What Does the Liver Do?
Some of the essential functions of the liver include:
- Processing nutrients absorbed by the intestines so they are more efficiently absorbed
- Regulating blood composition to balance protein, fat and sugar
- Destroying old red blood cells
- Producing essential chemicals to help blood clot properly
- Breaking down and metabolizing alcohol and medications
- Producing essential proteins and cholesterol
- Removing toxins from the bloodstream, including bilirubin, ammonia and others
- Storing of minerals, iron and vitamin A
Scientists know that for the liver to take care of the body, it must be able to perform optimally. When many people think of liver disease, they often think of alcohol-induced cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a serious health condition, but contrary to popular thought, alcoholism is not the only cause.
In fact, there are a number of nonalcoholic factors that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver damage, including
- Eating uncooked shellfish
- Some medications (including acetaminophen)
- Chronic malnutrition
- Eating poisonous wild mushrooms and exposure to chemicals
- Chronic hepatitis B
Risk Factors for Liver Health
Today, we are faced with so many environmental toxins occurring in our homes, places of work and in our food supply. It is essential for our general health and well-being to maintain good liver health.
Below are some of the risk factors associated with impaired liver function.
- Low potassium levels
- Heavy alcohol abuse
- Intravenous drug use
- Blood transfusions prior to 1992
- Exposure to certain industrial chemicals and environmental toxins
- Unprotected sex
- Obesity and a diet high in saturated fats, and processed foods
- Tattoos or body piercings
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood
- Prescription medications including acetaminophen
- Viral infections
- Autoimmune diseases
Signs of an Unhealthy Liver
If you have recently noticed any of the symptoms listed below, you could be suffering from impaired liver function. It is particularly important to consider these researched symptoms if you identify with one or more of the risk factors mentioned above.
- Bloating and gas
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Constipation
- Skin and/or eyes that are yellowish (a symptom of jaundice)
- Inability to lose weight
- High blood pressure
- Moodiness, anxiety or depression
- Dark urine
- Rosacea
- Chronic fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Bruise easily
- Poor appetite
