The liver is one of our important organs. Every time we go out for socializing, drinking and eating are essential. As we all know, alcohol is metabolized by the liver. If liver protection becomes our topic today, then what should we eat to protect the liver before drinking? Let's take a look!
What to eat to protect the liver before drinking
1. Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamins, especially high in vitamins B and C. These two vitamins are crucial for protecting our liver. Therefore, eating a few oranges or drinking fresh orange juice before and after drinking can help alleviate the effects of alcohol and protect the liver. In addition, pears, bananas, apples, and watermelons are rich in vitamin C and sugars, which have the effect of protecting the liver and promoting liver cell regeneration. Eating apple slices with sugar before drinking can prevent drunkenness.
2. Large steamed buns (preferably made from whole grains)
It's good to eat a steamed bun before drinking. This way, part of the alcohol will be absorbed by the bun, making it less likely to get drunk and also less harmful to the body. Starch molecules can bind with alcohol in the stomach, forming a protective barrier that reduces irritation to the stomach lining and slows down alcohol absorption. Foods rich in linear starch, such as whole grain steamed buns and whole grain rice, are ideal for this purpose. This is because alcohol can enter the spiral structure of starch molecules, forming an "inclusion complex," which prolongs the time alcohol stays in the stomach, achieving the goal of slowing down alcohol absorption.
3. Yogurt (thicker, fermented yogurt is better)
The beneficial bacteria in yogurt can lower the levels of enzymes in the liver that cause liver damage, thus reducing the damage caused by alcohol to the liver. In addition, yogurt becomes thick and viscous after adding plant gums, which prolongs its stay in the stomach and dilutes alcohol. Drinking a glass of yogurt before drinking effectively delays alcohol absorption.
4. Soy products
It is said that eating some soaked raw soybeans before drinking can prevent drunkenness. The reason is that the protein in soybeans can denature and consume alcohol, reducing alcohol-induced damage. However, eating soy products while drinking is a good way to protect the liver. The lecithin in soy products has a protective effect on the liver and can consume alcohol.
5. Milk
Drink a bottle of milk 20 minutes before drinking. It is better to drink pure milk or milk with sugar, as it can prevent alcohol-induced gastritis and dehydration. Drinking milk with honey can promote the breakdown of ethanol and protect the gastric mucosa. It is not necessary to drink a lot each time; drinking about 100 milliliters of milk can be effective.
Liver protection methods
1. Massage
Place your hands together and rub the Shanzhong acupoint between the two breasts, moving up and down 30 times to promote smooth airflow, stimulate the thymus, and enhance immunity. Alternatively, you can loosely clench your fists and beat the Zusanli acupoint on the upper part of both calves, which can strengthen the kidney and liver, and protect the spleen and stomach.
2. Eye protection
In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is connected to the eyes. Therefore, if the liver is damaged, the eyes may feel dry and tired. On the other hand, taking care of the eyes can also protect the liver. In the warm but not intense sunlight of spring, it is recommended to relax the whole body, face the sun, close your eyes, let the glass window and eyelids filter out the strong sunlight, allow the warm sunlight to penetrate into the eyeballs, and rotate the eyeballs clockwise 10 times and counterclockwise 10 times, for a total of 15 minutes per day.
