As the largest gland in the body, the liver is the only one with the ability to repair damaged parts. As much as 25% of the liver can be removed and in a very short time can recover itself.
The liver is an organ located just below the right rib arch and weighs 1.5 kg. Every minute about 1.5 liters of blood passes through the liver. The liver has many functions and therefore should not be neglected.
The most important functions of the liver
The liver has many functions and one of the most important functions of the liver is the excretion of bile needed to break down fat and protect the body from harmful substances. The liver stores nutrients such as iron, vitamins A, B12, E and vitamin D that are absorbed from the bloodstream. These nutrients are used for daily activities and during physical stress.
The liver therefore plays a major role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, drugs and toxins, and is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids from amino acids and sugars, in the production of lipoproteins, cholesterol …
The liver produces a substance called GTF glucose tolerance factor from chromium and glutathione. GTF participates with insulin in regulating blood glucose levels. The liver participates in energy production and has a detoxifying effect, making it one of the most important organs for cleansing the body or eliminating harmful substances.
In addition to being associated with other organs, the liver is responsible for the function of the thyroid gland, ie the conversion of hormone T4 to the much more active form of T3. Inadequate conversion can lead to hypothyroidism or decreased thyroid function.
Liver disease
Factors for the development of liver disease are alcohol, drugs, harmful substances brought in by smoking, food and drink. Although liver cells can regenerate over-saturation, these factors impair liver function and favor disease development. In this case, due to excessive liver function, the detoxification process is reduced.
Liver disease can be acute and chronic. Liver inflammation or acute hepatitis may occur after taking the medication. The ultimate stage of liver damage is alcohol-induced cirrhosis, followed by immune disorders and prolonged bile arrest.
Alcohol and hepatitis B and C viruses are the culprits for chronic liver diseases. Chronic liver damage reduces the overall functionality of the liver and reduces the number of liver cells, preventing it from recovering.
Fatty liver is also a very common liver disease, which is described as an accumulation of fat inside the liver cells. Not treating the fatty liver can lead to its inflammation. Fatty liver is caused by alcohol, malnutrition, type 2 diabetes, medications, pregnancy and toxins …
Why Are Alcohol And Drugs Most Harmful To The Liver?
The liver metabolizes as much as 90% of the alcohol we ingest. The effect of alcohol depends on the proportion of fat in the body and sex. Specifically, blood alcohol content is higher in individuals with more adipose tissue than in individuals with a greater proportion of muscle tissue. Due to their lower levels of alcohol degradation enzymes, women are much more sensitive and susceptible to alcohol.
It is important to know that alcohol in normal and excessive amounts is different and degrades. After the breakdown of alcohol, harmful radicals are formed that weaken the function of the organs, especially in very thin people.
Medications can also be very harmful to the liver. This impairment may depend on the high dose of the drug or the individual’s hypersensitivity to the drug. Long-term medication overloads the liver, so regular detoxification and a diet to rest the liver are recommended.
How to identify symptoms of liver disease?
Skin problems and diseases can be a sign that something is wrong with the liver. The appearance of irritation, itching, bruising and problems with the capillaries can be a sign of liver or bile function malfunctioning. Dark spots or skin depigmentation are the result of liver cirrhosis.
You may recognize liver disease by bad breath. A very interesting symptom of liver disease is poor concentration, fatigue and exhaustion. Saturation of the body by the toxins takes away energy, slows down metabolism and brain functions and abilities.
The most important signs that indicate liver disease are:
- The appearance of yellowing of the skin and the scalp
- Gastric problems nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Bruises and bleeding from the digestive system and skin
- Elevated body temperature and chills
- Dark urine color and lighter stool color
- Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity and swelling of the legs
- Redness of palms
How to improve liver health?
When a liver disease occurs, and in order to stop the disease from worsening and from the acute to the chronic phase, it is recommended to have a liver diet. The diet detoxifies the liver by bringing in more fiber-rich foods and stimulating the excretion of excess fluid from the body.
Liver health diets mean reduced intake of fats, salts, sodas, alcohol, canned foods and dried meat products. So, everything that loads the liver and speeds up its work. Dieting and detoxing are also used to help the liver rest.
Recommendations for all liver diseases refer to healthy lifestyle habits, which include avoiding fast food, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and recommending sufficient intake of fluid, fruits, vegetables …
Herbal teas and some foods contribute to the health of the liver and improve its function. Of the vegetables most important for liver health are broccoli, sprouts, artichokes, beets … Garlic, beetroot and carrots enhance liver detoxification, so fresh beetroot and carrot juices are recommended for liver recovery and purification.
What herbal remedies help with liver disease?
The most effective herbal remedies that contribute to the health of the liver include siccata, artichoke, dandelion, chickpeas … Silymarin extract from siccata has been proven to restore liver cells, protect the liver from waste, alcohol, drugs and activate enzymes that break down harmful substances in the liver. It prevents the action of toxins, has antioxidant activity and reduces inflammatory processes.
Silymarin is a herbal medicine that alleviates liver function disorders associated with liver diseases such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.
People with liver disease, taking medication for a long time, or needing detoxification are advised to take siccata in chickens a couple of times a year.
Artichoke is associated with diseases of the bile, fatty liver and cholesterol. Artichoke also has a beneficial effect on the excretion of bile, preventing and treating gallstones. Dietary supplements are common in artichoke and silymarin because of their synergistic effect on liver health and fatty liver.
Artichoke is also traditionally used to cleanse the body because it breaks down fats, reduces oxidative stress, cholesterol, and stimulates bile.
Dandelion is a liver tonic and a blood purifier. It stimulates bile activity, speeds up metabolism, eliminates toxins and is a great detoxifying agent.
