Name that organ.....the liver loving truth!

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17 August 2011 | 8:12 AM

Pat Ferguson

Name that organ.....the liver loving truth!

What’s (almost) the size of a football, weights 2-3 lbs and considered the most

vital organ in our body? Which organ in our body seems to get the least amount

of respect until the day we realize why we need it so badly? Answer to both

questions: The liver. Suspended behind the ribs in the upper right side of the

abdomen, the liver almost spans the entire width of our body. Amongst other

things, the liver filters, stores and links our body’s digestive and circulatory

processes enabling us to live. There are hundreds upon hundreds of functions

performed by the liver that aid in the overall performance of other vital organs

and tissues inside our body. Just to name a few of the liver’s functions and

processes, the below are provided:

Digestion: As soon as we eat something, the gallbladder releases stored bile

(produced by the liver with the excess stored in the gallbladder) into small

bile ducts found in our liver, aiding digestion and transporting fat.

Detoxification: Through the performance of enzymatic reactions (oxidation,

reduction, hydrolysis), the liver “filters” chemicals in our blood via the

hepatic portal venous system making such chemicals less bio-active in order that

they might pass through our intestines.

Regulation: The metabolism is regulated through the liver, resulting in the

“anabolism” (storing for future use or supporting growth of new cells/tissues in

the body) and “catabolism” (cells breaking down larger molecules to release

energy to fuel the anabolism process) functions vital to our overall wellbeing.

Without regulation, we would not receive the fuel our body needs to function,

stay warm and support the continuous cycle of growth and renewal.

Assimilation and storage: Vitamins A, D, K and E are fat soluble vitamins

converted through assimilation, stored for future use (A, D, K) or distributed

(E) through the body’s fatty tissues.

Production: Hormones and proteins are produced through the liver, aiding in our

body’s ability to naturally heal itself and grow.

Amazingly, the liver is able to miraculously regenerate itself up to 75% after a

loss from injury or surgery, restoring back to normal size within a few short

months. The liver has a natural back-up plan through possessing two lobes which

act independently of one another. In the event one lobe fails, another is in

place to help assist the liver in its functioning.

Even though the liver can do a lot by itself, we can’t abuse it. Remember:

Whatever we consume (food, beverage, drugs, medicine, etc.) affects the

performance of our liver. Abusing alcohol, food and drugs only adds stress to

the liver, eventually affecting its ability to perform.

Most common liver related diseases include:

Hepatitis (A, B, C): Hepatitis is the inflammation of our liver, typically

caused by virus, alcohol, drugs and/or blood exchange. Hepatitis A commonly

occurs through poor food sanitation and hygiene. Hepatitis B typically occurs

through the exchange of blood while Hepatitis C is often found in the exchange

of blood or IV drug use and is thought to be able to go undetected for 15-20

years, causing cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Cirrhosis: Alcohol abuse overwhelms the liver’s ability to function properly.

Alcohol is a form of concentrated sugar which can overwhelm the liver when

consumed in excessive and continuous amounts. Without rest, the liver cannot

recover from the concentrated sugar which causes fat to be deposited in the

liver eventually leading to cirrhosis and/or hepatitis, usually damaging the

liver beyond repair.

Common symptoms of liver disease/failure:

Emotional: Depression, anxiety, anger and frustration

Physical: Lumps in the neck/breast, ringing in the ears, eye problems,

red/flushed face, warm palms and soles, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, etc.

There too many symptoms/signs of liver disease/illness to list in this blog. For

a more comprehensive list visit the following resources on the web and see your

doctor immediately should you suspect a problem with your liver function

properly - http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_disease/article.htm

http://www.pacifichealth.com/protocols/liver.html. You absolutely must tell your

doctor everything, from how much alcohol you’re consuming, to what drugs, food,

hygiene habits, and any contact with blood you’ve had in order for you to

receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Although early detection is

possible, it’s not always conclusive at the onset of liver disease/illness. The

best method to practice is wellness in your diet and exercise program. A

certified dietician and/or licensed nutritionist are also great resources for

advice on receiving the proper nutrients in your daily diet/nutritional

consumption.

Quick Tip for Wellness: The overall affects of abuse through poor choices (diet,

drugs and alcohol) have long term effects. Never exchange your wellness for

temporary pleasure.

Quick Tips for Wellness, Pat Ferguson, Copyright © 2011,

The information provided in this blog is not given as medical advice or provided

by a medical professional, but simply as basic information to help you better

understand wellness and to encourage you to take your personal wellness

seriously.