Other than our heart or lungs, we have another organ that is responsible for our body’s vital functions. As such, the liver is the largest solid organ in the body; located beneath the rib cage in the right upper abdomen. It removes toxins from the body’s blood supply, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, regulates blood clotting, and performs hundreds of other bodily functions.
Functions of the Liver
The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs over 500 vital functions.
Here are some of its most important functions:
- Albumin Production
- Bile Production
- Blood Filtration
- Amino Acids Regulation
- Blood Clotting Regulation
- Infections Resistance
- Vitamins and Minerals Storing
- Glucose Procession¹
What causes damage to liver function?
Liver diseases can be inherited from genetics or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to life-threatening liver failure such as cirrhosis; a type of scarring, but early treatment and detox could give the liver the time to heal.²
Signs of an unhealthy liver
- Tiredness, a lack of energy and general malaise
- Low-grade fever
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Digestion issues
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
Maintaining a Healthy Liver
Taking active steps towards a healthy lifestyle is the best way to avoid liver diseases and promote proper liver functions; e.g.
- Eat Healthy Foods, including fruits and vegetables
- Exercise Regularly
- Avoid Illicit Drugs or Alcohol
- Take dietary supplements for liver detox (consult a medical professional beforehand)
- Appropriate vaccinations against hepatitis A, B, and liver diseases such as malaria
In conclusion, healthy lifestyles are the recommendation to make your liver healthy again from good habits such as a balanced diet through food including supplements, exercise and allowing time for it to heal. Starting treatment processes as earlier as possible can result in faster recovery.
¹ https://www.columbiasurgery.org/liver/liver-and-its-functions#:~:text=The%20liver%20is%20the%20largest,in%20the%20right%20upper%20abdomen.
² https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502#:~:text=Liver%20disease%20can%20be%20inherited,viruses%2C%20alcohol%20use%20and%20obesity.
