Liver and its functions
1. Liver is one of the most important organs in the body and plays a vital role in overseeing almost all bodily functions.
2. Weighing about 1.5 kg, the liver stores minerals, vitamins and creates new proteins, when needed.
3. It also produces bile, which aids the process of fat digestion in the stomach and intestines.
4. Liver is responsible for breaking down therapeutic ingredients in
medicine, so that it can be quickly absorbed by the body.
5. Its main function is to digest fat and clean the blood.
6. Its supportive role in building coagulation capability helps in
forming blood clots, which stops blood flow during injury.
7. Liver can almost completely regenerate itself into a fully functional
liver even from only 25% functionality.
Symptoms and diagnosis of liver disease
1. Loss of appetite and nausea are common symptoms.
2. Shades of yellow on skin are a sign of toxins build up in the liver.
3. Extensive skin dryness, leading to itching, could also be a sign.
4. Liver disease can diminish clotting function, leading to bleeding for
an extended time.
5. Swelling or edema, which results from toxin build-up or water retention, is a sign that the liver is unable to perform its functions.
6. Fatigue or exhaustion all the time is a symptom of liver disease.
7. Your urine is colourless and the stool is dark.
8. Only liver function tests (LFT) can confirm if the above symptoms are related to liver disease.
9. Always seek your doctor’s advice before taking any medication.
Seven steps to a healthy liver
1. Maintain healthy diet
a) A diet rich with magnesium, iron, and carbohydrates will keep the liver healthy and help in detoxifying the body.
b) Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also essential.
2. Avoid alcohol
a) Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to three serious conditions – alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and
alcoholic cirrhosis.
b) Keep your alcohol intake to a bare minimum or avoid altogether.
3. Avoid drugs
a) Recreational drugs severely damage liver cells.
b) Some prescription medicines can also be hepatotoxic, so do not exceed the recommended dosage of medication, unless advised by your doctor.
4. Add organic foods
a) Organic foods and vegetables are high in antioxidants that protect the liver as well as help in its cleansing processes.
b) Always try to include organic foods in your diet.
5. Avoid environmental pollutants
a) Toxic fumes from paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosols can enter the body through tiny blood vessels in your lungs and then carried to your liver, injuring it.
e) Wear a protective mask when using these products.
6. Exercise
a) Obesity is a major cause for fatty liver disease.
b) Therefore, exercise on a regular basis to reach your ideal weight.
7. Get vaccinated
Remember to vaccinate yourself against viral liver diseases like hepatitis A and B.
1. Liver is one of the most important organs in the body and plays a vital role in overseeing almost all bodily functions.
2. Weighing about 1.5 kg, the liver stores minerals, vitamins and creates new proteins, when needed.
3. It also produces bile, which aids the process of fat digestion in the stomach and intestines.
4. Liver is responsible for breaking down therapeutic ingredients in
medicine, so that it can be quickly absorbed by the body.
5. Its main function is to digest fat and clean the blood.
6. Its supportive role in building coagulation capability helps in
forming blood clots, which stops blood flow during injury.
7. Liver can almost completely regenerate itself into a fully functional
liver even from only 25% functionality.
Symptoms and diagnosis of liver disease
1. Loss of appetite and nausea are common symptoms.
2. Shades of yellow on skin are a sign of toxins build up in the liver.
3. Extensive skin dryness, leading to itching, could also be a sign.
4. Liver disease can diminish clotting function, leading to bleeding for
an extended time.
5. Swelling or edema, which results from toxin build-up or water retention, is a sign that the liver is unable to perform its functions.
6. Fatigue or exhaustion all the time is a symptom of liver disease.
7. Your urine is colourless and the stool is dark.
8. Only liver function tests (LFT) can confirm if the above symptoms are related to liver disease.
9. Always seek your doctor’s advice before taking any medication.
Seven steps to a healthy liver
1. Maintain healthy diet
a) A diet rich with magnesium, iron, and carbohydrates will keep the liver healthy and help in detoxifying the body.
b) Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also essential.
2. Avoid alcohol
a) Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to three serious conditions – alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and
alcoholic cirrhosis.
b) Keep your alcohol intake to a bare minimum or avoid altogether.
3. Avoid drugs
a) Recreational drugs severely damage liver cells.
b) Some prescription medicines can also be hepatotoxic, so do not exceed the recommended dosage of medication, unless advised by your doctor.
4. Add organic foods
a) Organic foods and vegetables are high in antioxidants that protect the liver as well as help in its cleansing processes.
b) Always try to include organic foods in your diet.
5. Avoid environmental pollutants
a) Toxic fumes from paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosols can enter the body through tiny blood vessels in your lungs and then carried to your liver, injuring it.
e) Wear a protective mask when using these products.
6. Exercise
a) Obesity is a major cause for fatty liver disease.
b) Therefore, exercise on a regular basis to reach your ideal weight.
7. Get vaccinated
Remember to vaccinate yourself against viral liver diseases like hepatitis A and B.