Healthy liver function is crucial to our overall health and wellness. It is involved in nearly every organ system of the body.
In the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems the liver plays a role in digestion (the breaking down of food into substances the body can utilise) and metabolism (the chemical reactions that occur in every cell of a living organism, providing essential energy and rejuvenation for life.)
Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) are stored in the liver and may become deficient if the liver is struggling with fat absorption. Bile is an alkaline fluid that is made by the liver, excreted into the gall bladder and used by our bodies to break down lipids (fats). Vitamin K is needed for clotting and bile is required for Vitamin K absorption, therefore if the liver is struggling the body’s ability to regulate clotting may be impaired. Cholesterol balance and triglyceride levels are also maintained by the liver.
The liver is also involved in the reproductive system and growth and development, by partaking in sex hormone metabolism. In fact, if the liver is functioning below par and sex hormone metabolism is poor, the ability for the liver to break down fats is also impeded.
Copper and iron are also stored in the liver, affecting the quality of our blood and use of protein. The breakdown of heme (a protein in red blood cells that contains iron and transports oxygen around the body) occurs in the liver. Our bodies cannot survive without oxygen circulation.
The liver plays a role in our immune system, with a large number of Kupffer cells (cells involved in immune responses) found in the liver. The Kupffer cells help eradicate disease causing bacteria, viruses and any other unwanted microorganisms that have infiltrated the body.
Our body is very good at letting us know when it’s homeostatic balance is out of whack, and symptoms such as;
...May be indicative of your liver needing a little extra love.
What can you do?
