesting proteins, storing minerals, making bile, and cleaning the blood. Liver health is vital for overall well-being. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist with over 1.3 million followers on Instagram, has shared a list of snacks he munches on to maintain a healthy liver. Known online as Dr. GI Joe, he specializes in digestion, liver, pancreas, and nutrition. His snack recommendations combine some interesting foods, and you might absolutely enjoy them! Who knew eating yummy food could boost your liver health! Take a look.Dr. GI Joe likes to munch on watermelons, but with an interesting twist. He squeezes a lemon on to it, for a refreshing, liver-supporting snack. The combination of sweet watermelon and tangy lemon enhances the flavors while offering added health benefits. Watermelon is rich in citrulline, an amino acid that supports healthy blood flow. Both fruits provide antioxidants and vitamin C, and these compounds help the liver to combat oxidative stress, a key factor in liver damage, and promote efficient detoxification.Imagine eating an avocado toast to keep your liver healthy! Instead of regular bread, use sourdough. This combination leverages gut-friendly fermentation and healthy fats. Sourdough’s fermented properties support gut health, which is closely linked to liver function. Avocado’s monounsaturated fats aid the liver in processing sugars and storing fat effectively, and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.Next on Dr. Salhab’s list is kimchi paired with sweet potato. If you enjoy kimchi, you have really won the jackpot. Kimchi, a fermented dish, delivers probiotics that enhance gut health, while sweet potato’s resistant starch nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. This dynamic duo works together to support digestion and help maintain a balanced microbiome. Together, they reduce the risk of fat accumulation in the liver, a precursor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.A handful of walnuts and almonds is a go-to snack for the gut doctor. These nuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which have been shown to decrease liver fat and shield liver cells from oxidative damage. They also provide healthy fats that support overall cellular health and promote optimal liver function. This nutrient-dense snack supports long-term liver health.Back to basics — berries and dark chocolate. If you want a sweet treat, try combining dark chocolate with berries. Both are packed with flavonoids, strong antioxidants that protect the liver from damage and keep blood vessels healthy. This tasty combo helps reduce inflammation and supports liver health.Kiwi and Greek yogurt are a perfect pair for liver health. Kiwi contains vitamin C and potassium, which aid the liver in functioning well. Greek yogurt provides probiotics that promote a healthy gut. Together, they boost the liver’s energy and assist in detoxification, keeping it healthy.Sprinkle cinnamon on apple slices for a tasty and healthy snack. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which research shows can help lower liver fat. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the liver.