The liver is the chemical factory of the human body, and many chemical reactions are carried out in the liver. For example, when food enters the digestive tract, it is absorbed and decomposed by the stomach and intestines, and then collected in the portal vein and transported to the liver, where it is transformed into useful substances for the body, and the excess is stored. The liver also has the function of detoxification. It will convert high-toxin substances into low-toxin substances through chemical reactions, and then become water-soluble and non-toxic, and then excreted through the kidneys or bile.
If the liver function changes in the early stage, it may not be detected by blood test. Usually, it is a major crisis, such as infection or injury, which increases the workload of the liver, and then it is discovered that the liver function has declined. Mild inflammation, severe liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. even liver failure. Due to the strong self-repair ability of the liver, as long as it is detected early, treated quickly, and combined with lifestyle adjustments, there is a great chance to bring health back on track.
To enhance the self-healing ability of the liver, it is inseparable from the four aspects of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, lowering blood fat and enhancing immunity. Because of liver damage, many times it is because toxins have entered the liver cells and produced free radicals in the metabolism. Free radicals can cause body cells, including liver cells, to oxidize and cause damage. They can be said to be the source of all diseases, and sufficient antioxidants are needed to remove them.
Aging and bad living habits are one of the main reasons for the deterioration of antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the first thing to do to improve the liver’s self-healing capacity is to stop smoking and drinking. Cigarettes and alcohol can directly damage the liver and increase the chance of liver cancer. The second is to reduce sugar and fat intake, control body weight, and avoid fatty liver. Fatty liver is one of the common chronic liver diseases in Hong Kong. The most effective treatment is to lose weight and exercise. Even if you only lose one or two kilograms, it will help reduce fat content, and medicines and health products are all supportive treatments. The more common liver protection health products on the market are milk thistle, which contains antioxidant ingredients, which may make the liver cell membrane more stable. When the liver is damaged, it will make the liver cells produce protein faster, thereby improving the repair effect. widely used.
From the perspective of Western medicine, patients are advised to consume more high-quality protein, such as lean meat and eggs. Eat more green vegetables, foods rich in vitamin A and C, such as papaya, pineapple, blueberry, green tea, etc., because these are rich in antioxidant vitamins. In addition, it is also pointed out that nuts and olive oil can reduce the accumulation of liver fat.
In addition to fatty liver, chronic hepatitis such as hepatitis B is also the most common cause of liver damage. Long-term inflammation can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which can damage liver function. The most effective way to prevent hepatitis B at present is to get vaccinated. Finally, sleep also affects antioxidant capacity. Having sufficient and high-quality sleep every day can help reduce body inflammation and reduce the chance of getting sick.
Written by: Dr. Zhou Weiming
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Specialist
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