The best option for USA and the rest of the world is to accept that it is no longer the #1 world power. There is no way to stop China’s rise, unless USA goes to war with China in which case everybody loses.
But, as always, none of this is reported in the West. So most Americans, Brits and Europeans are unaware of the announcements that China has made regarding their plans and the actions that they are involved in.
It won’t be. It will simply lose its #1 position in the world. USA will remain a superpower for many decades to come.
China will overtake USA for the #1 spot, probably within the next decade or two. The reasons for this are many:
China
is an unstoppable economic juggernaut. It is already the world’s
largest economy by GDP PPP, and it is expected to surpass USA in terms
of nominal GDP by the end of this decade.
USA
faces numerous and daunting domestic problems such as deep and chronic
political division, crushing national debt, crumbling infrastructure,
unaffordable health care, unaffordable housing, mass incarceration,
rampant gun violence, systemic racism, extreme economic inequality, etc.
USA is failing in foreign policy. Just look at the recent Afghanistan fiasco. Look at Iraq and Syria.
China
doesn’t waste money on the military; it uses its money for economic
development. USA spends nearly a trillion dollars on the military, more
than the next 11 countries combined!
China
doesn’t waste energy fighting wars; it hasn’t fought a single war since
1979! USA has fought wars in Afghanistan, Bosnia, El Salvador, Grenada,
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama,
Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, etc.
Countries are starting to move away from the US Dollar, turning to the Euro, Bitcoin, and even the Yuan.
China’s
Belt and Road Initiative is gaining massive influence around the globe.
In Latin America and Africa and Middle East and Central Asia and SE
Asia.
China engages ASEAN countries in trade through RCEP, the world’s largest free trade bloc.
China
is pursuing diplomacy throughout the Middle East rather than bombing
the shit out of the region. Recently, it signed a 25-year cooperation
deal with Iran. And China is negotiating with the Taliban for the future
of Afghanistan instead of invading and occupying the country for 20
years.
China has 4X the US population: 1.4 billion people. They are moving towards full development.
EXERCISING in the afternoon or evening may be better for blood sugar control than spreading activity throughout the day, research suggests.
A new study published in the journal Diabetologia found that exercising between noon and midnight could cut insulin resistance by up to a quarter.
Insulin resistance is when cells in the muscles, fat and liver struggle to respond to insulin and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood.
This results in the pancreas making more insulin to help the glucose enter cells.
Blood glucose stays in the healthy range as long as the pancreas can make enough insulin to overcome the cells’ weak response, but sometimes the glucose levels rise too high and sugar stays in the bloodstream.
This can lead to pre-diabetes (the stage before diabetes is diagnosed) or diabetes.
The new study was carried out by Dr Jeroen van der Velde and colleagues at Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.
Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise is linked to better sensitivity to insulin, thereby cutting the risk of developing diabetes.
The team used data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, which included men and women aged between 45 and 65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more (putting them in the overweight or obese category).
A separate group of people were used as a control group, meaning the overall study included 6,671 people. Those taking part underwent a physical examination during which blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and insulin levels when people were fasting and after eating.
People were also asked about their lifestyles and some were randomly selected to have their liver fat content measured using MRI scans.
A random group of 955 people were also given a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor to wear for four consecutive days and nights to monitor movement and activity levels.
Some 775 people with complete data were included in an analysis.
The results showed that spending time on moderate to vigorous physical activity reduced liver fat content and also reduced insulin resistance.
Doing exercise in the afternoon or evening was linked to reduced insulin resistance, by 18% and 25% respectively, compared to an even distribution of activity throughout the day.
There was no significant difference in insulin resistance between morning activity and activity spread evenly over the day, the study found.
The researchers concluded: “These results suggest that timing of physical activity throughout the day is relevant for the beneficial effects of physical activity on insulin sensitivity.
“Further studies should assess whether timing of physical activity is indeed important for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.” -dpa
China releases white paper on jointly building a cyberspace community
China's State Council Information Office issued a white paper titled "Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," which is fundamentally different from the US' earlier release "Declaration for the Future of the Internet," as China advocates that cyberspace is the common home of humankind instead of creating division and confrontation by ideology.
The Office released the white paper during a news conference on Monday morning in Beijing, which introduces the achievements of China's Internet development and governance practices over the past decade and puts forward the Chinese proposition of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.
