Emotional Health and Liver Protection
Maintaining emotional balance and resolving negative feelings is essential for liver health. A stable mood supports the body and enhances overall well-being. Emotional fluctuations can disrupt hormonal balance, lead to poor blood circulation, and impair liver blood supply, ultimately causing liver cell death. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the connection between emotions and liver health, suggesting that strong emotions like anger significantly harm liver function. Prolonged anger can lead to stagnation of liver qi, potentially resulting in liver diseases.
The foundation of emotional protection for the liver lies in mastering the art of anger management. Even in moments of anger, it’s advisable to contain it to no more than three minutes. Striving to cultivate a calm, optimistic, and carefree attitude can effectively quell excessive liver heat and ensure the normal flow of liver qi, thereby promoting long-term health.
Prioritize Active Rest
For middle-aged men, actively seeking time to rest is one of the best ways to care for their liver. Regular rest can reduce physical exhaustion, decrease the breakdown of glycogen and proteins, and lower lactic acid production, thus alleviating the liver's burden. It’s crucial not to wait until fatigue overwhelms you to take a break, as this passive rest can lead to the accumulation of metabolic waste—such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide—resulting in liver damage.
Active rest, on the other hand, involves taking breaks before feeling fatigued. This approach minimizes the buildup of waste in the body, allowing for a complete recovery with minimal downtime. It's vital to avoid being a workaholic, especially for those with existing liver conditions. The tragic early passing of renowned artist Chen Yifei serves as a cautionary tale for middle-aged men.
Protect Against Liver's Enemies
The liver faces numerous threats, with viral hepatitis being the foremost enemy. Hepatitis viruses can lead patients down a devastating path of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and ultimately, liver cancer. Researchers have identified several types of hepatitis viruses—specifically types B, C, and G—as the most dangerous. One of the most effective preventive measures is vaccination, especially against hepatitis A and B. For instance, nearly 100 million people have been vaccinated against hepatitis A over the past decade, resulting in an average annual infection rate decline of 22%, with hopes of eradicating the disease in 20 years.
Cigarette smoke contains numerous harmful substances that can diminish the liver's detoxification capabilities; hence, strict abstinence is advised. Furthermore, medication can also pose significant risks. Studies indicate that drug-induced liver damage accounts for about 10% of hospital admissions, with a higher prevalence among the elderly. Reports from France show that among patients over 50 with acute hepatitis, 43% had drug-induced liver injury. Common medications such as aspirin, sulfa drugs, penicillin, and rifampicin are known to harm the liver. Even seemingly safe supplements and health products can pose risks when misused or overused. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid self-medication, especially with oral drugs that are processed by the liver. Always consult a healthcare professional when considering nutritional supplements to prevent unnecessary strain on the liver.
Another significant threat is alcohol. This unique molecule can dissolve in both water and oil, allowing it to circulate freely throughout the body once consumed. The liver is often the most affected organ because alcohol is inherently toxic, leading to early signs such as fatty liver within days of heavy drinking. Continued consumption can escalate to fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease, and eventually, irreversible cirrhosis. The recommended strategy for healthy individuals is to minimize consumption and opt for beverages with lower alcohol content, such as fruit wine. For those with pre-existing liver conditions, total abstinence from alcohol is essential.