Health Care Article:The Importance of Keeping Your Liver Clean and Supported
Article Summary:
Article Content:
Your liver is one of the busiest organs of your body and is involved in many different functions that are critical to overall health. Acting as the main filter for the body, an efficiently operating liver is a gatekeeper to help transport liver nutrients and to purge impurities throughout the body. It is very important that we understand the necessity of maintaining and supporting the liver through cleansing. A clean, efficient liver will help to keep the immune system supported.
Foundational Purposes of Your Liver
This hardworking organ is actually part of your body’s glandular system, and is located in the lower right part of your abdominal cavity. It is quite large, weighing an average of three pounds, and is composed of thousands of lobules, a design which creates an effective filter for literally all of the body’s blood supply.
Your liver’s main function is to filter impurities out of the blood. These include alcohol, medications, and toxins from foods you eat and from environmental sources. However, your liver performs many other necessary tasks as well, including digestive functions such as producing substances that break down fats in our diets, producing bile, making urea (a major component of urine), regulating blood sugar, storing many vitamins and minerals, producing cholesterol, and manufacturing certain critical amino acids. As you can see, this vital organ plays many important roles that are necessary for your good health.
Two of the Liver’s Primary Functions
Your liver is essential for proper digestion in the body. Bile, one of the body’s main digestive agents, is produced by the liver and transported to the small intestine where the majority of digestion takes place. Bile is stored in the gallbladder when not immediately needed. Bile also plays a secondary role in eliminating toxins from the body. The liver also produces, processes, and stores necessary substances such as protein, fats, and amino acids. Proper digestion and absorption of nutrients cannot occur without an efficiently operating liver.
The circulatory system is also very dependent on the liver. The blood cannot transport oxygen and other nutrients, and cannot properly eliminate waste products, without the functions of this unique and complex organ.
Keeping Your Liver Healthy
There are three main things to remember when it comes to the health of your liver. First, eating a healthy, organic diet that is free of toxins such as pesticides, preservatives, and other harmful chemicals is imperative. Choose foods that are as close to nature as possible, focusing on organic fruits and vegetables and plenty of pure water. A diet high in fat, sodium, sugar and junk food is very hard on your liver. Be cautious about your intake of alcohol and prescription drugs as much as possible. Taking these steps will actually support your liver, and will make it easier for it to do its job well.
Acetaminophen Warning. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is actually one of the hardest drugs on your liver. Using the recommended dosages of Tylenol for as little as four days can actually cause liver damage. And those who consume caffeine with acetaminophen (Tylenol) may even be at a higher risk of liver damage. Acetaminophen often has caffeine added because it enhances the effects of the painkiller. Researchers at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle found that between 1998 and 2003, the percentage of acute liver failure cases attributed to acetaminophen nearly doubled, rising from 28% to 51%. Acetaminophen is currently found in over 600 over-the-counter cold, flu, and headache medications. Some symptoms of acetaminophen overdose/toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and liver enzyme abnormalities. Jaundice is a phase 3 symptom of acetaminophen toxicity. So if you are experiencing an abnormal yellowing color of the skin, it is advised to seek immediate attention from a healthcare professional.Acetaminophen can be found in the following drugs.
Your liver is a very multifaceted organ that can restore and repair itself in amazing ways; yet, if neglected and not supported, it can lead to many unwanted health problems.