The body’s factory

Functions

 As with many other organs, the blood works as a mean of transport. One source it gets the oxygen from is the heart, and the other one is the intestine; here the work is more complicated. It receives fats, vitamins and carbohydrates, from which the last one is broken down into sugars that provide energy for the whole body. The blood flowing through the liver contains toxins as well. These are molecules the body cannot use and might pose danger on the system. These are either packaged and sent out via the intestine and kidneys or are converted it into harmless substance. Other foreign materials, such as medicine has to be broken down by the liver and doctors consider this capacity when specifying the dosage. The substance created from all the useless things is called bile and has a role in digestion. It is being stored in the gallbladder and when needed enters the intestine to emulsify fats, destroy microbes and neutralize the stomach acid.

Other than bile, the liver generates blood plasma proteins that participate in blood clotting and fatty acid transport. Moreover, cholesterol is made here as well which is important for creating hormones. Since the body itself can synthesize cholesterol, it is important to pay attention that it is not consumed in high levels with the meals. Otherwise it can lead to cardiovascular issues as it can accumulate in the vessels.

During the processing of nutrients the liver selects which ones to save for backup. Both energy and vitamins are stored here and the body can use when necessary. Moreover, it can send out molecules to muscles for energy use, or to fat tissues for storage. The liver is participating in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins as well. For example, vitamin B12 is found in animal products and is stored in the liver, meaning you can go for a while without eating any meat or milk products because your body has a storage of it. Of course, if you have a completely vegan diet a supplement is needed for the body’s proper functioning.

So far only fats, carbohydrates and vitamins have been mentioned, so last but not least, proteins! The liver is responsible for 85–90% of circulating protein in the blood. Of these, albumin is the most important one; it is necessary for the maintenance of blood pressure and works as a transporter molecule. As you have learnt from a previous post, the proteins consist of amino acids. Liver is able to break down protein to fuel its cells and is cleaning out the otherwise damaging nitrogenous waste via the liver urea cycle.

Several diseases can attack and influence the functioning of the liver. Fatty liver, cirrhosis and hepatitis are all posing dangers. Even though this organ has the power to regenerate from only 25% of its original size, you should rather take care of it and not overwhelm it with toxins.