As problems of unbalanced development, unsound rules and unreasonable order in the cyberspace are becoming increasingly prominent and cyber hegemony poses a new threat to world peace and development, effective solutions and joint efforts are needed to address the problems, officials said.
China's white paper is fundamentally different from the US and its partners' joint release "Declaration for the Future of the Internet," said Qi Xiaoxia, director general of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the Cyberspace Administration during Monday's news conference.
The "Declaration for the Future of the Internet" attempts to impose its own standards on others, draw ideological lines in the cyberspace, draw "small circles," create division and confrontation and violate international rules, Qi said. These actions have seriously undermined the unity of the internet family and affected the stable development of the global internet.
In the US' vision, it has abandoned multilateral platforms such as the UN and is keen to form various exclusive cliques instead, in an attempt to draw ideological lines and undermine the global rules of Internet governance by touting its unilaterally-defined principles, trying to create an exclusive bloc in the name of democracy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in May.
Instead, China advocates openness, cooperation, tolerance and mutual understanding, he said.
"We believe that cyberspace is the common home of humankind, and that the future of cyberspace should be in the hands of all countries in the world, not by a single country or a few countries."
China advocates that the UN play the role of the main channel in the international governance of cyberspace, and that the international community adhere to the principles of common consultation, construction and sharing, strengthen cooperation and jointly develop international rules for cyberspace, Qi said.
China is willing to deepen cooperation with countries around the world, promote the reform and construction of the global internet governance system, she said.
However, contrary to China's vision of mutual benefit, there are many restrictions on the development of Chinese companies in some countries while they are actively exploring the international market.
"Chinese enterprises have carried out international research and development cooperation, and provided a large number of safe, reliable, high-quality and inexpensive products and services to the world, which are widely welcomed," Qi said.
"Chinese enterprises have actively fulfilled their corporate social responsibility and provided a large number of employment opportunities for the countries and regions where they operate."
Qi pointed out that the reason is clear for the development restrictions of some Chinese enterprises including Huawei in overseas market.
"On the pretext of 'national security,' certain countries have abused export control measures to maliciously block and suppress Chinese enterprises, which undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and causes serious disruptions to the stability of the global industrial supply chain," she said.
The Chinese government opposes politicization of technical issues and abuse of state power to suppress and curb other countries' enterprises by any means in violation of market economy principles and international economic and trade rules, said the white paper.
Besides, Qi denied that China's cybersecurity build-up would affect foreign companies' operations in China.
"Such worries are totally unnecessary," Qi said, responding to a question raised by a foreign reporter. "What is foreseeable is that China's open door will only get wider."
Data show that the number of foreign-funded enterprises in China has exceeded 1 million, which shows that foreign enterprises are very confident in China's business environment. The Chinese government has always been committed to creating a market-oriented, rule-of-law business environment, encouraging more enterprises to operate and develop in accordance with the law, and treating both Chinese and foreign enterprises equally, Qi said.
China
will open the annual World Internet Conference (WIC) on Wednesday in
the historic town of Wuzhen, as it seeks to promote its vision of
internet governance at a time when Big Tech firms continue to reel from
months of increased regulatory scrutiny and economic headwinds.23 hours ago
A toast: Xi and Li raising glasses during a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. — Reuters
AS the Communist Party of China prepares for its 20th National Congress in October, where President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a controversial third term as top leader, Asian Insider looks at his record over the last 10 years and what the future holds for him, the party and the country.
Last weekend, Twitter was abuzz with “news” that there had been a military coup in Beijing and President Xi Jinping was under house arrest.
The grist to the rumour mill: Hundreds of flights had been cancelled across the country, Xi had not been seen in public for a week, and a video showing a military convoy making its way into the capital city was being widely circulated.
Unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories about Chinese leaders’ fall and demise come and go with enough regularity to make the most seasoned China watchers roll their eyes every time one of them pops up on social media.
The 101-year-old Communist Party of China swept to power 73 years ago on Saturday, but it is still one of the world’s most opaque political parties.
As it gears up for its twice-a-decade congress in two weeks, where nearly 2,300 delegates will elect a new Central Committee made up of 370 or so leaders, it is keeping political pundits guessing over who might rise in the ranks to lead the country of 1.4 billion people.
