An article by the Medical News Today summaries its functions nicely so I am sharing it here with you:
Functions of the Liver
Among the 500+ jobs, removing waste products and foreign substances from the bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels, and creating essential nutrients. Here are some of its most important functions:
- Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes through the body.
- Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is critical to the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
- Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, which removes toxins, byproducts, and other harmful substances.
- Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depends on amino acids. The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy.
- Regulates Blood Clotting: Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces.
- Resists Infections: As part of the filtering process, the liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream.
- Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper.
- Processes Glucose: The liver removes excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose.
I often say we are what we absorb. Heck, we have to process what we absorb and we need the liver to do so. The liver is the body’s chemical “factory” because it processes the nutrients from the small intestine and makes all the various chemicals the body needs to function.
As I mentioned I abused my body, liver, and gallbladder with insane amounts of sugar and other inflammatory foods. However, toxins are everywhere and there is no way to eliminate them. We can reduce them, for sure.
Here are key sources of toxins…
Perfume, shampoos, creams, hair products, air fresheners, hairspray, hair dye, makeup, all sorts of chemicals in cleaning products.
Let’s not forget the toxics in medications and recreational drugs. Lucky me, I have taken very few medications thus far and have not used any type of drugs. Well, alcohol is considered a drug, so yes, I’ve been exposed to plenty of it.
Then, we have heavy metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, arsenic, and others that are found in water, foods, cans, and other products.
Then, there is radiation. That’s in MRIs, plane fights, food and water, X-Rays, and cell phones of course.
It’s true the liver is a strong beast and can regenerate itself as long as a minimum of 25% of the tissue remains. However, lifestyle, quality of foods, water, high levels of stress levels, and a lot more puts a tool on it. This level of exposure is very different than the generations prior to ours and I believe that the organ needs rest. Ultimately, the reality is that the health of our liver has a direct impact on our metabolism, energy, and overall health.
When someone is trying everything to balance weight, blood sugar, cognition, metabolism, performance, and the list goes, we need to dig deeper. One place to look at is our liver.
Look, I unknowingly the health of my liver for decades. Do NOT feel bad or alone when it comes to the information I shared and how your lifestyle has impacted your super liver. The awesome thing is that you can change and show your appreciation for it by making small changes.
Next episode, we will continue the conversation about the liver. If you would like to optimize your health and performance, book a call at www.BeFabBeYou.com. Be ready to rock and roll.
Don’t forget to download my FREE 4-day mini-cleanse HERE. This guide is loaded with great information and recipes to get you on the right path to a healthier you.
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