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The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. But how does it protect you? What are its natural functions? Read this article to learn of the functions of the liver, and how you can keep your liver healthy.
The liver is located in the front of the body, under the diaphragm. Its main job is to cleanse the blood that is passing through the body. When poisonous substances or alcohol enter the liver, the liver works to clear these substances from the bloodstream. To aid this job, the liver produces bile, which interacts with the blood and cleanses it. The liver also regulates the blood and its components, including vitamins, iron, cholesterol and certain hormones. It creates proteins and releases enzymes that move elements in the blood, aid the healing process and strengthen the body against all sorts of diseases. This is not even all of the functions of the liver! The liver performs day-to-day maintenance activities that leave the body ready for action. In short, the liver is crucial to bodily health.
The liver, however, is subject to some diseases. There are about 200 diseases that are known to affect the liver specifically. Among these are cancer, gallstones, hepatitis, alcohol problems and cirrhosis. The following is an explanation of some of the more possible diseases:
Cancer of the liver area: This forms when the liver develops a malign tumor. Toxins in the blood and environment are the greatest cause of the disease.
Gallstones: Gallstones are caused by pieces of bile that harden and grow. They can be removed easily, and sometimes they are not even noticed. When they interfere with the liver's natural functions, they must be removed.
Alcohol-related liver problems: Certain conditions can develop when the liver is exposed to a large amount of alcohol. Among these are fatty liver and cirrhosis. When drink is combined with certain pills, the danger to the liver is increased. If too many toxins are presented to the liver at once, it cannot rid the body and blood of them effectively.
Cirrhosis: This disease can exist on the liver itself, and also on the face. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver tissue or the face and skin. It is caused by improper care of the liver, or by age.
Hepatitis: This disease directly affects the liver, and is most often caused by blood or sexual contact with someone who has the disease. This disease can be fatal, but more often than not just causes minor discomfort.
To protect your liver, it is necessary to exercise and keep a healthy diet. While it may not seem that this would help, regular diet and exercise are the key to maintaining all of the body's functions. Avoid areas that may contain environmental or blood toxins. Do not drink much alcohol, and never mix alcohol with certain pills. (One glass of alcohol a day is a good amount.) To avoid exposure to hepatitis, get a vaccination, or avoid sexual contact with a partner who has not been tested for this disease. In the long run, the strength of your liver will dictate how your body will feel. Treat it well.
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