The Politburo Standing Committee – the pinnacle of power with seven men – and the wider Politburo of 18 other leaders will be of particular interest to most.
But compounding the difficulty in making any predictions is President Xi Jinping’s track record of breaking norms – whether written or unwritten – and the cloak of secrecy that has only thickened under his rule.
Only two things appear to be certain for now: President Xi will secure a rare third five-year term as party and military chief during the week-long gathering. And there will be no apparent successor.
But who else might stand alongside Xi when the new team takes the stage a day after the conclave? Here are three possible scenarios:
Most conservativeTwo of the seven standing committee members will step down, in keeping with an unwritten retirement rule that requires Li Zhanshu, 72, and Han Zheng, 68, to relinquish their third-ranked and seventh-ranked seats.
The “seven up, eight down” rule sets at 67 the age limit for old and new members of the standing committee and the Politburo at the start of a new term. Politicians aged 68 or older are disqualified.
But the rule does not apply to Xi, 69, who is looking to seek a third term in office.
Conventional wisdom has it that Premier Li Keqiang, 67, will retain his second-ranked seat in the standing committee because he has not reached the retirement age. But he is constitutionally required to step down as premier in 2023 after two five-year terms and could take over Li Zhanshu’s role as head of Parliament.
Wang Yang, 67, who is chairman of Parliament’s top advisory body, is the frontrunner to succeed Li Keqiang as premier in 2023. As far as seniority goes, Wang should be next in line for the prime minister’s job.
Tradition also dictates that only those who have been vice-premiers and are capable of managing the economy can be appointed premier. Wang was vice-premier between 2013 and 2018, overseeing commerce, among other things.
Current standing committee members who have yet to reach retirement age could stay on. Zhao Leji, 65, currently ranked sixth, could take Wang’s fourth-ranked seat and become chairman of the advisory body in 2023.
Wang Huning, 67 in October, is expected to retain his fifth-ranked seat as the party’s top ideologist.
Party insiders have singled out Hu Chunhua, 59, and Ding Xuexiang, 60, as the two likely new faces in the standing committee.
Hu, currently the third-ranked vice-premier and who was thought to have been groomed for the top job during the leadership reshuffle at the last congress, is tipped to become executive vice-premier.
Ding, director of the party’s General Office, is the frontrunner among the President’s men to be promoted to the standing committee. He is Xi’s most trusted aide among the younger leaders.
Other aspirants are Propaganda Minister Huang Kunming, 64; Beijing party secretary Cai Qi, 66; Chongqing party boss Chen Min’er, 62; and Shanghai party secretary Li Qiang, 63.
But this scenario could well be too unimaginative for Xi, who has a penchant for departing from tradition and surprising pundits.
The surprise
In the second scenario, Premier Li will retire from the standing committee this year and as premier next year, according to several party insiders and observers.
Three other standing committee members will also step down: Li Zhanshu and Han – in accordance with the retirement rule – and Wang Huning, who was said to have indicated privately that he would like to retire earlier.
Only three of the seven standing committee members will retain their seats: President Xi, Wang Yang and Zhao.
The four other standing committee members will be newcomers and mostly the President’s men.
Regardless of whether Premier Li stays on or not, the number of standing committee members could be expanded to nine to accommodate more of the President’s allies and possibly a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) general for the first time since 1992 – a hint that China might be preparing itself for military conflict.
If so, the person who fits the bill is PLA Ground Force General Zhang Youxia, 72, one of two incumbent Central Military Commission vice-chairmen, and who has combat experience from the 1979 border conflict between China and Vietnam.Most boldIn this scenario, President Xi will be the only standing committee member to hold on to his seat – a clear sign of his iron grip on power.
This could be done if the unwritten retirement age rule is revised down instead of up.
“It will be ‘winner takes all’,” said Ho Pin, who runs Mirror Media Group, a Chinese-language publishing company in New York.
“There will still be norms, but no more factions,” said Ho, who correctly predicted the standing committee line-ups of the 16th to 19th party congresses from 2002 to 2017.
Factional balance of power has always been a major factor in the composition of the standing committee to keep the unity and stability of the party.
The current standing committee strikes a balance between Xi and his allies (Li Zhanshu and Zhao), former president Jiang Zemin’s “Shanghai Gang” (Han Zheng) and former leader Hu Jintao’s Communist Youth League faction (Li Keqiang and Wang Yang).
