**Requirements:** 1. Maintain the original format and structure. 2. The translation should be accurate, fluent, and natural. 3. Maintain professionalism and consistency. 4. Only return the translation result; do not add any explanations. **Original Text:** Understanding the “Silent” Liver The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) states, “The liver is like a general; strategies and plans originate from it.” The liver is the central lifeblood of the human body, the foundation of our innate constitution, and the body’s detoxification factory. It acts as the “central bank” that regulates the circulation of qi, blood, and water in the body, performing four main functions: 1. **Metabolic function**: It aids in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones, and other substances, as well as the regulation of mineral metabolism and acid-base balance. 2. **Synthetic function**: The liver produces bile, albumin, glycogen, and clotting factors. 3. **Detoxification function**: Most of the toxic substances absorbed and produced during digestion are converted by the liver into more soluble or non-toxic forms, which are then excreted through urine and feces. 4. **Immune function**: The liver produces various antibodies and has a strong phagocytic capacity, helping the body to defend against antigens. However, the liver is a silent organ. Unlike the stomach and intestines, which can experience hunger or discomfort from overeating or improper food, the liver does not show similar signs of distress. Nor does it become overly strained with simple activities like walking or even from minor issues like the heart. It simply continues to work tirelessly. Once its function declines, sub-health conditions can quickly arise. **Six Warning Signs That Your Liver May Be in Trouble** Although the liver is silent, it can send out distress signals: 1. **Dry, dull eyes**: The *Huangdi Neijing* mentions that the liver is connected to the eyes. Problems such as dryness and fatigue in the eyes are closely related to liver health. Prolonged screen time and exposure to radiation can harm liver function, which in turn affects vision, creating a vicious cycle. 2. **Brittle nails**: Healthy liver function is reflected in strong nails. If the liver lacks sufficient blood, this will be evident in the nails. 3. **High blood pressure**: Patients with high blood pressure often need to take medication, which can damage liver and kidney functions. 4. **Weak limbs and difficulty moving**: This is not just laziness but a result of the liver’s weakened ability to support the body’s movements. 5. **Yellowish skin and dry, bitter taste in the mouth**: These symptoms are often associated with insufficient qi and blood or weak spleen and stomach, both of which are related to liver function. 6. **Joint pain and muscle cramps**: As people age, their energy decreases, and the liver’s role in nourishing the tendons weakens, leading to joint pain and muscle cramps. **How to Protect the Liver?** 1. **Diet**: Avoid alcohol and greasy foods. Excessive intake of sugar, protein, and lipids can strain the liver, leading to conditions like fatty liver. Alcohol is a major contributor to liver diseases and should be completely avoided. 2. **Exercise**: Regular physical activity helps lower blood lipids and reduces the liver’s burden. Choose exercises that suit you and engage in outdoor activities. 3. **Sleep**: Maintain good sleep habits—go to bed early and wake up early, avoid staying up late, and prevent overexertion. This helps the liver restore its functions. 4. **Emotions**: Chronic negative emotions can disrupt hormonal balance and impair liver function. Stay optimistic. 5. **Medication**: Avoid drugs that harm the liver and avoid exposure to toxic substances. Use hormones, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy drugs only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 6. **Supplements**: Consider taking antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients like AKG, which can support liver health. **The Positive Effects of AKG on Liver Health:** 1. **Metabolic regulation**: AKG improves fat metabolism by activating the AMPK-PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in fatty liver. 2. **Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects**: AKG enhances cellular antioxidant capacity and protects liver cells from oxidative damage. 3. **Detoxification**: It helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces oxidative stress in the liver. 4. **Liver cell repair**: AKG promotes liver cell repair and reduces liver damage caused by various factors. 5. **Enhanced detoxification**: As a key intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, AKG boosts the liver’s ability to detoxify. In summary, taking care of the liver through a healthy diet, exercise, proper sleep, and a positive mindset is essential for maintaining its overall health. Supplements like AKG can provide additional support.