The liver, this vital organ, plays a vital role in the human body, not only as part of our digestive system, but also involved in many aspects of the body's detoxification, metabolism and immunity.
The liver secretes bile, which helps us break down and absorb fats. At the same time, it is also responsible for metabolizing the various nutrients we ingest, ensuring that the body gets the energy and nutrients it needs.
In addition, the liver also undertakes the task of detoxification, which can effectively remove toxins and harmful substances from the body, and keep the body clean and healthy.
In terms of metabolism, the liver is responsible for regulating the metabolism of substances such as blood sugar, proteins, and fats, and it is able to ensure the balance of these substances in the body and prevent the occurrence of various metabolic diseases. At the same time, the liver is also involved in the synthesis of important clotting factors, which play a vital role in the clotting of our blood.
In addition, the liver is also an important part of our body's immune system, which is able to produce various immune cells and antibodies that help us fight off various germs and viruses. Therefore, protecting the health of the liver is also an important part of maintaining good health.
1.*Itching: Liver problems can lead to cholestasis, which in turn can trigger itching. This itching may be long-lasting and not easily relieved.
2.Redness of the face: Liver problems can cause redness on the face or other areas**. This is usually due to a decrease in liver function, resulting in abnormal hormone metabolism.
3.Pain: Liver problems can cause pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or other areas. The cause of the pain can be a swelling or inflammation of the liver, etc.
First of all, an unhealthy lifestyle is one of the main causes of high incidence of liver disease. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, irregular sleep schedules and unreasonable eating habits can all cause damage to the liver. These bad habits can cause the liver to work harder, making it more susceptible to disease.
Secondly, environmental pollution is also a factor that cannot be ignored. Contamination of air, water and soil can cause direct or indirect damage to the liver. Long-term exposure to harmful substances increases the risk of liver disease.
In addition, substance abuse is also an important factor. Many drugs need to be metabolized and excreted by the liver after they enter the body. Long-term or irrational use of drugs will bring great burden to the liver, and even lead to drug-induced liver damage.
In addition, genetic factors are also one of the reasons for the high incidence of liver disease. Some people are born with weak liver function due to genetic reasons and are susceptible to disease. This group of people needs to pay special attention to liver health and take precautions accordingly.
1.Blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test: This is a commonly used test for liver cancer. AFP is a protein that is produced by the fetal liver and gradually disappears after birth.
Liver cancer cells can re-express AFP, so detecting the level of AFP in the blood can help detect liver cancer. However, it should be noted that the false positive rate and false negative rate of AFP testing are high, so it needs to be combined with other examination methods to make a comprehensive judgment.
2.Liver ultrasound: This is a non-invasive, non-radiation-free examination method that uses high-frequency sound waves to show the shape, size, echo and blood flow of the liver, which can detect small liver cancer masses. However, ultrasonography is susceptible to gas interference, and other tests may be required in patients with high intestinal gas.
3.CT examination: CT examination can show the morphology and structure of the liver in detail through X-ray and computer technology, which can help to detect liver cancer lumps and metastases. Contrast-enhanced CT scans can better visualize the enhancement features of the tumor and vascular invasion, which can help diagnose liver cancer.
4.MRI examination: MRI examination is a radiation-free examination method that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to show the anatomy and blood flow of the liver in detail. MRI examination has high diagnostic value for some special types of liver cancer, such as cholangiocarcinoma and mixed hepatocellular carcinoma.
5.Liver biopsy: For some patients with liver cancer that is difficult to diagnose, doctors may use liver biopsy to obtain liver tumor tissue for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that requires ultrasound-guided puncture and may cause complications such as bleeding and infection.
First of all, maintaining a reasonable diet is the foundation of maintaining the liver. We should eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in high-quality protein such as fish, lean meat, legumes, etc. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the liver from oxidative stress and damage.
At the same time, it is necessary to avoid excessive intake of greasy, spicy, irritating foods and foods high in sugar and fat, so as not to increase the burden on the liver.
Secondly, controlling alcohol consumption is also an important measure to maintain the liver. Long-term alcohol consumption can damage liver cells, leading to diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and even cirrhosis. Therefore, we should try not to drink alcohol or drink in small amounts, avoiding frequent and excessive drinking.
In addition, maintaining proper exercise is also an effective way to maintain your liver. Moderate exercise can promote metabolism and blood circulation, help to remove toxins and waste products from the body, and reduce the burden on the liver. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, such as jogging, swimming, walking, etc.
Finally, maintaining a good state of mind and emotional state is also very important for the maintenance of the liver. Excessive mood swings or long-term exposure to undesirable emotional states such as tension and anxiety will affect the normal physiological function of the liver. Therefore, we should learn to regulate our emotions and maintain a happy and relaxed state.