Even so, these factional lines are also not so clear-cut. Zhao, for instance, is also known as Jiang’s man, while Wang is also not as entrenched within the elite circles of the youth league.
Wang Huning is the exception as he was trusted by and has worked with all three leaders.
If Xi’s hold on power is as unwavering as it looks to be, this scenario could well pan out, and he will have free rein to fill the standing committee with younger allies, such as those born in the 1960s. — The Straits Times/ANN
FISHoil is made up of fat and oil cells extracted from fish tissue. The fat and oil are condensed into liquid or capsule form for consumption. Fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, tuna, herring and anchovies are used for this purpose. Fishoil is known to be an effective way to help reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.
According to Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of fish or fishoil published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, the consumption of omega-3rich fishoil
has the potential to reduce the risk of several cardiovascular ailments, including coronary heart disease, mild forms of hypertension, certain cardiac arrhythmias.
This is likely because fishoil has been linked to more sustainable levels of both cholesterol and blood pressure when used as a dietary supplement.
Cholesterol
Most people assume that having high cholesterol is an inherently bad thing. However, there is a distinction between ‘good’ low-density
lipoprotein (LDL), and ‘bad’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
HDL is typically considered good for your body given its ability to absorb cholesterol and carry it back to the liver before being flushed
out. Fishoil is a nutrient that is suggested to increase HDL cholesterol levels as stated in An Improvement of Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research.
Adding fishoils to one’s diet is a great way to keep one’s heart healthy.
Blood pressure
According to Blood pressure response to fishoil supplementation: metaregression analysis of randomized trials by Journal of Hypertension, a high intake of fishoil
helps with lowering blood pressure. It also finds this antihypertensive effect to be particularly present among older and hypertensive
subjects.
This is important as blood pressure is what helps transport our blood, alongside oxygen and nutrients, across the circulatory system. It plays a crucial role in ensuring our body’s everyday functions continue to work properly.
When high blood pressure (otherwise known as hypertension) is left unmanaged, it can lead to several health complications that include an increased risk of potential heart attack, stroke, kidney diseases and more. - Star2
■ For more information, call 03-7490 2138.
Importance of sleep
STRESS is one of the main factors for poor sleep as it can keep your mind active and disrupt your slumber. Other factors include an irregular sleep schedule, poor sleeping habits, illnesses and pain, certain medications and sleep disorders.
A good night’s sleep is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It allows your body and mind to recharge and recover from exertion. The average adult needs between seven and nine hours of snooze a day.
Here are eight reasons you should call it an early night.
Boosts concentration Improves athletic performance Promotes skin health Enhances mood Relieves stress Regulates blood pressure Strengthens immunity Maintains healthy weight
A few hours of sleep loss each night puts a major damper on your quality of life beyond daytime drowsiness. Regularly skimping on sleep can have cumulative impacts which can be far more severe than you would have thought. It can interfere with your cognitive abilities and eventually cause reduced concentration, impaired memory and anxiety. Being sleep deprived will put you at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes.
Synthetic sleeping pills may seem like a quick band-aid. They can help you fall asleep but can cause several side effects, including prolonged drowsiness the next day, nausea and dry mouth. Other risks include drug dependence, withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia.
For a sustainable solution, consider trying herbal remedies to calm your racing thoughts and ease into a restful sleep. Unlike synthetic pills, these herbs are non-habit forming and do not cause any unpleasant side effects.
Sedating herbs like Chinese dates, passion flower, hop and valerian root have been used since ancient times to promote tranquillity and improve sleep. These herbs work by increasing the levels and activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger which reduces the activity of the neurons in the brain and central nervous system, helping your body and mind to relax and sleep. Together, they may help you fall asleep faster, reduce night-time awakenings and sleep for longer.
Getting adequate sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, the quality of your sleep is just as important. Sleep better and start each day afresh and energised.-Star2
This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth. For more information, call 1800 183 288.
Liver Health: 4 Worst Damaging Habits- Thomas DeLauer… http://www.ThomasDeLauer.com for all your business, health, and fitness answers. The number one over the counter medication responsible for wrecking our livers is acetaminophen. Join Celebrity Trainer, Author & Organic Foods Expert, Thomas DeLauer to find out what other habits may be contributing to the health and function of our livers. Learn how the liver plays a big role in our metabolism, how we burn fat, how we get into shape, and detoxification.
