Refined sugar and ultra-processed foods
sweets, candy, and carbonated soft drinks contain a lot of fructose (especially high-fructose corn syrup), causing the liver to work overtime to metabolize.
According to Dr. Laura Schmidt (University of California, San Francisco), fructose is processed by the liver like alcohol, and excessive consumption can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Pain relievers containing paracetamol (acetaminophen)
paracetamol is safe to take at the right dosage, but abuse (common in people with chronic pain) is the leading cause of acute liver failure.
Many people do not know that herbal medicine, painkillers, and fever reducers can contain paracetamol, when used in many types at the same time, the risk of overdose is very high.
Functional foods, herbs of unknown origin
Some "medicines" or herbs for weight loss, beauty, liver detoxification... that have not been tested may contain toxins, heavy metals, or have adverse interactions with the liver.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 20% of severe liver damage in the US each year is related to uncontrolled dietary supplements.
Fast food and trans fats
Hamburger, French fries, fried chicken, snacks... contain a lot of saturated fat and trans fat, causing lipid metabolism disorder in the liver. They are the silent cause of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis if consumed long-term.
Lack of sleep and prolonged stress
Not getting enough sleep and staying up late often affect the liver's natural detoxification cycle - which usually occurs from 11pm to 3am.
Chronic stress also increases cortisol and free radicals, accelerating the aging process of the liver.
