Under normal circumstances, the male chest is flat, with only two pea-sized nipples, almost no mammary gland tissue. However, some males may have enlarged breasts, attributing it to obesity. According to a study by Oxford University, the development of male breasts may be an early warning sign of liver disease.
Experts suggest that if liver function deteriorates in liver disease patients, the liver’s ability to deactivate estrogen decreases. This leads to an increase in estrogen levels in the body, causing male breast development. Additionally, conditions such as liver palms and spider angiomas are also related to abnormal liver function. Research indicates that the number of male breast development cases has increased by at least 40% compared to a decade ago.
What are the risk factors leading to liver disease?
1. Excessive alcohol consumption
Many males have a drinking habit, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the formation of alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol, when consumed, is metabolized in the small intestine into acetaldehyde before entering the liver. Excessive accumulation of acetaldehyde can lead to alcoholic liver disease.
2. Frequently staying up late
The liver’s primary metabolic peak is around 1 a.m. Those who frequently stay up late may disrupt the liver’s normal metabolic peaks, leading to the accumulation of metabolic by-products and the development of liver disease.
3. Misuse of medications
Since most nutrients in the body undergo metabolic absorption by the liver before entering the bloodstream, medications also reach the liver when ingested. Overconsumption of medications harmful to the liver can trigger the onset of liver disease.
How to maintain liver health in daily life?
1. Avoid staying up late and ensure early sleep
Resting the liver during sleep is crucial for detoxification. Giving the liver proper rest reduces its burden, promoting detoxification and overall liver health. Therefore, avoid using smartphones before bed and try to sleep early.
2. Drink a liver-protecting tea between meals
Prepare a tea bag with crushed cloves (1.5g) and osmanthus leaves (1.5g) for a liver-protecting drink. This combination helps liver function, stomach health, and detoxification, supporting liver health effectively.
The ancient medical book “Essentials from the Golden Cabinet” states, “Cloves tonify the liver, warm the Gate of Life, warm the stomach, dispel coldness, relieve lung issues, scatter wind and dampness.” Cloves have detoxifying and kidney-strengthening properties, making them excellent stomach warmers. Osmanthus has warm properties, alleviating stomach pain and dispelling cold and phlegm.
3. Consume more green foods
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, green foods are beneficial for liver circulation, metabolism, fatigue elimination, and soothing liver stagnation. Green foods are rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, and trace elements, promoting liver cell regeneration, maintaining digestive health, balancing pH levels, and aiding detoxification.
4. Massage the liver point – Liver Shu Point
Located on the back, below the 9th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches from the spine, the Liver Shu Point is essential for liver health. According to TCM theory, massaging this point can promote liver health, reduce heat, nourish the liver, enhance vision, relieve pain, and regulate qi flow.