1) Too much self-medication:
One of the main functions of the liver is to break down substances that we take by mouth, including medications, herbs and supplements. This process usually takes place efficiently and without causing any harm. When new medications are developed, they are extensively tested to make sure they are safe before being approved for general use. Acetaminophen, when used as directed, is extremely safe even for people with liver disease. However, taking too much acetaminophen at once, or taking a high dose of acetaminophen continuously over several days can cause damage to the liver.
How it Damages the Liver: A dose of Tylenol is absorbed by the gastrointestinal system and released into the bloodstream, where it alleviates pain and symptoms of fever. The liver filters the blood, which is responsible for metabolizing Tylenol into compounds that can be excreted by the body. About 90% is metabolized into harmless substances and excreted in the urine by the kidneys. Another 2% is removed without being metabolized. Between 5-10% is metabolized into a toxic compound called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoeimine (NAPQI). Normally, the liver can safely remove NAPQI by combining it with gluthathione and converting it into a water-soluble product that is excreted in bile. However, after an overdose, the liver does not have enough gluthathione to combine with the NAPQI. Excess amounts of the toxic chemical cause rapid cell death, necrosis, tissue damage, and potentially deadly acute liver failure. (1,2,3)
2) Alcohol abuse:
The liver can only handle a certain amount of alcohol at any given time, so if you drink more than the liver can deal with by drinking too quickly, or drinking too much, your liver cells struggle to process it. When alcohol reaches the liver, it produces a toxic enzyme called acetaldehyde, which can damage liver cells and cause permanent scarring.
3) Smoking:
Though cigarette smoke does not directly come into contact with the liver, it does indirectly affect the liver. The chemicals in cigarette smoke eventually make their way to the liver. These chemicals cause oxidative stress on the liver, which leads to damage to the liver cells and fibrosis. Oxidative stress is involved in the aging of all the organs of the body. Oxidation produces free radicals that damage the cells of the body.
4) Lack of Sleep:
If you want to keep your body — and particularly your liver – in good condition, it is important that you get enough sleep. During sleep, the body repairs and renews its cells, so lack of sleep will interfere with that. In turn, if the liver cannot repair and renew itself as you sleep, it can’t function properly when you’re awake. A study published in the Journal of Anatomy found that sleep deprivation can cause oxidative stress to the liver. It was found that livers weren’t processing fat efficiently and instead allowed fat to accumulate (which proves that the body cannot function well without a properly working liver) (8)
8) Sleep deprivation predisposes liver to oxidative stress and phospholipid damage: a quantitative molecular imaging study. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Why Healthy Liver Function is Essential to Maintain a Balanced Life
The liver is extraordinary! Responsible for over 500 functions, it's important that the liver is needed for overall health and wellbeing.
The liver function is quite extraordinary. The liver is made up of 2 lobes and is located on top of the stomach. As the “Commanding General” of the body, it is also the largest solid organ with over 500 important functions. To name a few liver functions, it regulates chemical levels in the blood, excretes bile, promotes healthy absorption and digestion, and ensures good circulation of qi, our vital energy.
As we can see, it’s imperative that the liver functions properly for overall health and wellness in the body. We share more about liver functions, what happens when issues arise, and herbal remedies to help maintain optimal health.
What is the Function of the Liver?
One vital liver function is to regulate the distribution of our life force for organs nourishment.
Most people know the liver as one of our vital organs. While it’s true from the perspective of modern anatomy, the liver has a vast basis of functions that affect the other organs. Let’s take a look at the different liver functions based on Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Liver function in Western medicine
There are many things that our liver does on the daily basis. It’s considered the largest organ and gland inside the human body. Interestingly, it’s the only organ that can regrow and replace its tissue.
Inside a liver, there are hundreds of tasks on progress every single day. But mostly, here are five major functions of the liver, based on its anatomical structure.
Production of bile
Made of mainly bilirubin, cholesterol, and bile acids, bile is essential for our digestion. It breaks down fats into fatty acids and turns ammonia, which is poisonous, into the urine.
Regulation of blood levels
The liver helps to regulate our blood of amino acids, regulates our blood for proper clotting and healing, helps to clear the body of drugs or harmful substances, and helps to store resist infections by removing bacteria from the bloodstream.
