6 Foods to Avoid for Individuals with "Small Three Yang"

Feb 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Jiang Weimin

Introduction

There is no need for patients with "small three positives" to avoid six specific foods, but they should limit consumption of sunflower seeds, sugar, alcohol, jellyfish, canned foods, and pork. Although sunflower seeds are small, they contain high levels of fat, mostly unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Alcohol has a high ethanol content that can damage the liver, so a light diet is recommended in daily meals.

There is no specific claim that patients with "small three positives" must avoid six particular foods, but they should limit consumption of sunflower seeds, sugar, alcohol, jellyfish, canned foods, and pork.

1. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are small in size but contain high levels of fat, mostly unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Excessive consumption can disrupt fat metabolism in the body, leading to increased production of choline, metabolic disturbances, fat accumulation in the liver, impaired liver cell function, and eventually proliferation of connective tissue in the liver. Therefore, patients with "small three positives" should minimize intake of sunflower seeds to protect liver health.

2. Sugar

The liver not only detoxifies but also promotes the metabolism of various nutrients. Sugar is a primary substance involved in metabolism. Consuming excessive sugary foods can disrupt carbohydrate metabolism, elevate blood glucose levels, increase the liver's workload, and potentially lead to diabetes.

3. Alcohol

Alcohol contains a high concentration of ethanol, which can damage the liver. Additionally, alcohol promotes fat accumulation in the liver. Long-term drinkers are prone to developing fatty liver disease and may progress to more serious liver conditions. For individuals with "small three positives," alcohol increases the liver’s burden and worsens the condition; therefore, they must abstain from drinking.

4. Jellyfish

Jellyfish contains relatively high levels of copper, which may lead to excessive copper accumulation in the liver, resulting in liver cell necrosis. Hence, foods high in copper should be consumed sparingly.

5. Canned Foods

Canned foods often contain added preservatives, which can be toxic to the liver and are unfavorable for the management and prevention of "small three positives."

6. Pork

Pork is rich in protein, which may cause bloating and indigestion, thereby exacerbating discomfort.

In addition, patients with "small three positives" should also avoid garlic and maintain a light, bland diet in daily eating habits.

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What Chinese herbs can completely cure "small three positives" (HBeAb, HBsAb, and HBcAb positive in hepatitis B)?

There is currently no traditional Chinese medicine that can completely cure "minor three positives" (a pattern of hepatitis B virus markers), but certain herbal medicines may help alleviate symptoms and regulate the immune system. Commonly used medications include Hugan Pian, Anluo Huaxian Wan, Yexiazhu Capsules, and Yinchenhao Tang. Hugan Pian contains ingredients such as Bupleurum and Artemisia capillaris (Yinchen), which help soothe the liver, regulate qi flow, and reduce transaminase levels. It is suitable for patients with "minor three positives" who have mild liver function abnormalities, and can improve symptoms such as distension and pain in the hypochondriac region and reduced appetite.