Recently, many people have been talking about liver detoxification methods such as taking functional foods, dieting, and drinking smoothies˳ However, experts say that these methods do not work to improve liver function, and may even be harmful to the body˳
The liver is an important part of the body and is easily damaged by many factors – Illustration
What is liver detox?
According to Doctor Nguyen Van Thai (Hepatobiliary – Pancreatic Treatment Department, 108 Military Central Hospital), the liver is the largest organ in the body, responsible for more than 500 functions˳ In which one of the important functions is to metabolize nutrients, neutralize and eliminate harmful substances to the body˳
Recently, many people spread about methods that are said to have the effect of clearing toxins in the liver such as: taking liver detox supplements; eat a diet; use vitamins; clean the colon with bleach˳
“However, from a medical point of view, a healthy liver will naturally clear toxins˳ Studies show that liver detoxification methods do not improve liver function, even can be harmful to the body,” said Thai doctor˳
Eating a diet, drinking too many vitamins can upset the nutritional balance of the body˳ When used for a long time, it leads to deficiency of trace elements, especially in pregnant women and children˳
In addition, the improper use of bleach and enemas can lead to electrolyte disturbances, a very dangerous condition for health˳
In particular, functional products that help detoxify the liver today mainly contain Silymarin, a derivative extracted from milk thistle (thorn), with antioxidant activity, protecting cell membranes˳
However, Silymarin has some side effects such as nausea, headache, loss of appetite, indigestion, diarrhea˳ In addition, can cause hypoglycemia, especially in patients with cirrhosis, diabetes˳
“Silymarin should not be used for pregnant and lactating women˳ Silymarin also interacts with some drugs, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before use,” Thai doctor reminded˳
Thai doctor also said that the hospital has received many patients who voluntarily used drugs and functional foods to treat liver and biliary diseases, but the disease not only did not improve but progressed worse˳
How to have a healthy liver?
Doctor Nguyen Anh Tuan, Department of Hepatobiliary – Pancreatic Treatment, 108 Military Central Hospital, recommends that lifestyle changes can help keep the liver healthy without the need for drug-based liver detoxification therapies˳
1˳ Limit alcohol use
The liver can only process a certain amount of beer and alcohol at once, the liver has to work harder the more alcohol you drink˳ Over time, this can lead to inflammation, cirrhosis or liver cancer˳ Therefore, limiting the use of beer and alcohol is the best way to protect the liver˳
2˳ Build a Daily Balanced Diet
Eat plenty of fruit and fiber from vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains˳ Make sure to supplement with protein for enzymes that help the body naturally detox˳
3˳ Avoid fast food
Fast food often contains a lot of fat, high carbohydrate content, easy to lead to overweight, obesity and metabolic diseases such as diabetes˳
4˳ Keep a reasonable weight
Lose weight, maintain body mass index (BMI) from 18˳5 -22˳9 Kg/m2maintain a waist circumference less than 90cm in men and less than 80cm in women˳
5˳ Daily exercise
Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week˳ In case of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, it is necessary to practice according to the specialist’s instructions to ensure safety˳ Avoid over-exercising that aggravates the condition˳
6˳ Reduce the risk of viral hepatitis
Get vaccinated against hepatitis, don’t have “protected” sex with people you don’t know˳ Do not share personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, razors, etc˳ Do not share syringes˳ Avoid eating undercooked food to prevent gastrointestinal viral hepatitis˳
7˳ Get regular check-ups if you have chronic liver disease
Patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis should have regular checkups to screen for liver cancer˳ If liver cancer is detected and treated at an early stage, it will bring good results˳
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Source link: https://cocc˳edu˳vn/an-kieng-uong-sinh-to-lam-sach-dai-trang-co-giup-giai-doc-gan-20230524105105734˳htm
