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In modern society, stress and unhealthy lifestyles have become problems that many middle-aged people have to face. Liu Qiang (not his real name), 36, is a prime example.
As a middle manager, Liu Qiang's work pressure is huge, and he has to drink alcohol almost every night to release the pressure. This habit continued for years, until recently his body issued a warning that could not be ignored.
Liu Qiang's wife, Wang Li (not her real name), has always been worried about his drinking habits, and she persuades him in his ear every day, hoping that he can drink less, but persuasion always seems to be to no avail.
Until that day, Liu Qiang went to the hospital for examination because of persistent discomfort in the right side of his abdomen, and was diagnosed with liver cancer. The doctor told him that long-term alcohol abuse was an important cause of liver cancer.
This sudden bad news made Wang Li burst into tears on the spot, and her heart was full of endless self-blame and pain.
Liver cancer is a very common malignant tumor in mainland China, and its morbidity and mortality are high. The doctor explained that long-term heavy alcohol consumption will cause liver cells to be in a long-term cycle of being damaged and repaired, which may eventually develop into cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
In addition to liver cancer, long-term alcohol abuse may also cause a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach problems, etc., which are all health risks that cannot be ignored.
Liu's example is not unique. Under the busyness and stress, many middle-aged people choose alcohol as a way to release. However, what most people may not know is that alcoholism can be harmful to the body far more than a short-term pleasure.
As an important detoxification organ of the human body, once the liver is damaged, the consequences are very serious.
Alcohol abuse can also affect sleep quality, and while alcohol may make you drowsy at first, it can actually interfere with deep sleep, which can lead to severe sleep disturbances in the long run.
In Liu's case, we can also see the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Eating a reasonable diet, exercising moderately, getting enough rest and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are simple lifestyle habits that play an important role in preventing liver cancer and other diseases.
Experts recommend that even in social situations, alcohol should be consumed in moderation, and for those who already have a drinking habit, it is best to gradually reduce alcohol intake under the guidance of a doctor to reduce the harm to the body.
Liu's story is a cautionary tale that health is priceless, and life should not be lost in glass after glass of alcohol due to negligence.
After realizing this, Liu Qiang began to try to change his lifestyle, which was a challenging but necessary change.
In the following days, with the joint efforts of his family and doctors, Liu Qiang began a journey of self-redemption. He participated in counselling provided by the hospital, a program specifically designed for cancer patients and their families to help them cope with the psychological stress of the illness and provide support for alcohol withdrawal.
Through one-on-one conversations, the counsellor helped Liu Qiang realize the consequences of his actions and taught him some healthy ways to relieve stress, such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation.
Liu Qiang and Wang Li began to participate in outdoor activities together, walking together every day after dinner, and cycling in the park or countryside on weekends. These sports activities not only strengthened Liu Qiang's physique, but also brought the couple closer together, bringing new hope to fight the disease together.
Through these activities, Liu Qiang gradually felt the changes in his body, his weight decreased, his physical strength improved, and most importantly, he began to enjoy this form of relaxation without relying on alcohol.
It is these positive changes that bring hope for Liu Qiang's treatment. Although the treatment of liver cancer is a long and difficult process, with the support of his family and his own efforts, Liu Qiang gradually feels unprecedented strength. He is no longer the man who needs alcohol every day to relieve stress, but a warrior with a clear purpose and a strong will.
There is a strong relationship between alcohol consumption and liver health
Drinking is seen as part of social activity in many cultures, but its health effects are profound and severe. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause ongoing damage to the liver, leading to a range of serious liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The liver is the body's main detoxification organ and is responsible for processing toxic substances ingested by the body, including alcohol. When alcohol is decomposed, the metabolite acetaldehyde produced is highly toxic and can directly damage liver cells, and long-term accumulation may lead to cell degeneration or even cancer.
The development of alcoholic liver disease is gradual. At first, it may only manifest as fat accumulation in the liver, but as drinking continues, liver damage will worsen, gradually progressing to hepatitis, and eventually cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is a serious state of health characterized by a continuous deterioration of the liver's structure and a gradual loss of function. At this stage, the liver's ability to regenerate is impaired and it is unable to repair itself effectively, increasing the risk of liver cancer.
Association of alcohol consumption with other health problems
In addition to directly affecting the liver, alcohol abuse can cause or exacerbate a variety of other health problems. Alcohol is a potentially harmful cardiovascular irritant that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, especially REM sleep stages, which can lead to long-term sleep quality problems. Excessive alcohol intake can also affect the digestive system, increase the risk of stomach problems, stomach ulcers, and other diseases, and may lead to malnutrition, as high alcohol intake can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from food.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle
For those who are accustomed to relieving stress through drinking, lifestyle changes are key to regaining their health. By increasing physical activity, such as regular aerobic exercise and strength training, you can not only strengthen your physique but also help reduce your dependence on alcohol.
Improving your diet, increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits, and reducing your consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods are essential for improving your overall health.
Mental health support
Mental health plays a vital role in defeating alcoholism and other lifestyle-related diseases. Participating in counselling and support groups can help individuals deal with alcohol consumption caused by life stress.
Mental health professionals provide coping strategies to help people recognize that drinking alcohol is not the only way to escape, and to identify and deal with other psychological problems that may be contributing to excessive drinking.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective form of psychotherapy designed to change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour and teach individuals healthier coping strategies.
The power of social support
Support from family and friends is indispensable in the process of changing drinking habits. This support goes beyond providing emotional comfort, but also includes specific help in everyday life, such as choosing an environment where you don't drink alcohol when participating in social activities together, or engaging in physical activity together.
Social support can also extend to the occupational environment, where employers offer flexible work arrangements and mental health support that can effectively help employees manage stress and thus reduce the likelihood of resorting to alcohol.
We have seen that the effects of alcohol on human health are comprehensive and far-reaching, especially the most serious damage to the liver. However, by making lifestyle changes, enhancing mental health, and social support, it is entirely possible to reduce alcohol consumption and its impact on health. A healthy lifestyle is not achieved overnight, but requires sustained efforts and the participation of all sectors of society.
Finally, do you have any experiences and opinions that you would like to share?