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The liver is just as vital an organ as the heart, but people often fail to appreciate the importance of keeping it healthy.
If you place your right hand over the area under the ribs on the right side of your body it will just about cover the area of your liver. The liver is the largest gland, and the largest solid organ in the body, weighing some 1.8 kg in men and 1.3 kg in women. It holds approximately 13% (about one pint or 0.57 litres) of your total blood supply at any given time and has over 500 functions
The liver is dark reddish brown in colour and is divided into two main lobes (the larger right and the smaller left) which are further subdivided into approximately 100,000 small lobes, or lobules. About 60% of the liver is made up of liver cells called hepatocytes which absorb nutrients and detoxify and remove harmful substances from the blood. A hepatocyte has an average lifespan of 150 days. There are approximately 202,000 in every milligram of your liver tissue. The liver receives its blood supply via the hepatic artery and portal vein.
Liver functions include:
processing digested food from the intestine
controlling levels of fats, amino acids and glucose in the blood
combating infections
clearing the blood of particles and infections, including bacteria
neutralising and destroying all drugs and toxins
manufacturing bile
storing iron, vitamins and other essential chemicals
breaking down food and turning it into energy
manufacturing, breaking down and regulating numerous hormones including sex hormones
making enzymes and proteins which are responsible for most chemical reactions in the body, for example those involved in blood clotting and repair of damaged tissues.
Some of the most important functions:
Producing quick energy
One of the liver’s most important functions is to break down food and convert it into energy. Carbohydrates, such as bread and potatoes, are broken down to glucose and stored mainly in the liver and muscles as glycogen. When energy is required in an emergency the liver rapidly converts its store of glycogen back into glucose ready for use.
Your liver also helps the body to get rid of waste. Waste products which are not excreted by your kidneys are removed from the blood by the liver. Some of them pass into the duodenum and then into the bowel via the bile ducts.
People with liver damage may sometimes lose the ability to control glucose concentration in the blood and need a regular supply of sugar.
Fighting infections
Your liver plays a vital role in fighting infections, particularly infections arising in the bowel. It does this by mobilising part of your body’s defence mechanism called the macrophage system. The liver contains over half of the body’s supply of macrophages, known as Kuppfer cells, which literally destroy any bacteria that they come into contact with. If the liver is damaged in any way its ability to fight infections is impaired.
Symptoms of liver damage can be difficult to spot as they are not always obvious – they can include tiredness, nausea and itching.
DETOX!
You flush your toilet right? Of course you do. Because what would happen if you used a toilet every day and you didn't flush (detox) it? OMW! So what happens in your body if you didn't detox it? Well you would become toxic. Your liver is your major detox organ, so what happens in your body if you cannot detox properly?
SYMPTOMS OF POOR LIVER DETOX:
The signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction are varied and may include the following:
Gastrointestinal symptoms: constipation, nausea, bloating, flatulence
Intolerance to fat: Patients with fat intolerance complain of feeling full quickly, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
Intolerance to alcohol
Facial redness (flushing)
Red, itchy skin bumps (hives)
Worsening of pre-existing asthma.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Low blood pressure.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Intolerance to caffeine
racing heartbeat.
headache.
jitters.
nervousness or anxiousness.
restlessness.
insomnia.
Fatigue and lethargy
Headaches / migraines
Allergies and chemical sensitivities
PMS and other hormonal imbalances
Blood sugar swings
Halitosis and body odour
Cloudy urine
Visual disturbances (remember the Liver controls the eyes)
Fluid retention
Sinus congestion
Skin disorders
eczema,
psoriasis,
acne,
rosacea
rashes.
Coating on tongue / swollen tongue
There are 3 phases to the liver detox in the body and these phases require certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes to complete these functions. However many of us are so malnourished that our bodies are struggling with these natural processes of detox. But there are some awesome natural ways that you can help with this natural process of detox. Let's look further.
So what is Fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition that occurs when there is an excessive buildup of fat in the liver. This condition can lead to inflammation, liver scarring, and in severe cases, liver failure. With an increasing prevalence worldwide, it's essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for fatty liver disease.
Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
There are two main types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AFLD occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption, while NAFLD is associated with other factors such as obesity, high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and high levels of fats in the blood.
The exact mechanism behind NAFLD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the body's inability to break down fat efficiently or an overproduction of fat. Certain risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome, can increase the likelihood of developing NAFLD.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
In its early stages, fatty liver disease may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
Fatigue and weakness
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Swelling in the legs and ankles
It is important to note that fatty liver disease can progress to a more severe condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by liver inflammation and damage. NASH can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and an increased risk of liver cancer.
