Functions of the Liver

It’s World Liver Day! Let’s dive into the importance of this precious organ that works hard for us. Let us make sure to take care of our livers better. Let us see in detail about the functions of the liver.

The liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. This helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances,creates nutrients, and also metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body or that are nontoxic. More than 500 vital functions have been identified in the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:

• Production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
• Production of certain proteins for blood plasma
• Production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
• Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy) and to balance and make glucose as needed
• Regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
• Processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
• Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
• Clearing the blood of drugs and other unwanted substances
• Regulating blood clotting
• Resisting infections by making immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
• Clearance of bilirubin, also from red blood cells. If there is an accumulation of bilirubin, the skin and eyes turn yellow.

Common Liver Diseases

Different types of liver diseases result from different causes. Liver disease may result from the following.

Viral Infections

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D
• Hepatitis E

Problems with the Immune System

When your immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, it can cause autoimmune liver diseases. These include primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis,and autoimmune hepatitis.

Inherited Diseases

Some liver problems develop because of a genetic condition (the one you inherit from your parents). Inherited liver diseases include Wilson disease and hemochromatosis.

Cancer

When abnormal cells multiply in your liver, you may develop tumors. These tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant - Liver cancer, Bile duct cancer, Liver adenoma

Additional, common causes of liver disease include:

• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Fat accumulation in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
• Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Certain herbal compounds

Complications of liver disease vary, depending on the cause of your liver problems. Untreated liver disease may progress to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthy Liver

Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re obese or even somewhat overweight, you’re in danger of having a fatty liver that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the fastest growing forms of liver disease. Weight loss can play an important part in helping to reduce liver fat.

Eat a balanced diet. Avoid high calorie-meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white rice, and regular pasta), and sugars. Don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish. For a well-adjusted diet, eat fiber, which you can obtain from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, rice, and cereals. Also eat meat (but limit the amount of red meat), dairy (low-fat milk and small amounts of cheese), and fats (the “good” fats that are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish). Hydration is essential, so drink lots of water.

Exercise regularly. When you exercise consistently, it helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat.

Avoid toxins. Toxins can injure liver cells. Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives. When you do use aerosols, make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask. Don’t smoke.

Use alcohol responsibly. Alcoholic beverages can create many health problems. They can damage or destroy liver cells and scar your liver. Talk to your doctor about what amount of alcohol is right for you. You may be advised to drink alcohol only in moderation or to quit completely.

Avoid contaminated needles. Of course, dirty needles aren’t only associated with intravenous drug use. You ought to follow up with a medical practitioner and seek testing following any type of skin penetration involving sharp instruments or needles. Unsafe injection practices, though rare, may occur in a hospital setting, and would need immediate follow-up. Also, use only clean needles for tattoos and body piercings.

Get medical care if you’re exposed to blood. If for any reason you come into contact with someone else’s blood, immediately follow up with your doctor. If you’re very concerned, go to your nearest hospital’s emergency room.

Don’t share personal hygiene items. For example, razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers can carry microscopic levels of blood or other body fluids that may be contaminated.

Practice safe sex. Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Follow directions on all medications. When medicines are taken incorrectly by taking too much, the wrong type, or by mixing medicines, your liver can be harmed. Never mix alcohol with other drugs and medications even if they’re not taken at the same time. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural or herbal remedies that you use.

Get vaccinated. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine against the hepatitis C virus.

A home liver function test measures different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver. Let’s be aware and keep our liver healthy and strong. maintain a healthy lifestyle, and avoid junk and unhealthy food to keep the organ in the best condition.