The prevalence of liver disease has always been at a high level, and in recent years it has been on the rise year by year. For some liver patients, when liver problems occur, they tend to receive only certain treatment in hospital and neglect to take care of their liver.
How should patients with liver disease take care of their liver in their daily life? Generally speaking, patients can start with their diet.
Foods such as pancetta, roast meat and fried foods often contain a lot of fat and oil. If too much of these foods are consumed, they can increase the metabolic load on the liver, resulting in large amounts of fatty substances being deposited in the patient’s body, which can increase the risk of developing fatty liver and cirrhosis over time.
For patients with liver disease, some moderate intake of high quality protein is needed when liver function is normal, as this substance is good for promoting the self-repair of liver cells. However, for patients with heavy hepatitis or cirrhosis, less protein needs to be consumed, as such patients may induce liver coma once they consume large amounts of protein.
Studies have shown that the vitamin B1 and carotenoids in foods such as corn and carrots are beneficial in promoting the self-repair of liver cells, and not only that, these substances also reduce the metabolic burden of the liver, thus playing a role in the maintenance of the liver.
Regardless of the type of liver disease, liver cell damage may be caused by the consumption of alcohol, and continued alcohol consumption may lead to an increase in liver disease. It has also been found that alcohol has a synergistic effect with the hepatitis B virus, and for people with liver disease, regular alcohol consumption can speed up the process of liver fibrosis, leading to further damage to the liver.
In addition to paying more attention to diet, patients with liver disease should also pay attention to the rational use of medication, such as traditional medicine like Proganic (馬來西亞中醫肝病專科保肝寧). While taking medication, patients should do their best to follow medical advice and not stop or change the dosage of medication after their condition has improved, in which case they are advised to consult their doctor before determining a new treatment plan based on their doctor’s advice. Patients with liver disease should also try to avoid mixing multiple medications, as this may lead to chemical reactions between multiple medications, which may cause secondary damage to the liver. It is also vital to maintain a moderate amount of exercise, which not only promotes metabolism and blood circulation in the body, but also helps to enhance liver function and boost the liver’s immune system. For those who are weak, you can choose some low-intensity aerobic exercises at the beginning, and then increase the intensity of exercise after your physical fitness and strength have gradually improved.