Liver, the official of the general.
The liver is the largest digestive gland in the human body, with detoxification and detoxification functions, known as the “chemical factory.”
The liver is the only organ without peripheral nerves, known as the “silent” organ of the human body. It does not show obvious pain, and the liver also has a powerful “compensation” function to help self-repair.
However, when the liver gradually becomes “hard,” it is difficult to recover. If not treated for a long time, it can lead to liver cancer, so it is important to pay attention to the liver’s health in daily life.
The Origin of Alcohol and Liver Disease
Occasionally drinking a little alcohol will not have a significant impact on the body, but long-term heavy drinking can induce alcoholic liver disease, or even develop into liver cirrhosis.
Approximately 90% of alcohol that enters the body is metabolized in the liver under the action of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, ultimately breaking down into water and carbon dioxide and being excreted smoothly.
If too much alcohol is consumed and not enough, it can easily promote the formation of the intermediate product, acetaldehyde in the liver, which can lead to liver cell damage and eventually cause inflammation, triggering alcoholic hepatitis.
Research shows that besides drinking alcohol, there are several habits that can easily lead to liver disease, especially doing these things frequently in the morning can make the liver more prone to disease and may eventually develop into liver cirrhosis.
Three actions that men often do in the morning may harm the liver more than drinking. Most people are unaware, so it is important to correct them.
Eating fried foods for breakfast
Fried foods are popular in modern life, with unique flavors. Occasionally eating them can satisfy the stomach without harming health.
However, long-term consumption can lead to an excessive intake of fats and saturated fats, thus increasing the burden on the liver. Especially eating fried foods for breakfast regularly can affect metabolism and increase the burden on the liver and intestines.
Experts indicate that consuming fried foods for a month can cause noticeable changes in the liver, leading to changes in enzymes similar to hepatitis. Eating them regularly also increases the risk of fatty liver, so it is best to avoid fried foods as much as possible.
Taking medication on an empty stomach in the morning
Modern people are affected by non-natural foods, leading to weakened immune systems compared to the past. Some people choose to take various drugs or supplements at the slightest discomfort.
As the saying goes, “medicine is also poison.” Taking medicine without being ill can increase the metabolic burden on the liver, and serious cases can lead to drug-induced liver damage.
Experts mention that some drugs and their metabolites can cause liver damage, such as Western and Chinese medicines, which can increase the metabolic burden and affect liver detoxification, harming health.
Getting angry and being upset in the morning
According to traditional Chinese medicine, anger can cause liver qi to overflow, leading to symptoms like facial flushing, red ears, headaches, nausea, and even fainting. Long-term pent-up anger can lead to stagnation of liver qi, affecting various bodily functions and causing functional disorders.
Modern research has shown that when angry, the body releases a type of catecholamine substance, which significantly affects blood sugar and fatty acids, and can even cause an accumulation of toxins in the blood and liver.
Especially in the morning when blood pressure is relatively high and the body’s organs are not fully relaxed, getting angry or upset, especially after just waking up, can easily harm the liver and lead to problems like excessive liver heat.
Studies also show that people who are frequently angry have a much higher risk of developing liver disease compared to those with stable emotions. Therefore, harboring long-term anger may be more harmful to the liver than drinking alcohol, so it is important to adjust one’s mindset.
When the liver gradually hardens, the body may reveal five vulnerabilities, if not affected, the liver is still considered healthy.
1: Yellowing of the eyes and skin
In the lives of more than half of those with liver hardening, yellowing of the eyes and skin is common. This is mainly due to the liver’s role in detoxifying and metabolizing the body. When the liver hardens, it affects bilirubin metabolism.
As bilirubin levels increase in the body, it affects skin metabolism, leading to discoloration and conditions like yellow skin and eyes, significantly compromising health.
2: Appearance of spider nevi
Spider nevi, appearing as small red dots with radiating capillaries around them. Research shows that 85% of people with spider nevi have liver tissue damage, with 30% having cirrhosis.
Spider nevi typically appear in areas with dense capillaries like the face, neck, and chest, making them easy to spot. Therefore, sudden appearance or enlargement of spider nevi should prompt a check on liver function.
3: Darkening complexion
In healthy individuals, the complexion is rosy and glossy. When the liver gradually hardens, it can lead to a liver disease face, with a dark and dull complexion.
This is primarily due to the decreased liver function, causing melanin deposition. Extra vigilance is required at this stage to protect liver health.
4: Appearance of bruises
Unexplained bruises appearing on the skin should raise concerns about liver hardening. As the liver gradually hardens, it leads to impaired synthesis of blood clotting factors, manifesting as a tendency for bruising.
In addition to skin bruises, be cautious of nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and other bleeding conditions. Immediate medical attention is necessary upon detection of these symptoms.
5: Appearance of liver palms
When the liver gradually hardens, liver palms may appear, characterized by reddening and red spots on the palms. This mainly results from abnormal liver function, estrogen depletion, necessitating a prompt check since liver health is crucial.
Liver Care Tips:
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends the liver “ace”:
Water is the best detoxifier for the body. Drinking more water helps accelerate the elimination of toxins, reduce the burden on the liver. Adding a few liver-nourishing plants to water is also a good choice.
Preparation: honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, goji berries, cassia seeds, osmanthus, burdock root, etc., are made into tea bags to help clear liver heat, detoxify the liver, and gradually improve liver function.
Chrysanthemum: clears the liver and brightens the eyes, a must-have for modern liver protection;
Cassia seeds: clears liver heat, helps liver detoxification, nourishes the liver and eyesight;
Honeysuckle: enhances immune function and suppresses viruses in the body;
Burdock root: reduces toxin accumulation in the body, relieves fatigue;
Osmanthus: freshens breath, eliminates bad breath, soothes the liver;
By scientifically combining these ingredients into tea bags and drinking a cup every day, harmful substances in the body can be removed, reducing the liver’s burden. Self-preparation requires mastery of ingredient quantities and elaborative processing, but ready-made tea bags are convenient, nutritious, scientifically balanced, and individually packaged for ease of consumption, supporting overall health.
Get enough rest and avoid staying up late
Sleep is crucial for liver health as the liver detoxifies and repairs itself during sleep. Prolonged late nights and insufficient sleep can intensify the liver’s burden, affecting its functions.
People with prolonged sleep deprivation experience hormonal imbalances, disrupted nervous system functions, leading to liver problems. It is important to maintain proper sleep schedules, ensuring deep sleep before 11 pm for 7-8 hours, which helps stabilize the internal environment and strengthen liver function.
