What’s (almost) the size of a football, weights 2-3 lbs and considered the most vital organ in our body? Which organ in our body seems to get the least amount of respect until the day we realize why we need it so badly? Answer to both questions: The liver. Suspended behind the ribs in the upper right side of the abdomen, the liver almost spans the entire width of our body. Amongst other things, the liver filters, stores and links our body’s digestive and circulatory processes enabling us to live. There are hundreds upon hundreds of functions performed by the liver that aid in the overall performance of other vital organs and tissues inside our body. Just to name a few of the liver’s functions and processes, the below are provided:
Digestion: As soon as we eat something, the gallbladder releases stored bile (produced by the liver with the excess stored in the gallbladder) into small bile ducts found in our liver, aiding digestion and transporting fat.
Detoxification: Through the performance of enzymatic reactions (oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis), the liver “filters” chemicals in our blood via the hepatic portal venous system making such chemicals less bio-active in order that they might pass through our intestines.
Regulation: The metabolism is regulated through the liver, resulting in the “anabolism” (storing for future use or supporting growth of new cells/tissues in the body) and “catabolism” (cells breaking down larger molecules to release energy to fuel the anabolism process) functions vital to our overall wellbeing. Without regulation, we would not receive the fuel our body needs to function, stay warm and support the continuous cycle of growth and renewal.
Assimilation and storage: Vitamins A, D, K and E are fat soluble vitamins converted through assimilation, stored for future use (A, D, K) or distributed (E) through the body’s fatty tissues.
Production: Hormones and proteins are produced through the liver, aiding in our body’s ability to naturally heal itself and grow.
Amazingly, the liver is able to miraculously regenerate itself up to 75% after a loss from injury or surgery, restoring back to normal size within a few short months. The liver has a natural back-up plan through possessing two lobes which act independently of one another. In the event one lobe fails, another is in place to help assist the liver in its functioning.
Even though the liver can do a lot by itself, we can’t abuse it. Remember: Whatever we consume (food, beverage, drugs, medicine, etc.) affects the performance of our liver. Abusing alcohol, food and drugs only adds stress to the liver, eventually affecting its ability to perform.
Most common liver related diseases include:
Hepatitis (A, B, C): Hepatitis is the inflammation of our liver, typically caused by virus, alcohol, drugs and/or blood exchange. Hepatitis A commonly occurs through poor food sanitation and hygiene. Hepatitis B typically occurs through the exchange of blood while Hepatitis C is often found in the exchange of blood or IV drug use and is thought to be able to go undetected for 15-20 years, causing cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Cirrhosis: Alcohol abuse overwhelms the liver’s ability to function properly. Alcohol is a form of concentrated sugar which can overwhelm the liver when consumed in excessive and continuous amounts. Without rest, the liver cannot recover from the concentrated sugar which causes fat to be deposited in the liver eventually leading to cirrhosis and/or hepatitis, usually damaging the liver beyond repair.
Common symptoms of liver disease/failure:
Emotional: Depression, anxiety, anger and frustration
Physical: Bloating, lumps in the neck/breast, ringing in the ears, eye problems, red/flushed face, warm palms and soles, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, etc.
There too many symptoms/signs of liver disease/illness to list in this blog. For a more comprehensive list visit the following resources on the web and see your doctor immediately should you suspect a problem with your liver functioning properly - http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_disease/article.htm http://www.pacifichealth.com/protocols/liver.html. You absolutely must tell your doctor everything, from how much alcohol you’re consuming, to what drugs, food, hygiene habits, and any contact with blood you’ve had in order for you to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Although early detection is possible, it’s not always conclusive at the onset of liver disease/illness. The best method to practice is wellness in your diet and exercise program. A certified dietician and/or licensed nutritionist are also great resources for advice on receiving the proper nutrients in your daily diet/nutritional consumption.
Quick Tip for Wellness: The overall affects of abuse through poor choices (diet, drugs and alcohol) have long term effects. Never exchange your wellness for temporary pleasure.
Quick Tips for Wellness, Pat Ferguson, Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved
The information provided in this blog is not given as medical advice or provided by a medical professional, but simply as basic information to help you better understand wellness and to encourage you to take your personal wellness seriously.
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