Why is the liver is so important?

Why is the liver is so important?

Why is the Liver so important?

 

What functions does the liver perform?

 The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs over 500 vital functions. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:

  • Production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
  • Production of certain proteins for blood plasma
  • Production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
  • Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (This glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy.)
  • Regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
  • Processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
  • Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (Urea is one of the end products of protein metabolism that is excreted in the urine.)
  • Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances
  • Regulating blood clotting
  • Resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the blood stream
  • Hormone metabolism
  • Phagocytosis (The engulfing and ingestion of bacteria or other foreign bodies by phagocytes)

When the liver has broken down harmful substances, they are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the faeces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys and leave the body in the form of urine.

How to support the liver:

  • Regular exercise & maintain a healthy weight
  • Maintaining a balanced diet
  • Avoid toxins – toxins can injure the liver cells, such as cleaning & aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives.
  • Don’t smoke
  • Use alcohol responsibly

 Food that are good for the liver:

  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Grapefruit
  • Blueberries & cranberries
  • Grapes
  • Beetroot juice
  • Cruciferous vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Fatty Fish
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Oatmeal

Foods that are bad for the liver:

  • Added sugar
  • Fried foods
  • Added salt
  • Refined bread, rice & pasta
  • Red meat
  • Starchy foods
  • Alcohol can be the major cause of fatty liver, so should be used in moderation

Natural supplements to help promote a healthier liver:

  • NAC – can help to improve liver function
  • Milk thistle (silymarin) – it has been suggested that silymarin has strong antioxidant effects & may help promote liver cell regeneration, reduce inflammation & benefit those with liver disease, however, results from human studies have been mixed
  • Ginseng – is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties
  • Ginkgo biloba – may help improve liver health
  • Green tea – extract may help treat those with liver disease
  • Licorice root – has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral & liver-protective effects in scientific studies
  • Turmeric – its main active ingredient curcumin has a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, which makes this herb a popular choice for those with liver disease
  • Garlic – has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties
  • Ginger – may help protect your liver against toxins

For further information please ring me on 07-55720388 or book online at https://nutritionalhealthenterprises.betterclinicsapp.com/booking_wizard/wizard_1/4bf6cc99bc36f1f94cf7bc1aff44d218a7932e98e62609750ca420688jCgqncayBeoISwFVqwHtTS2wg6v5HXstOo~c2lpXL0-

 

 

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Chris Tompson

Chris Tompson