The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. People are aware that the liver is the main detoxification and excretion organ, but they may not realize that it also secretes bile, synthesizes proteins, stores blood, and performs many other functions. Its roles are particularly numerous and complex, supporting the health of the body in conjunction with other organs.
Like most organs in the human body, the liver is very fragile. If we do not pay attention to protecting the liver in our daily lives, especially with some unhealthy lifestyle choices, it can lead to liver diseases. According to relevant statistics, among various liver disease patients, there are more males than females, which may be closely related to habits like smoking and drinking in men. Additionally, some other bad habits that men have upon waking up also pose a serious threat to liver health.
1. Skipping breakfast for a long time
Breakfast occupies an important position among the three meals a day, yet many young people, especially men, have the habit of skipping it. The reasons for skipping breakfast are varied: not hungry in the morning, unable to eat, no time to prepare it, not knowing what to eat… Not having breakfast means not providing enough nutrition and energy for bodily functions, which not only affects stomach health but may also lead to insufficient liver blood, causing liver function disorders.
2. Taking medication on an empty stomach
It is inevitable to feel unwell while consuming grains and foods, and taking medication is common. However, most of the time, doctors remind us to “take medicine after meals.” This is because “all medicines have some toxicity,” and the chemical components in medications can strongly stimulate organs like the stomach, liver, and kidneys, potentially damaging the liver and kidneys. If medication is taken on an empty stomach, the damage will be more pronounced.
3. Smoking immediately after waking up
Many men have the habit of smoking in the morning, believing that one cigarette will stimulate the brain and make them feel more awake. However, this behavior is harmful to health. The harmful substances in smoke can stimulate blood vessels, leading to constriction, which may result in slowed blood flow and sluggishness, adversely affecting our daily lives and work. After the liver has repaired itself, it is immediately subjected to the demanding detoxification process again, increasing the risk of liver disease.
4. Frequent staying up late
Most young people today have the habit of staying up late, whether it’s gaming, scrolling through their phones, or watching live streams… As entertainment options diversify, the excuses to stay up late have also increased. Staying up late is like a poison; once addicted, it is difficult to break free. This is how the liver suffers. The liver does have self-repair capabilities and can regenerate during the night, but if staying up late becomes a long-term habit, it will hinder the liver’s repair process. Furthermore, prolonged late nights lead to an increase in waste toxins in the body, placing additional stress on the liver.
Understanding the harm of bad lifestyle habits to the liver, we need to make efforts to eliminate these bad habits, maintain a healthy diet, exercise reasonably, and establish a scientific routine to actively protect liver health.
To protect the liver, in addition to changing these four bad habits, it is also important to consistently do these two things:
1. Drink more tea
Nourishing the liver requires drinking plenty of water, as hydration helps regulate liver blood, which is a prerequisite for protecting liver health. While drinking water, you can also add some small ingredients to protect the liver, such as chrysanthemum and cassia seed tea.
Chrysanthemum and cassia seed tea contains: dandelion, cassia seeds, goji berries, chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, lotus leaf, winter melon, burdock root, osmanthus, gardenia, licorice, and bitter tea, which can be steeped in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drinking 2 cups a day nurtures and protects the liver.
2. Exercise more
Regular exercise not only enhances physical resistance but also protects the liver from viral damage. Additionally, frequent exercise can promote detoxification in the body and reduce the detoxification pressure on the liver. Individuals with liver issues can opt for various aerobic exercises, such as running, jumping rope, swimming, tai chi, and badminton, but should avoid excessive exercise.
