Did you know? In our body, there is an organ known as the 'silent worker', which silently carries out more than 500 life activities and rarely attracts our attention. This organ is the liver. But when there is a problem with the liver, its silence can be suddenly broken, bringing about a series of serious health problems. Today, I would like to share with you some important knowledge about the diet of patients with liver disease, especially a widely circulated misconception that patients with liver disease cannot eat walnuts, and the possible hidden dangers of '2 white and 1 yellow' to liver health.
With the acceleration of the pace of modern life, factors such as irregular diet, work pressure and environmental pollution have made liver diseases more and more common. However, most people's understanding of liver disease is still superficial, ignoring the significant impact of daily diet on liver health. You may have heard that "people with liver disease can't eat walnuts" or "you want to have a good liver."'2 white and 1 yellow' don't eat", but are these views really accurate? What is the science behind them?
People with liver disease often face various misconceptions in their daily diet, especially when it comes to certain foods that are widely considered to be good for health, such as walnuts. Walnuts are often thought to be rich in healthy fats and proteins, which are good for health, but this is not always true for people with liver disease.
Effect of walnuts on the liver
High-calorie risk: Walnuts are high-calorie foods, containing about 650 calories per 100 grams of walnuts. For people with liver disease, especially those who need to control their weight, excessive intake of high-calorie foods may increase the burden on the liver.
Fat metabolism problems: Although most of the fat in walnuts is unsaturated fatty acids, which is good for heart health, fat metabolism may have been impaired in patients with liver disease, and excessive intake may lead to fat accumulation in the liver, exacerbating liver lesions.
The potential risk of "2 white and 1 yellow" to the liver
"2 white and 1 yellow" refers to foods high in sugar (such as white sugar, white bread), foods high in salt (such as salted foods) and foods high in fat (such as butter). These foods pose a threat to liver health:
High-sugar foods: cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, increase the metabolic pressure on the liver, and may lead to the development of fatty liver.
High-salt foods:Promotes edema and increases the risk of exacerbations in patients with cirrhosis.
High-fat foods: increase the burden of lipid metabolism on the liver, which may exacerbate the condition in patients with pre-existing liver damage.
Liver-Friendly Foods: Selection and Preparation
Hunger often decreases in people with liver disease, so it's crucial to choose foods that are rich in nutrients and easy to digest. It is recommended to consume low-fat, high-protein foods such as fish, lean meats, and soy products. Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits to ensure adequate vitamins and minerals. The method of food preparation is also important, and it is recommended to steam, boil or bake and avoid fried and overly processed foods.
Eat in moderation: Spread out meals
Patients with liver disease need to avoid excessive food intake to reduce the burden on the liver. It is recommended to eat 5 to 6 small meals a day in small meals to ensure a balanced diet.
Limit salt and sugar intake
Excess salt and sugar is a burden on the liver. Reduce the use of salt and avoid high-salt foods such as pickled products and processed foods. At the same time, reduce sugar intake, choose low-sugar foods, and limit sweets and sugary drinks.
The importance of water: Maintain proper water intake
Adequate water intake is essential for liver health. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help the liver eliminate toxins from the body.
Regular physical activity: moderate vs. consistent
Physical activity has significant benefits for liver health, including improved blood circulation, reduced liver fat, and improved immunity. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
Avoid bad habits: quit smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol are extremely bad for the liver. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are important to protect liver health. Even moderate alcohol consumption can be a risk for people with liver disease.
Regular work and rest: Reduce stress
Good sleep habits and reducing stress are equally important for liver health. Maintain a regular sleep pattern and ensure 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night. Take appropriate relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga or simple walks, to reduce stress in your daily life.
Regular physical examination: timely monitoring
People with liver disease should have regular checkups to monitor their liver health. This includes liver function tests, ultrasounds, etc., so that any potential problems can be detected in a timely manner and intervention can be carried out.