"How to Safeguard Your Vital Liver: Start with These 5 Essential Steps"

Protecting the Liver: Essential Steps for Optimal Health

The liver, responsible for metabolism and detoxification, also aids in digestion and coagulation factor synthesis. However, many overlook its protection, even harming it through unhealthy habits. This not only leads to diminished liver function but can sometimes result in liver diseases. Thus, protecting the liver starts with small yet significant actions. Here's how:

1. Avoid Staying Up Late

Staying up late is detrimental to health, especially for the liver, as it repairs itself during the night. Late nights prevent hepatocytes from properly repairing and regenerating, leading to reduced liver function, structural damage, and increased risk of liver diseases. Avoid staying up late.

2. Maintain Nutritional Balance

All organs, including the liver, require adequate nutrition to function optimally. Pay attention to your diet, striving for balance. Consume protein, minerals, and trace elements, as well as carbohydrates, and increase fiber intake to facilitate bile secretion and excretion, thereby reducing liver burden.

3. Limit High-Fat Foods

Excessive fat in the liver can induce fatty liver disease, damaging its health. Avoid frequent consumption of high-fat foods like fats and animal oils. Aim for a light diet, limiting daily oil intake to no more than 25 grams.

4. Avoid Drug Abuse

Both traditional and Western medicines undergo liver metabolism. Avoid self-medication for any ailment. Consult a doctor to minimize drug side effects.

5. Maintain a Calm Mindset

Anger, anxiety, or depression can disrupt liver excretion, promoting liver fire and blood stasis. Maintain a calm mindset and a positive attitude to foster emotional resilience and liver health.

Excessive alcohol consumption also harms the liver, as over 90% of alcohol is metabolized by the liver. Heavy drinking increases liver burden and can impair its function, potentially leading to alcoholic liver disease and, eventually, severe conditions like cirrhosis. Additionally, health supplements marketed for wellness should not be consumed arbitrarily, as some may contain hidden medications added to boost sales or perceived efficacy, which could harm the liver with long-term use.