Chapter 2: Searching for the Common Cause
Doctors carefully reviewed the couple's medical history. Neither had a significant family history of liver disease. They rarely consumed alcohol and did not smoke. Their exercise habits were average, and there were no obvious environmental exposures that could immediately explain the situation.
As investigators looked deeper, attention shifted toward their diet. The couple often prepared meals at home and preferred traditional preserved foods. They believed homemade ingredients were safer and healthier than processed products purchased from stores.
During interviews, Mrs. Chen mentioned that she frequently stored various foods in the refrigerator for extended periods to reduce waste. Leftovers, preserved vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients were often kept far longer than recommended.
This detail immediately caught the attention of healthcare professionals. Certain foods, when improperly stored or consumed after long periods, may develop harmful substances or become contaminated by microorganisms that can affect human health.
Doctors recommended a thorough review of the foods currently stored in the family's refrigerator.