WHY IS THE LIVER AN EXCEPTIONAL ORGAN AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

The liver is an extremely important organ. It is constantly active, playing an important role in many vital processes. ^(1,2) Everything we eat and drink is processed by the liver. The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in our body, ⁽¹⁾ and its high regeneration ability makes it absolutely unique. ⁽³⁾

THE LIVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN 500 VITAL FUNCTIONS.

WHERE IS THE LIVER?

The liver is located on the right side of your body - in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, more precisely below the ribs, which serves as a protective layer for its soft tissue. The average liver weight in an adult is approximately 1.5 kg. ^(1,4)

WHAT DOES THE LIVER DO FOR YOU?

The liver is involved in almost all metabolic processes and during which it transforms carbohydrates, fats, proteins, hormones, nutrients, drugs and toxins. ⁽³⁾ The liver has several very important functions in the human body:

DETOXIFICATION

The liver neutralizes various toxins (e.g. alcohol, ammonia). ^(1,3)

DIGESTION

The liver makes up the bile needed to break down fats. ^(1,3)

IMMUNITY SUPPORT

The liver absorbs particles that pose a potential threat to the body - bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc. ⁽³⁾

VITAMIN STORE

The liver serves as a storehouse of vitamins (A, D3, B2, B3, B4, B12, K) and iron). ^(1,3)

PROTEIN AND FAT METABOLISM^(1,3)

The liver makes proteins that are necessary for the blood to clot.
The liver converts proteins and sugars into fats.

ENERGY SOURCE

Glycogen (polysaccharide) is stored in the liver, which serves as an energy-storing material for the body. ⁽²⁾

THERMOREGULATION

The liver regulates body temperature by warming the blood that flows through it. ⁽²⁾

CAN WE FEEL THE LIVER HURT?

There is a lot of confusion around this question. To start with, one basic issue should be explained – it is not easy to feel the liver hurt.

It is an organ whose liver tissues is not innervated (contains no nerves) and thus does not generate feeling. ⁽⁵⁾

The symptoms that we feel as “liver uncomfortable", are a consequence of the enlargement of this organ. The enlarging liver stretches the capsule that possesses sensory innervation. ⁽⁵⁾ This organ becomes enlarged when it is ill.

THE LIVER DOES NOT ALWAYS GENERATE UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING IF HURT OR DAMAGED

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE LIVER?

By caring about the liver and its normal functioning, we support many important processes that effect our health. To learn how you can take care of your liver, read other articles on our website.

START CARING FOR YOUR LIVER TODAY WITH ESSENTIALE^®

Diehl AM et al. Underlying potential: cellular and molecular determinants of adult liver repair. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 2013; 123 (5): 1858-1860.
Sawicki W. Histology. PZWL Medical Publishing. Warsaw 2005; 26: 437
Gundermann KJ et al. Activity of Essential Phospholipids (EPL) From Soybean in Liver Diseases. Pharmacol Rep 2011; 63 (3): 643–59.
Wydawnictwo Literat, Advice of a Family Doctor - Liver; https://www.sw.gov.pl/assets/74/85/60/7f47ba721664a364cd57d0f447bf255bfa055ee7.pdf accessed on 03/05/2021
American Liver Foundation, A Healthy Diet, a Healthier Liver, a Healthier You https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/health-wellness/nutrition/ - access date: 29/03/2021.
Recommendations of PTG and PTMR: Recommendations for management of patients with hepatic dysfunction and cholelithiasis for primary care physicians; POZ doctor 4/2017
Kozłowska-Wojciechowska M. Essential phospholipids. Therapy - in the family doctor's office; 2014 Jun; 6 Issue 2 (307): 13-15

WHY IS THE LIVER AN EXCEPTIONAL ORGAN AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

WHERE IS THE LIVER?