Introduction: In recent years, the problem of liver disease has become increasingly serious, which has attracted extensive attention from the global medical community. According to the relevant research data released by the Shanghai journal "Liver", about 2 million people die of liver disease every year in the world, accounting for 3.5% of the total global deaths.
This figure is alarming and, even more disturbing, about 1.16 million of them died from cirrhosis and its complications, while 788,000 lost their lives to liver cancer.
The liver, a seemingly inconspicuous organ, actually carries many important functions of the human body. The liver of an adult weighs about 1.5 kilograms, and although it is not large, its role cannot be ignored.
The liver is known for its powerful regenerative ability, and even if only 1/3 of the liver remains, it is still able to tenaciously maintain normal physiological functions and even gradually return to its original size.
According to statistics, the liver has as many as 500 functions, and there are hundreds of chemical reactions involved. This "chemical plant" can operate 24 hours a day and only needs to use 25% of the liver's function to meet the body's basic needs.
However, as powerful as the liver is, it has its own weaknesses. Since there are no pain nerves in the liver, it is often difficult to detect damage to the liver at an early stage. This is why many liver diseases, once discovered, often have progressed to the point where they are more severe.
01
To destroy your liver, it only takes 4 steps
Step 1: Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol is the natural enemy of the liver. Long-term heavy alcohol consumption will increase the burden on the liver, causing alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and other problems. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the normal metabolic function of the liver, causing fat to accumulate in the liver, which in turn can lead to fatty liver.
Step 2: Poor eating habits
High-fat, high-calorie foods can easily lead to fatty liver. When there is too much fat in the liver, it can affect its normal function and even lead to cirrhosis. In addition, consuming too much sugar and processed foods can also increase the burden on the liver.
Step 3: Lack of exercise
Lack of exercise can lead to a decrease in the body's metabolic rate, which in turn increases the burden on the liver. In addition, long-term lack of exercise can also lead to a decrease in the body's immunity, making the liver more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
Step 4: Neglect the medical examination
Many liver diseases are asymptomatic in the early stages and can therefore be easily overlooked. If we don't have regular check-ups, it will be difficult to detect liver problems in time.
02
If you have a bad liver, you have to go to the hospital!
jaundice
Jaundice is one of the most common symptoms of liver disease and is characterized by yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and urine. This is usually caused by the liver's inability to process bilirubin properly. The appearance of jaundice can mean that the liver is severely damaged and requires immediate medical attention.
Fatigue and fatigue
Long-term fatigue and fatigue may be a sign of reduced liver function. Liver disease can affect the body's energy metabolism and nutrient absorption, causing patients to feel exhausted. If you feel tired for a long time and it doesn't get away from rest, you should see your doctor for a check-up.
Abdominal discomfort or pain
The liver is located in the upper right abdomen, and when the liver is damaged, the patient may experience discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen. This pain may be dull, bloating, or tingling, and sometimes it may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Loss of appetite and dyspepsia
Liver disease can affect the body's digestive function, causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. These symptoms may affect the patient's nutrient absorption and weight, which in turn can affect the overall health.
Itchy skin and spider angiomas
Liver disease can cause itchy skin and spider angiomata. A spider nevus is a red vasodilated vesodilation on the skin that resembles a spider. These symptoms may be caused by the liver's inability to properly process hormones and metabolites in the body.
03
For people with poor liver, it is recommended to eat more than 5 kinds of fruits, which may help restore liver function
grape
Grapes are a nutritious fruit rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Ingredients such as anthocyanins and resveratrol have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can protect the liver from free radical and inflammation.
In addition, grapes contain a variety of nutrients that benefit liver health, such as glucose, fructose, and organic acids, which provide energy, promote metabolism, and contribute to the normal function of the liver.
Studies have shown that certain components in grapes can promote the regeneration and repair of liver cells. For example, the polyphenols in grapes can stimulate the proliferation of liver cells and promote the regeneration of liver tissue. At the same time, certain antioxidants in grapes can also reduce oxidative stress and protect liver cells from oxidative damage. These effects all help to repair damaged liver function and improve the liver's detoxification and metabolism capacity.
pineapple
Pineapple, a delicious and juicy fruit, has a certain effect on repairing liver function, becoming an ideal choice for people with poor liver, and pineapple is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps scavenge free radicals in the body and reduces the liver's oxidative stress response. When the liver is damaged, vitamin C can promote the regeneration and repair of liver cells, improving the liver's ability to detoxify.
Secondly, pineapples contain an enzyme called lysozyme. This substance helps to break down proteins in the body and reduce the burden on the liver. When liver function is impaired, lysozyme can help the liver better process the waste products and toxins produced by protein metabolism, thereby reducing the burden on the liver and promoting the recovery of liver function.
In addition, pineapple is also rich in a variety of minerals and dietary fiber. These nutrients help maintain the body's normal metabolism and digestive function, and are also beneficial for liver health. At the same time, dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis, help remove waste and toxins from the body, and reduce the detoxification pressure of the liver.
Tachibana
Tangerines are a common fruit that is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps to scavenge free radicals in the body and reduce liver damage caused by oxidative stress.
In addition, tangerines contain a variety of flavonoids, such as hesperetin and naringenin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress.
In addition to eating oranges directly, you can also choose products such as orange juice and marmalade. These products also retain the nutrients and actives of tangerines and can be used as part of a daily diet to provide nutritional support for liver health.