So what does fatty liver affect in the body?
If too much bilirubin is in your bloodstream it can cause jaundice, which can make your skin and eyes turn yellow.
If too little bilirubin could increase your risk of developing deep white matter lesions in your brain, even if you don't have any other health issues. These lesions are linked to several conditions, including dementia and heart disease.
The spine also can get affected by liver function. The Thoracic Spine especially:
T4 and T5. These link to the Liver and Gallbladder
T7 links to the Pancreas
T10 links to the Kidneys
White blood cells such as Basophilic leukocytes become aggitated or weakened: due to the fact that the liver is the natural antihistamine of the body
Anaemia and Pernicious Anaemia occurs
Tissue of the Liver becomes fatty
Wall of the Gallbladder becomes inflamed and sludgy
Wall of Cholic Duct becomes blocked due to poor bile secretion
Pancreatic duct wall becomes inflamed as the pancreas and gallbladder are neighbours and work together
Liver Lymphatic Vessels become blocked due to the liver being overworked and toxic
Erythrocytes increase due to inflammation
Hepatocytes increase and start to produce fatty liver
Mast cells increase and start to produce histamine and affect the immune system
Histiocytes increase and the body becomes allergic
Follicular ovary cells get affected and poor phase 2 liver detox affect detoxification of used estrogen. This causes hyperestrogenism
Mammary gland epithelium (breast tissue) inflames due to hyperestrogenism
Thyroid Gland becomes aggitated
Adrenals overwork and the body goes into stress
Whole Cardiovascular system (heart and arteries and veins) becomes affected as the liver affects it in this way:
Creates Angiotensin
Angiotensin is a hormone that helps regulate your blood pressure by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels and triggering water and salt (sodium) intake
Gamma GT
Ample evidence suggests that elevated GGT activity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, arterial hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias and all-cause and CVD-related mortality.
Idiopathic hypertension
Essential hypertension is associated with the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and the development of fatty liver.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with lifestyle-related diseases. Thus, chronic liver disease seems to be strongly associated with atherosclerosis
Myocardiodystrophia
A kind of noninflammatory heart disease that affects the myocardium. Normally due to Atherosclerosis. Hearts muscle is working much harder to open the arteries and get better blood flow.
Arrythmia of the heart
Arrhythmias and electrocardiographic changes can occur with liver cirrhosis, for which cases of atrial fibrillation and flutter, premature atrial and ventricular contractions, and ventricular arrhythmias have been reported
Paroxysmal tachycardia
It has been known for many years that the heart and the liver are intimately related. Thus, patients with acute and chronic heart failure develop manifestations from the liver.
So as you can see your liver is the BOSS!!
Treatment and Prevention
The treatment of fatty liver disease primarily focuses on addressing the underlying causes and reducing liver fat. Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing the condition. These may include:
Weight loss: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reverse fatty liver disease.
Dietary modifications: Limiting the consumption of saturated fats, added sugars, and processed foods can be beneficial.
Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can promote weight loss and improve liver health.
Diabetes management: Controlling blood sugar levels through medication or lifestyle modifications is crucial for individuals with diabetes.
Alcohol moderation or abstinence: For those with AFLD, eliminating alcohol consumption or seeking professional help to reduce it is necessary.
There are also many ways that you can naturally help your liver function improve. Nature has given us incredible plants that can do this. The following are some of the best natural remedies for fatty liver disease and better liver function:
Milkthistle
Dandelion Root
Inositol
Choline
Ginseng
Green Tea
Licorice
Turmeric
Artichoke
Garlic
Ginger
Gingko Biloba
Astragalus
Apple Cider Vinegar
Amla
Lemon and Pure Olive Oil
NAC
Pomegranate
Health Basket has a wide variety of amazing, clean natural products to assist with wherever you are in your liver health.
And the list goes on......
Conclusion
Fatty liver disease is a growing concern worldwide, primarily driven by the increasing incidence of obesity and metabolic disorders. It is crucial to recognize the risk factors, be aware of the symptoms, and take appropriate preventive measures. By implementing lifestyle changes and seeking medical help when necessary, individuals can effectively manage the condition and reduce the risk of liver damage. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to maintaining liver health.
So pop in to Health Basket at Shop 12 Willowbridge Mall, Tygervalley or go online to our amazing shop and get all you need: www.healthbasketsa.com/online-shop
Our SCIO testing can also test the wellness of your liver and your entire body. Remember the body is a puzzle. Every piece has a perfect place. Place the puzzle pieces back to where they should be to see the entire picture. Book a SCIO test with Craig today to find out your true wellness!
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