Why is it important to look after our Liver?
Posted by Mark Hamilton on
The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen. It performs numerous functions that are crucial for maintaining overall health. Here are some of the primary functions of the liver:
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Metabolism: The liver is involved in various metabolic processes. It metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to provide energy and nutrients for the body. It helps regulate blood glucose levels by storing excess glucose as glycogen and releasing it when needed.
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Detoxification: One of the liver's main functions is to detoxify harmful substances in the body. It filters and removes toxins, drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products from the bloodstream. The liver converts these toxins into less harmful forms that can be excreted by the kidneys or eliminated through bile.
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Bile production: The liver produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in digestion. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed. Bile helps break down fats into smaller molecules, making it easier for the body to absorb them.
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Protein synthesis: The liver is involved in the synthesis of various proteins that are essential for the body. It produces clotting factors, which are necessary for blood coagulation, and albumin, a protein that helps maintain osmotic pressure and transport substances in the blood.
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Storage: The liver acts as a storage reservoir for certain vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (iron and copper). It also stores glycogen, which can be converted back into glucose when the body needs energy.
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Regulation of cholesterol: The liver plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism. It produces cholesterol and helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. It also synthesizes lipoproteins, which transport cholesterol and other fats throughout the body.
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Immune function: The liver is involved in immune system regulation. It helps remove bacteria and foreign particles from the bloodstream and produces immune factors to fight against infections.
These functions illustrate the liver's importance in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. It is a complex organ with multiple roles that are vital for the proper functioning of the body.