Understanding Your Liver: A Vital Organ
The liver is not just the biggest organ inside your body; it's also one of the most important. You can't live without it.
What and Where is the Liver?
The liver is about the size of a football and sits in the upper right part of your abdomen, protected by your ribcage. It's part of the digestive system, which means it helps process everything your stomach and intestines digest and absorb. One of its main jobs is to produce bile, a chemical that helps break down fats into fuel your body can use. Without your liver, eating something like a cheeseburger or a milkshake would make you very sick.
The Liver's Many Jobs
The liver does at least 500 different jobs to keep you healthy. Here are some of the important things it does:
- Regulates Blood Sugar: Keeps your blood sugar levels steady.
- Produces Vitamins: Makes vitamins that your body needs.
- Maintains Blood: Helps keep your blood the right thickness.
- Filters Toxins: Removes toxins from your blood and clears out medications and alcohol.
- Supports Muscles: Helps your muscles grow, especially with regular exercise.
- Heart Health: Plays a key role in keeping your heart healthy.
- Brain Function: Even helps you think more clearly.
Why a Healthy Liver is Important
A healthy liver is essential for a healthy life. But if the liver gets sick, it can cause many problems. Sadly, liver disease is becoming more common for millions of Americans.
Keeping Your Liver Healthy
Taking care of your liver means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding too much alcohol, and being cautious with medications. If you look after your liver, it will take care of you.