Li Tzu
Regular consumption of prunes not only provides rich nutrients for the body, but also helps to repair liver function and promote liver health. Prunes are rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress in the liver.
At the same time, plums are also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron, which are very important for the normal metabolism and functional maintenance of the liver. Secondly, plums have certain medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, plums are believed to have the effect of clearing the liver and brightening the eyes, soothing the liver and relieving depression. It can promote the excretion of liver qi and alleviate the symptoms of liver qi stagnation, thereby helping to improve the function of the liver.
In addition, prunes also contain a substance called plum acid, which promotes the secretion of bile and helps the liver better excrete waste and toxins.
yuzu
Yuzu contains a substance called naringentin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can reduce the inflammatory response of the liver and promote the liver's detoxification and metabolic processes, which is very important for people with poor liver.
In addition, grapefruit is also rich in a variety of minerals and dietary fiber, which help maintain the normal metabolism and digestive function of the body, and are also beneficial for liver health.
At the same time, dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis, help remove waste and toxins from the body, and further reduce the detoxification pressure of the liver.
04
Say goodbye to liver-hurting behaviors and learn the "Liver Protection Tetralogy".
Step 1: Eat right
The liver is the main site of fat metabolism, and unreasonable eating habits will put a heavy burden on the liver. Therefore, we need to maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt foods, and increase fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
In addition, moderate intake of foods rich in high-quality protein, such as fish, lean meat, legumes, etc., can help the liver repair and regenerate.
Part 2: Moderate exercise
Proper exercise can promote blood circulation, speed up metabolism, and help detoxify the liver. We can choose to do more than 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc.
At the same time, increasing muscle building and increasing the body's basal metabolic rate also contributes to liver health.
Part 3: Stay away from tobacco and alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol are two of the biggest enemies of liver health. Smoking increases the risk of liver disease, while alcohol directly damages liver cells. In order to protect the liver, we must resolutely quit smoking and limit alcohol, and try to stay away from these two major liver killers.
Step 4: Maintain a good routine
Getting enough sleep and a good routine are essential for liver health. We should avoid staying up late, overworking and other bad schedules, and ensure adequate sleep time.
At the same time, learning to regulate emotions and avoid excessive anxiety and stress can help maintain the normal function of the liver.
05
Nourishing the liver and dredging the liver meridian is the key: 2 acupuncture points, can you find them?
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the liver meridian is one of the twelve meridians of the human body, which is closely connected with the liver, and by massaging the acupuncture points on the liver meridian, it can reconcile qi and blood, relieve the pressure of the liver, and achieve the effect of nourishing the liver and protecting the liver.
Next, we are going to introduce the three acupuncture points, namely Taichong acupoint and Qimen acupoint, these two acupuncture points are located on the liver meridian, find them and massage them properly, which can help you better maintain the liver.
Taichong acupoint
The Taichong acupoint is located on the dorsal side of the foot, in the depression before the junction of the first and second metatarsals. Massaging these acupuncture points helps to reconcile qi and blood, relieving symptoms such as headaches and dizziness caused by liver problems. You can gently press the Taichong acupoint with your thumb for 3-5 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day.
Period Gate Acupoint
The portal point is located on the chest, in the sixth intercostal space, and is 4 inches next to the anterior midline. Massaging this acupuncture point helps to relieve the liver and regulate qi, and relieves symptoms such as chest tightness and hypochondria caused by liver qi stagnation. You can use the palms of both hands to gently push along the gap between the ribs, and after finding the Qimen acupoint, gently press and rub with the fingertips for 5-10 minutes each time, 1-2 times a day.
06
Read more: What is the reason for liver fire, liver stagnation, and liver blood insufficiency?
Liver fire, liver stagnation, and liver blood deficiency are common pathological conditions of liver dysfunction in traditional Chinese medicine theory. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is an important organ of the human body, which has the functions of draining, regulating and storing blood. When these functions are abnormal, it can lead to various discomforts in the body.
The liver is hot
Liver fire refers to the excessive yang energy of the liver, which leads to a series of heat symptoms in the body. This condition is often associated with negative emotions such as emotional depression, anxiety, irritability, etc.
People with a hot liver may experience symptoms such as dizziness, red eyes, bitter mouth, dry mouth, and insomnia. The methods of regulating liver fire include regulating mood, maintaining a happy mood, and at the same time, you can eat some foods that have the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire, such as mung beans, celery, etc.
Liver stagnation
Liver stagnation and qi stagnation refers to the obstruction of the liver's excretory function, resulting in poor qi and blood stasis. This condition is often associated with factors such as poor mood, excessive stress, and long-term depression.
People with liver stagnation may experience symptoms such as chest tightness, flank pain, breast tenderness, and irregular menstruation. The methods of regulating liver stagnation and qi stagnation include soothing the liver and relieving depression, promoting qi and invigorating blood, and you can eat some foods that have the effect of soothing the liver and relieving depression, such as lemons, oranges, etc.
Liver blood insufficiency
Hepatic blood insufficiency refers to the weakening of the liver's ability to store blood, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the body. This condition is often related to factors such as overwork, excessive blood loss, and long-term illness.
People with insufficient liver blood may experience symptoms such as paleness, lightheadedness, palpitations, insomnia, and lack of claws. The methods of regulating liver and blood deficiency include nourishing the liver and blood, nourishing yin and moisturizing dryness, and you can eat some foods with blood tonic effect in moderation, such as red dates, wolfberries, etc.