Meat itself isn’t unfriendly to the liver, however once it undergoes the “preservation” process and certain chemicals are added to prevent spoiling, it can be potentially harmful and may cause serious liver damage over time. The culprit is sodium nitrate, the most commonly used meat preservative. Sodium nitrate is used to prevent the packaged meat from going bad, and helps keep the flavor and color of the meat sealed in. While this may not sound like a bad process, it’s certainly not the healthiest choice.

Red meat isn’t the only type of meat that falls victim to these chemicals; any and all processed, packaged meats contain sodium nitrate, including deli meats, hot dogs and even bacon. Does this mean you need to stop eating these types of meats altogether? Eating these meats in moderation is the key.

Though, if you find yourself splurging a bit too often, you may wish to consider supplementing your diet with a little extra vitamin C in an attempt to prevent the negative affects of sodium nitrate causing further liver damage. As well, choosing to take UltraThistle, the most absorbable and effective liver antioxidant available, can help ensure your liver is protected from sodium nitrite and other potential toxins. It’s a good idea to discuss any new health care regimen, including a change in diet, with your physician. A healthier alternative, although not always possible, would be to steer clear of these processed foods and stick with fresh meats instead. Learn more about the negative effect meat can have on the liver, as well as how you can help avoid further liver damage.

This article was prepared for LiverSupport.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health and liver support products.