Conversion of excessive glucose
The liver converts excessive glucose (sugar) into glycogen. This is used for storage that can be converted back for energy and additional glucose.
Clearance of bilirubin
Our liver also works to ensure that we don’t have excessive bilirubin from our red blood cells. Having this condition makes our eyes and skin yellow.
Stores vitamins and minerals
The liver also stores vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. The liver is also the storage center of iron and copper.
Liver function in TCM
In TCM, the liver is one of the five Zang organs with one primary function: to store and distribute jing (essence) and qi. Rather than referring to liver in anatomy, TCM regards liver as a part of a complex web connecting multiple systems and organs. TCM sees liver functions as essential in four main areas.
Beyond its anatomical concept, our liver is a part of a complex web connecting multiple systems and organs. According to TCM, the main liver function is to control the movement of qi that sustains the organs and tissues of the body.
TCM sees liver function as essential in four main areas:
Distribution of qi
Regulation of digestive system
Management of emotional health
Modulation of the female reproductive system
The balance of qi in our liver will ensure the proper functioning of other organs inside the body. Therefore, we all need a healthy liver to function and thrive.
Problems with Poor Liver Function
In today’s fast-paced society, people who struggle to achieve work-life balance may be more susceptible to poor liver function and imbalances. Here are some problems that can arise with liver issues.
Liver disease
Western perspective: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, liver disease, also called hepatic disease, affects 4.5 million Americans. The result of substance abuse, obesity, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or viruses such as hepatitis can lead to the disruption of the liver. This is very serious that can lead to a life-threatening condition called cirrhosis. Over time and if untreated can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, esophageal varices, abdominal ascites, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Issues with the liver can also be genetic such as Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s Disease, and Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Hemochromatosis is signified as an iron disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat; whereas Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is the lack of a certain enzyme, and Wilson’s Disease prevents the body from removing copper in the liver.
Early awareness and a healthy lifestyle — such as limiting alcohol intake, adapting to a healthy diet, and doing regular exercises — are essential to keep the liver functioning properly. Some symptoms to look out for include yellowish and/or itchy skin, swelling of the body, excessive tiredness, pale stool, dark urine, or a loss of appetite, to name a few symptoms. Seek guidance from your doctor who can further assess your symptoms.
TCM perspective: TCM regards the liver as an army general of our body that regulates the movement of ‘qi’ to all organ systems. That’s why any imbalances in the liver can affect the activities of other organs and cause many health issues.
Digestive system disorders
Stomach issues can be related to problems with the liver.
Western perspective: During the early onset of liver diseases like cirrhosis, a person may experience appetite loss. This can make them lose more weight. According to a 2014 study, around 80% of liver cirrhosis patients are having at least one symptom of gastrointestinal diseases (GI). The symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, belching, and constipation — leading to malnutrition. The causes could be raised toxin levels and insulin resistance due to problems in liver function.
TCM perspective: From a TCM perspective, a disrupted balance in the liver, spleen, stomach, and gall bladder causes digestive system disorders. As a result, people who are prone to qi imbalances are likely to present with various symptoms, such as belching, heartburn, a poor appetite, and a thin white- or yellow-colored tongue coating.
TCM uses a classical formula known as 柴胡舒肝散 (Chai Hu Shu Gan San) to treat imbalances in the stomach and liver. It consists of several ingredients that work in tandem to regulate stomach and liver imbalances. The most basic ingredients of this formula are licorice root, bupleurum, bitter orange, aged tangerine peel, nutgrass galingale rhizome, Sichuan lovage root, and peony root.
Combining Toosendan fruits and Corydalis rhizome with this formula can relieve pain by improving the effect on liver qi. Meanwhile, adding decocted inula flower and hematite — the natural mineral form of iron oxide — can promote better downward movement of qi and relieve the counterflow.
Physical and emotional disordersWestern perspective: Liver dysfunction can be hard to diagnose since there are almost no visible symptoms early on. However, as the liver function becomes more impaired, it will cause physiological changes like an electrolyte imbalance and portal hypertension. In turn, patients will start experiencing physical and emotional symptoms. These include muscle cramps, breathlessness, itchy skin, trouble sleeping, depression, andanxiety.
TCM perspective: Our emotional and physical health are interconnected. For example, excessive anger or irritability is linked to various ailments. This includes dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, and redness of the face and eyes.
