What to eat when staying up late to best nourish and protect the liver
Generally speaking, there is no specific food that can best nourish or protect the liver during late-night wakefulness. However, certain foods and medications may help support liver health when staying up late. These include eggs, black sesame seeds, milk, goji berries (Lycium barbarum), mushrooms, and medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, hepatoprotective tablets, silybin capsules, Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Pills, and diammonium glycyrrhetate capsules. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Details are as follows:
I. Foods
1. Eggs: According to modern medical research, the protein in eggs is structurally similar to human body proteins, with a digestion and absorption rate of up to 95%. Additionally, foods rich in lecithin and high-quality protein not only aid in cell repair but also promote cellular regeneration, helping to restore liver tissue and protect liver health. Therefore, eggs contribute to liver nourishment and protection.
2. Black Sesame Seeds: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and essential trace elements such as zinc and selenium, black sesame seeds benefit liver health. They also contain antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress on the liver and protect liver cells from damage.
p>3. Milk: During late-night hours, the liver actively detoxifies, consuming significant nutrients and potentially weakening immunity. Milk contains abundant calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamins A and D, and high-quality protein. It has nourishing, liver-protective, and moisturizing properties, helping replenish nutrients lost during sleep deprivation and enhancing immune function.4. Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum): Known for their ability to nourish the liver and enrich essence, goji berries contain essential proteins, multiple vitamins, and minerals such as phosphorus and iron. They help protect liver cells and improve overall liver function.
5. Mushrooms: As a type of fungus, mushrooms are high in vitamins and protein while being low in sugar, salt, fat, and calories. Their high-quality protein helps work synergistically with the body to reduce liver fat accumulation, offering liver protection and lipid-lowering effects. Moreover, the rich content of vitamins and trace elements in mushrooms promotes liver cell repair and regeneration.
II. Medications
1. Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets: This medication is used for liver treatment, improving abnormal liver function and aiding in the repair of damaged liver tissues, thus supporting liver nourishment. It also enhances immune system function and boosts the body’s resistance.
p>2. Hepatoprotective Tablets: Containing ingredients such as Bupleurum, Artemisia capillaris, pig bile powder, green beans, and Schisandra chinensis, these tablets have spleen-strengthening, digestive-promoting, liver-soothing, and qi-regulating effects. They are used in treating chronic hepatitis and early-stage liver cirrhosis, providing liver-nourishing and protective benefits.3. Silybin Capsules: Used as an adjunct therapy for liver diseases, silybin stabilizes liver cell membranes, protects hepatocytes, and helps eliminate toxins from the liver, thereby contributing to liver nourishment and protection.
4. Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Pills: Composed primarily of Poria, fried枳shell (Citrus aurantium), cardamom, wine-prepared white peony root, licorice, vinegar-fried Cyperus, tangerine peel, and other herbs, this formula helps soothe the liver, regulate qi, relieve bloating, and alleviate pain. It is used to treat symptoms such as qi stagnation, abdominal and hypochondriac fullness, indigestion, and acid regurgitation, and also supports liver health and protection.
5. Diammonium Glycyrrhetate Capsules: The chemical structure of diammonium glycyrrhetate resembles the steroid ring of aldosterone, enabling corticosteroid-like effects such as anti-inflammation, hepatocyte membrane protection, and improved liver function—without the adverse effects associated with corticosteroids. It is indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic viral hepatitis, particularly when elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are present.
The impact of staying up late on the liver should not be underestimated. It is advisable to minimize late-night wakefulness or adopt scientifically sound sleep habits to maintain liver health. Individuals with serious liver conditions should use dietary measures or medications only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.