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The liver function is important for entire body health. The liver is a vital organ that supports nearly every other organ. It performs more than 500 critical biological functions. The liver is an abdominal glandular organ. It is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, under the diaphragm.
Here are some most important liver functions:
Purifies blood of dangerous toxins, breaks down harmful substances from food, water and air. Clear blood from drugs and poisons substances, bacteria and viruses
Produce bile, which helps carry away waste and emulsify fats in the small intestine during digestion.
Regulates production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body; rids of excess cholesterol and remain arteries clear and clog free.
Regulates blood sugar levels, converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage. Glycogen later can be converted back to glucose when needed.
Energizes your body by releasing sugar and fat molecules – two main sources of fuel.
Process hemoglobin for use of the iron content in the red blood cells. The liver stores iron.
Clearance of bilirubin from red blood cells. If there is an accumulation of bilirubin, the skin and eyes turn yellow.
Promotes healthy hormone balance. Fatty triglycerides are what the body uses to make testosterone and estrogen in proper amounts.
The liver regulates level of estrogen. Estrogens are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol. When “dominant”, it doesn’t necessarily mean the body is making too much, even levels can be low. Proportion is the key. If the liver is overloaded and can’t fully metabolize estrogens and toxins, the body may store them in fat. Too much stored estrogen may potentially contribute to estrogen-sensitive cancers, and fibroids.
The liver produces Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a protein involved in transport of sex hormones. SHBG inactivates hormone production if levels are too high.
Distressed liver can cause skin problem, such as dryness, itching, brown pigmentation, acne and eczema.
The liver and emotion. According Chinese medicine emotions like anger, fury or aggravation are emotions of the stressed liver and the gallbladder. When we experience these emotions consistently, our liver can get further damaged, headaches and dizziness can be common. An imbalanced gallbladder can be caused by longstanding feelings of repressed anger, such as resentment, frustration, and irritability. Avoiding outbursts of anger will protect liver and gallbladder health.
Nourishes your body. The liver collects nutrients from food, drinks and supplements. Then, it processes them and distributes to organs and cells.
The liver is incredibly important organ. In traditional Chinese medicine, the belief is that if your liver is in harmony, the rest of your body will be in harmony . We need to pay close attention to our liver health and support it, then your entire body will be stronger, healthier and energized!
The different methods I am using in my practice help to evaluate liver function and allow recommending right diet and supplements.