OUR LIVER is a largest glandular organ in the body. Our liver has the unique ability to regenerate itself and to perform a multitude of tasks. Its vital and varied role in the body makes it susceptible to many diseases, which should give us food for thought on its significance in our overall health.
FUNCTIONS OF THE LIVER
Anything you eat or drink must go through the liver before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Blood from the intestinal tract going back to the heart must also pass through the liver. The liver's roles can be categorized into four basic functions;
1) REGULATES, SYNTHESIZES AND SECRETES
The liver regulates the blood glucose levels in our body by storing or releasing it according to the pancreative hormones insulin and glucagon. Besides that, the liver also synthesises and secretes almost all bolld proteins. Also, bile is is excreted by the liver to aid digestion and absorb dietary fats. Lipids such as cholesterol is synthesised by the liver before it is circulated in the body.
2) STORES
The liver acts as a storage for nutrients, such are glycogen, vitamins and minerals.
3) PURIFIES, TRANSFORMS AND CLEANSES
The liver acts as filter, removing breaking down and detoxifying harmful substances such as alcohol, hormones and toxins. This is the reason the liver is so essential to the human body. It also converts hormones, drugs and medication into less active compounds.
4) FIGHT INFECTIONS
Beside antibodies, your liver also protects your body by fighting infections that arise from the bowel. It contains half the body's supply of macrophages (also known as Kuppfer cells), which are part of the body's defence mechanism that destroys harmful bacteria. It also produces proteins that are essential for blood to clot, known as clotting factors.
