Liver

🏥 Liver: Function, Importance, and Health Guide

🔬 What is the Liver?

The liver is the largest internal organ in your body, located in the upper right side of your abdomen. It weighs about 3 pounds and performs over 500 vital functions.

🔧 Key Functions of the Liver

Function Description
1. Detoxification Filters blood and removes toxins, alcohol, and drugs from the body.
2. Bile Production Produces bile for digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
3. Metabolism Regulation Converts carbohydrates to glucose, regulates blood sugar, and stores energy as glycogen.
4. Protein Synthesis Produces important proteins like albumin and clotting factors.
5. Storage Stores vitamins (A, D, B12), iron, and minerals.
6. Hormone Regulation Breaks down and removes excess hormones like estrogen, insulin, and cortisol.
7. Immune Function Contains Kupffer cells that destroy harmful bacteria and old blood cells.
8. Cholesterol and Fat Processing Synthesizes, stores, and clears cholesterol and lipids from the blood.

💥 Common Liver Diseases

Disease Description
Fatty Liver (NAFLD/AFLD) Accumulation of fat in liver cells (due to obesity or alcohol)
Hepatitis (A, B, C, etc.) Inflammation caused by viruses
Cirrhosis Scarring of liver tissue due to chronic damage
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) Can develop from cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis
Hemochromatosis Iron overload that damages liver
Wilson’s Disease Copper accumulation in the liver

⚠️ Signs of Liver Problems

Symptom Meaning
Jaundice Yellowing of skin/eyes due to high bilirubin
Dark urine & pale stools Indicate bile flow issues
Fatigue & weakness Early signs of dysfunction
Abdominal pain or swelling Especially in upper right quadrant
Itchy skin Caused by bile salt buildup
Swelling in legs/ankles Due to poor protein and fluid regulation
Nausea or loss of appetite Digestive issues linked to liver dysfunction

✅ Tips for a Healthy Liver

Tip Why It Helps
Eat a balanced diet High in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats
Limit alcohol Excess damages liver cells
Stay active Helps prevent fatty liver and improve metabolism
Avoid processed sugar and trans fats Reduces risk of NAFLD
Hydrate well Supports detox functions
Use medication carefully Avoid overuse of painkillers (like acetaminophen)
Avoid toxins Household chemicals, mold, and industrial exposure can harm the liver
Vaccinate Against Hepatitis A and B if at risk

📋 Simple Liver Health Checklist

  • Bowel movements are regular and normal-colored
  • Skin and eyes are clear, not yellow
  • Energy levels are stable
  • No swelling in abdomen or legs
  • Appetite and digestion are normal
  • Labs like ALT, AST, and bilirubin are in normal range

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