The great majority of people treated for liver ailments suffer from chronic hepatitis of the liver. Chronic hepatitis, though serious, is no reason to lose hope. If mistreated, however, it can develop into cirrhosis of the liver and even liver cancer. Whether you suffer from liver disease or have a healthy liver, now is the time to reaffirm just how important the liver truly is.
Functions of the liver (continued)
4. Creates Bile
The liver creates bile, which excretes excess cholesterol from the body. However, bile also aids in the digestion of fats and absorption of fat-soluable vitamins. (For example, bile helps the body absorb vitamin K, which is essential to the production of prothrombin, a substance needed to coagulate blood in the event of a hemorrhage.) The liver also converts bilirubin, a toxin formed by the decomposition of old, useless red blood cells, into a harmless form that can be excreted from the body as bile.
5. Stores Vitamins
The liver also serves as a reservoir for vitamins. Vitamins help certain enzymes that invigorate the body’s metabolism work better. By storing vitamins, the liver provides indirect support for these functions.
6. Breaks Down and Excretes Hormones
Hormones, while essential to supporting life functions, can be detrimental to the body in excessive quantities. The liver breaks down and eliminates all types of excess hormones from the body in order to maintain a stable condition.
7. Detoxifies Medicines, Food Additives and Ammonia
Another of the liver’s important functions is to detoxify medicines, additives and preservatives found in foods, as well as ammonia, that results from food rotting in the intestines.
As you can see, the liver performs many essential bodily functions. Anything that keeps the liver from functioning properly is a matter of great concern. Unfortunately, the liver is a very tolerant body organ with a high threshold for damage. Damage to the liver often does not manifest itself in physical symptoms.
Next issue: Liver Danger Signals
(The information provided should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Consult your physician before attempting any new program. Readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of developing serious medical conditions.)
