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Healthy Liver Function

The liver is an organ about the size of a football, and is similar in shape. It sits sandwiched between the diaphragm (located above it) and the stomach (directly beneath it). It is one of the largest organs in the human body. Surprisingly, the liver has the unique capability of regrowing its own tissue. The liver is able to continue working even if a portion may become diseased or removed.

  1. Normal Functions of a Healthy Liver

    • The liver acts as a central hub in the body, providing oversight and control of many important functions from fighting infections, maintaining proper hormone levels and controlling body temperature, as well as cholesterol and fat levels. In addition, the liver aids in cleansing the body's blood of alcohol and toxins, assisting with food digestion, producing new proteins and cleansing the blood.

      The liver even aids with the formation of blood clots when needed and in providing storage capacity for vitamins, minerals and the sugar that will be needed later for energy production.

    Maintaining a Healthy Liver

    • To protect the liver and maintain its health, a commitment to proper nutrition is necessary. Because the liver aids in food digestion and the regulation of vitamins and minerals -- and aids in the production of needed hormones -- it is important that it has the proper nutrients to process for these important functions. That can only take place with a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats.

      Fatty, salty and sugary foods need to be reduced significantly to maintain a healthy liver, because these things cause strain and stress on the liver. In addition, an ample supply of water should be consumed each day (eight glasses per day) to rid the body of toxins that have built up. Adequate rest and exercise are also needed to maintain liver health.

    Alcohol -- A Danger to a Healthy Liver

    • Drinking alcohol is one of the most damaging things that you can do to your liver, and some over-the-counter medications contain small amounts of alcohol that, when coupled with imbibing other types of alcohol, can compound the effect on the liver.

    Additional Dangers to a Healthy Liver

    • Toxic fumes from a factory, an automobile, pesticides or cleaning chemicals and even outdoor pollution or hairspray can adversely affect a healthy liver. In addition, infections in the body (bacteria, hepatitis and other pathogens), as well as cigarette smoke and street drugs, can damage the liver. Surprisingly, even some herbs and prescription (and nonprescription) medications can hurt the liver.

    Significance

    • Hepatitis A and B are the two infections that affect the liver the most. Therefore, one way to maintain a healthy functioning liver is to take the necessary precautions to avoid both types of infection. In addition to seeking vaccinations against these two infectious diseases, it is also important for an individual to avoid street drugs (and the sharing of needles), as well as sexual behavior that puts a person more at risk for these types of infections.

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