Similarly, TCM also believes that emotional imbalances can act as both the symptoms and causes of physical problems. Liver imbalances, specifically, link to anger, irritability, and mental health conditions such as sleeplessness, ddepression,and chronic stress.
A sleep formula known as Suan Zao Ren Tang is especially effective in treating insomnia. Sour jujube seeds — one of the ingredients of this classic formula — is particularly beneficial for improving sleep quality. It works by calming the mind, preventing excessive sweating, nourishing the liver, and soothing the nerves .
Women’s health disorders with the liver
A healthy liver means more energy, regulated periods, and less PMS symptoms. You are ready to face more adventures.
Western perspective: As a part of the endocrine system, liver dysfunction can impact hormonal balance. In women, chronic liver disease may cause amenorrhea (missing periods) and infertility. This can be triggered by low testosterone along with high estrogen and prolactin levels.
TCM perspective: An unbalanced liver can cause irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mood disorders, fatigue, fever and/or chills, abdominal pain, growth of benign masses in the uterus called fibroids, and early menopause..
Another important role of the liver is the storing of blood as well as regulate blood volume in the body. During rest, blood requirement in organs and structures is less and excess blood is channeled to the liver for storage. When there is activity, demand for blood increases and the liver transports blood to the respective organs to meet these needs. In the case of liver blood deficiency, organs fail to receive adequate nourishment which can result in symptoms such as giddiness, weakness in limbs, insomnia, and scanty periods in women or even amenorrhea. When blood cannot be stored in the liver effectively, the circulation of blood becomes unpredictable, leading to either bleeding from the orifices or heavy menstruation in females.
Visual disorders
Western perspective: Eye and visual issues can also be connected to liver disorders. Conditions such as Xanthelasma signified by a yellowish bubble on the eyelid, jaundice, cataracts, or Wilson’s disease may suggest a disrupted liver function.
The liver is also responsible for the production and storage of vitamin A. Because of this, problems in the liver can cause nyctalopia — an inability to see clearly in dim light or at night — and dry eye disease.
TCM perspective: Every organ has an association with a sense organ. The liver is most closely linked to the health of our eyes. Any unpleasant signs of the eyes can therefore be used to assess the health status of the liver. TCM believes that liver blood can travel upwards to nourish eye structures and gives the eyes capacity to see. A deficiency in liver blood may lead to eye issues such as blurred vision, myopia and eye floaters. On the other hand, excess liver heat can manifest in symptoms like red and bloodshot eyes, painful eyes which may be accompanied by a burning sensation.
A herbal tonic prepared using goji berries can nourish the liver, thus help improve your vision. It also improves circulation and strengthens your immune system.
How to Maintain a Healthy Liver
Several cubes of dried poria mushrooms on a copper plate
Poria mushroom is one of the many TCM ingredients that can boost liver health.
A healthy liver function is essential for your overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for the body as well as the liver. This includes regular exercise, moderate-to-no drinking or drug use, practicing safe sex, and eating healthy foods. A diet rich in green tea, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, oats, fatty fish, and limited salt, sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbs is important for liver health.
A classic formula called ‘Free and Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San)‘ contains eight ingredients. They are bupleurum, peppermint, Chinese Angelica, ginger root, licorice root, Poria mushrooms, white atractylode, and white peony roots. Xiao Yao San is a classical TCM formula that soothes the liver, strengthens the spleen and nourishes blood. It clears “liver stagnation” which contribute to stress, mood swings, pain, irritability, constipation, abdominal upset, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular periods.
Supplementation can help to enhance the healthy liver, such as Wild Yunzhi Powder and LLiva Max, containing medicinal fungus, stout camphor fungus (niu chang chih). These formulations can also improve the body’s resistance to disease, promote vitality, and enhance the respiratory system. According to studies conducted on mice, antrodia cinnamomea, has been widely to treat diseases such as liver disease, drug and food intoxication, diarrhea, and certain cancers.
Many issues that arise with the liver are preventable or reversible. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms related to imbalances in the liver, you should seek the advice of a doctor or TCM practitioner. These professionals can assess your situation and prescribe remedies for your specific issues.
Why Healthy Liver Function is Essential to Maintain a Balanced Life https://www.allthingshealth.com/en-us/general-health/digestive-health/healthy-liver-function/
