Liver Function
The liver is located on the right side of the body in the upper abdominal area. It is the 2nd largest organ in the human body and performs a multitude of essential functions that keeps us alive and healthy. These include metabolizing, detoxifying and regenerating.
The liver does the extraordinary job of metabolizing the food we eat and breaking it down into useful parts that can then be used to help the body function on daily bases. It is involved in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, storage of vitamins and minerals, and many other physiological processes.
The detoxification function of the liver is an essential part of human body metabolism, with the liver playing a key role in the process. The liver filters the blood to remove large particles, synthesizes, secretes bile to help with the digestion of fats and enzymatically disassembles chemicals and toxins. The liver is a large filter and sifts through 2 quarts of blood every minute that is loaded with bacteria, endotoxins, immune system waste and other toxic substances. The liver’s detoxifying abilities protects us from the damaging effects of toxic compounds we are exposed to on a daily basis. When the liver is damaged the filtration system breaks down and toxicity increases giving way to uncomfortable symptoms ranging from headaches to general fatigue
The liver produces blood proteins, clotting factors (such as fibrinogen and prothrombin), thousands of hormones (including cholesterol, testosterone, and estrogens), more than 2000 enzymes, regulates blood sugar levels and processes nutrients, drugs and other materials that enter the bloodstream.
One of the most amazing things about the liver though is its regenerating capacity. The liver is incredibly resilient and can have 75% of its cells removed or destroyed before it ceases to function. The healthy parts of the liver have the capacity to regenerate new, healthy liver tissue to replace damaged liver tissue. We are very fortunate that the liver has a regenerating ability because our health depends on a well-functioning liver.
Symptoms Of A Dysfunctional Liver
The symptoms of a dysfunctional or damaged liver include general malaise, fatigue, digestive disturbances such as constipation, allergies and chemical sensitivities; weight loss, jaundice, edema, and mental confusion. General pruritus (itching), nausea, and vomiting can also result from reduced liver function.
Impaired liver function may occur as a result of numerous causes, and may include congenital defects (malformed or absent bile ducts); obstructed bile ducts (cholestasis); autoimmune disorders; metabolic disorders (hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease); tumors; toxins (drugs, overdoses, poisons); alchohol related conditions (cirrhosis); bacterial and parasitic infections; and viral infections (hepatitis B and C).
How Do You Help The Liver?
Scientific literature reports that supplements and foods high in antioxidants are beneficial in supporting healthy liver function. In almost all disease processes research has demonstrated that good antioxidants levels are necessary for optimum health and to protect us from the physical assaults of trauma and disease. Densely coloured fruits and vegetables can help supply the body with some of its antioxidant needs. These include blueberries, cherries, pomegranate, cantaloupe, watermelon, red grapes, cabbage, beets etc. Supplements that are beneficial in helping to protect and regenerate the liver include Milk thistle, l-glutathione, b-complex, acetyl-L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, zinc, etc.
Avoiding the consumption of excessive alcohol, foods made of processed refined sugar and excessive fatty greasy foods (fried foods) can help reduce stress on the liver which in turn helps the liver recover faster.
