Overview: Liver in Human Body
The Liver is a large dark reddish brown organ that weight about 3 pounds, located in the upper right hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm & on the top of the stomach, right kidney & intestines.
FUNCTION OF LIVER:
• 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 protein to help carry fats through the body
• Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy) and to balance and make glucose as needed
• 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 an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
• Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances
• Regulating blood clotting
• Resisting infections by making immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
• Clearance of bilirubin, also from red blood cells. If there is an accumulation of bilirubin, the skin and eyes turn yellow
DISEASES OF LIVER:
GALL STONE:-These are stony masses that form in the gall stone or bile duct as a result of the production of abnormal bile by the liver. Gall stone obstruct the flow of bile and cause inflammation the gall bladder.
VIRAL HEPATITIS: – There are two types of viral hepatitis. HEPATITIS A, B in both cases the virus causes inflammation & destruction of the liver cells.
CIRROSIS: – This is a serious liver disease in which the damaged liver cells become replaced by useless fibrous tissue. Cirrhosis may be caused by excessive drinking of alcohol over a period.
AMEOBIC LIVER ABSCESS:- The parasitic amoeba, entamoeba histolytica, gets into the liver from the large intestine via the hepatic portal vein, produces an enzyme that destroys liver tissue and cause an abscess to form.
SIGNS & SYMTOMS OF LIVER DISEASES:
• Weakness & Tiredness
• Jaundices
• Slight fever
• Tendency to bleed &bruise easily
• High blood pressure in the hepatic-portal vein in cirrhosis
• Oedema
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Itchy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Mental changes such as apathy in most liver disease
CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASES:
• Alcoholism and heavy drinking
• Eating a high fat
• Hyperlipidemia or high levels of cholesterol & fats in the blood
• Diabetes
• Genetic inheritance
• Taking regular medicines for the diseases like Parkinson’s steroids aspirin, Statins.
• Tattoos or body piercings
• Injecting drugs using shared needles
• Unprotected sex
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LIVER CARE TIPS:
• Be careful about alcohol consumption
• Pesticide & other toxins can damage your liver. Read warning labels on the chemical you use.
• Prevent Hepatitis A, B, and C
#1. Get vaccinated- Hepatitis A and B are viral diseases of the liver. While many children have now been immunized, many adults have not. Ask your doctor if you are at risk.
#2. Practice safe sex: Hepatitis B and C can develop into chronic conditions that may eventually destroy your liver. They are transmitted by blood and other bodily fluids.
#3. Wash your hands: Hepatitis A is spread through contact with contaminated food or water.
• Watch out for medications and herbs
• Exercise and eat right
• Avoid fatty liver disease by avoiding obesity
WAYS TO KEEP LIVER HEALTHY:
• Keep a healthy body weight
• Do regular walking or light exercise at least 40-45 mins
• Avoid smoking & alcohol consumption
• Eat a balanced diet
• Add whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein in your diet.
• Add more of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.
• Include high fiber foods & limits high fat food items
• Sleep at least 7-8 hours daily
• Avoid excess feasting and fasting
