Liver Knowhow

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Following are some of its important functions:

  1. Removes toxins: Removes harmful substances from the body, such as alcohol, drugs, and environmental toxins.
  2. Regulates metabolism: Maintains energy levels and nutrient balance.
  3. Produces essential proteins:  Produces bile, cholesterol, and proteins necessary for blood clotting.
  4. Maintains healthy blood: Filters out waste products and toxins from blood.
  5. Supports digestive health: Produces bile for fat digestion and absorption.
  6. Regulates hormones: Maintains hormonal balance such as insulin and thyroid for various bodily functions.
  7. Supports immune function: Helps fight infections and diseases.

Overall, the liver plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s overall health and function. Damage to the liver can lead to various health problems – Fatty liver, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Liver Cirrhosis, Liver cancer, Jaundice etc, making it essential to take care of this vital organ.

Some interesting less known facts about our mighty liver:

  1. The liver is the largest internal organ, performing over 500 functions in the body, weighing about 3 pounds (1.4 kg).
  2. It is responsible for filtering over 1.5 liters of blood per minute and production of over 1,000 different enzymes.
  3. The liver has a unique ability to regenerate itself through a process called hepatogenesis. It is an incredible organ that can grow back to normal size, even if 90% of it has been removed, provided 10 % of hepatocytes left are healthy.
  4. The liver is made up of lobes, which can regenerate independently. The liver contains stem cells called oval cells, which can differentiate into new liver cells (hepatocytes).
  5. The liver can store up to 1 years’ worth of vitamin A.
  6. It is a storehouse of glycogen, which is converted into glucose when there is requirement for energy.
  7. The liver has a special type of cell called Kupffer cells, which are responsible for filtering bacteria and other foreign substances from the blood.
  8. The liver produces about 1 litre of bile per day, which helps in fat digestion.
  9. The liver produces clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X, and XII), Fibrinogen, Prothrombin etc which are essential for the blood clotting. The liver produces thrombopoietin, a hormone that stimulates platelet production in the bone marrow.
  10. The liver can convert ammonia (a toxic substance) into urea, which is then excreted through urine.
  11. Liver disease can be silent, with no symptoms appearing until it is advanced.

Some natural ways to support your liver:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids: Proper Hydration helps your liver function properly and flushing out toxins.
  2. Eat a balanced healthy meal: Focus on whole foods, green leafy vegetables, whole fresh fruits (like apple, berries, avocado, orange etc), veggies (like broccoli, carrot, beetroot) and organic lean proteins.
  3. Avoid toxins: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals.
  4. Exercise regularly: Daily minimum 45 minutes physical activity supports overall liver health.
  5. Get enough sleep: Adequate rest helps your liver regenerate.
  6. Consider liver-supporting supplementary food and herbs: Milk thistle, Dandelion root, Lemon juice, Grape fruit, Guduchi, Kutaki, Kalmegha, Bhumiamlaki etc  may benefit liver health.
  7. Overuse of Medication: Avoid excessive medications like painkillers, antibiotics etc. Use medications only as directed by physician.
  8. Reduce intake of alcohol and tobacco: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells and cause serious liver diseases.
ॐ..सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे संतु निरामया।
सर्वे भद्राणि पशयन्त्तु , मा कश्चित् दुःख भागभवेत्।।
Blog Credits:
Mouli  Karmakar (Founder- ABHYUDAYAM)