8 astonishing facts about the liver

8 astonishing facts about the liver

The liver can be found conveniently located at the upper right corner of the abdomen. It is one of the most sophisticated, multitasking, and extremely hardworking organs in the body. And yet most people don’t know how much the entire body relies on this single organ to maintain immunity and an overall healthy outlook. Here are eight astonishing facts about the liver to know and understand its importance in the day-to-day routine.

It is an organ and a gland
Most people know the liver as an organ. It is indeed one of the most multifunctional organs responsible for handling many small but crucial tasks to keep the body functioning up and running. But interestingly, the liver is also a gland. That means it is responsible for the production of certain hormones that control these body functions.

The liver is a regenerative organ
Most cells in the body heal partially after a wound or injury but cannot regenerate to completely restore structural integrity. The liver is one such exception that has super regenerative healing abilities. For instance, three-quarters of the liver had to be removed to prevent permanent organ damage due to an injury or underlying health complication. The liver tissue can grow back to full size with just the 25% that’s left. That is the astonishing regenerative power of the liver tissue.

It is the second-largest organ
The first largest organ is, of course, the skin, weighing about 15% of the total body weight. The liver follows suit, weighing roughly 3 pounds for an average full-sized grown adult. The size varies slightly depending on gender. It is still the second largest organ that sits under the diaphragm just above the stomach in the upper right corner of the abdominal cavity. The shape of the liver resembles that of a rugby football divided into four compartments or chambers.

It’s a multitasking machine
The liver is responsible for no less than 500 different functions working both as an organ and a gland. It produces essential proteins that prevent fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into tissue. The liver also makes bile fluid necessary for digestion, filters the blood of toxins, regulates amino acids, and promotes blood clotting coagulants used to prevent excessive bleeding. The liver filter function further boosts immunity to resist infections, stores essential vitamins and minerals and mainly processes glucose in the bloodstream. There is so much more!

Liver function regulates brain function
The organ is responsible for regulating ammonia and plasma glucose levels, both essential chemical profiles that regulate brain function. Additionally, it filters out all the toxins that can affect brain functioning. Should any of these daily tasks done by the liver get interrupted, the immediate effects are noticeable with impaired cognitive function. As the organ deteriorates, these cognitive impairments intensify indicating serious liver damage.

Liver is the primary detox organ
Everything must be processed by the liver to actively get rid of toxins. All foods and beverages are broken down by passing through the organ to be stored, altered, purified, and metabolized. This breakdown process produces bile or blood byproducts that need to be excreted by way of stool or urine. In addition, the liver actively works with the intestines and kidneys to remove all harmful substances and only send back purified blood necessary to support body functions.

Even prescriptions don’t work without the liver
The liver processes everything, even prescriptions given for managing underlying health complications. Certain compounds in the organ are the only reason why certain prescriptions actively release the formula in the first place. The liver regulates this formula released in the bloodstream to be used up by the body and removes the excess by way of urination or by passing stools. Without the liver regulating these chemicals, the body can overdose on the smallest and mildest prescriptions given for treating diseases.

Liver is the fuel factory of the body
The liver stores glucose, the body’s primary source of fuel broken down from foods and beverages consumed daily. It acts as the energy central to ensure there is a proper balance of fuel used for metabolic activities. The liver is capable of storing a day’s worth of blood sugar for instant fuel whenever the body requires it for day-to-day functions.

In cases where liver functioning is affected, doctors may suggest the use of supplements to boost liver function in addition to ongoing treatment. Supplements like Liver Health Formula boast an organic base made with natural ingredients to restore bodily function. Check out the Liver Health Formula coupon code and available promotions to order the product online. Note the product should be used only if approved and as instructed by a licensed healthcare professional.

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