The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body and is responsible for the healthy functions of just about every other organ. Practically, everything we eat and inhale goes through the liver for purification. The liver also has other important functions and it is therefore necessary to make sure that we are taking care of our liver. In a healthy adult, the liver weighs about 3 lbs., about 6 inches thick and about 3.5 inches long. What Does the Liver Do? The liver basically works as the detoxification center in your body but performs other important functions as well.
Blood flows into the liver. The liver works to filter the blood of toxins and impurities before it is sent to the other organs. Where do toxins come from? It comes from the foods we eat (processed and fast food), the medications we take, alcohol intake, the air we breathe and other environmental pollutants.
The liver also serves the digestive system by producing bile (stored in the gall bladder) for the effectual breaking down of fats.
The liver is also the body’s storehouse. Many vitamins and minerals, especially iron, are stored in the liver and released to the body as and when required. It also stores immunologic cells for the immune system.
The liver produces energy for the body through the conversion of stored glycogen to glucose.
The body’s metabolism largely takes place through the liver. The liver metabolizes lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.
Liver functions also involve producing blood clotting substances to help in the coagulation of blood.
Are You Overtaxing Your Liver? A healthy liver is able to filter about 540 gallons of blood a day, but when the liver is overtaxed by too much alcohol consumption, smoking, saturated fats, environmental pollution or too many foods that contain chemicals, the liver is not able to filter all the blood that passes through it.
moking and excess alcohol consumption can heavily tax the liver. Smoking contains more than 60 chemicals. It also weakens the capacity of red blood cells so that they are not able to function fully in transporting oxygen through the blood stream to all other organs.
The standard American diet can also put stress on the liver. Many fast foods contain a lot of saturated fats and processed foods contain chemicals and preservatives. Non-organic vegetables and fruits contain pesticides. The liver can become laden with fat and is unable to function efficiently.
The liver cannot cope with the excess stress and can become overwhelmed. As a result, toxins can build up in the body. The high levels of toxins in the body can lead to the poor function of other organs in the body. Fatigue, acne, headaches, age spots, excessive itching, poor immune health may be associated with poor liver functions.
Considering the liver performs so many important functions, taking proper care of it should be a priority!
Ways to Care for Your Liver There are several ways to take care of your liver. Adopt a healthy lifestyle—avoid excessive intake of saturated fats, alcohol and quit smoking. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Cut down on animal fats, caffeine, sugars and fried foods. In addition to a healthy diet, several herbs and nutrients, in well-formulated liver vitamins, are popularly known and used to optimize the functions of the liver.
Milk Thistle. This comes from the daisy family. It is known to have liver protective and liver regenerating properties. It aids in detoxification and also helps to ease mild digestive disorders.
Psyllium Husk. This is an Food and Drug Administration-approved fiber and helps to produce nutrients for the liver that it uses to regulate normal cholesterol levels.
Dandelion root extracts help to protect liver cells. They support blood health and detoxification.
Artichoke powder has liver protective and liver supporting properties. If you are thinking of purchasing artichokes for dinner, remember to purchase the organic ones as they are free from pesticides.
Slippery Elm Bark contains mucilage which helps in relieving some of the digestive disturbances caused by poor liver functions.
Taurine is an amino acid, which has antioxidant properties. It plays a major role in the removal of toxic chemicals from the body.
Liverol, a nutritional liver supplement for the liver, contains a well-formulated blend of all the above nutrients and herbs. Stop taxing your liver, and give this hardworking organ of your body a helping hand—modify your diet and start taking liver supplements to support detoxification and healthy liver functions!
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