Our liver is associated with numerous vital function of life. Liver is an organ which is found only in vertebrates and aids in the detoxification of various metabolites, synthesizes proteins and enzymes necessary for digestion and growth. Beside that it has many other functions in your body, including making proteins for blood clotting, proteins required to maintain fluid within the circulation system, producing triglycerides and cholesterol, glycogen synthesis, and bile production. Its other roles in metabolism include the regulation of glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells and the production of hormones.
The liver is an accessory digestive organ that produces bile, a fluid containing cholesterol and bile acids, and an alkaline compound which helps in the breakdown of fat. Bile aids in digestion via the emulsification of lipids. A small pouch that is placed just under the liver, gallbladder, stores the bile produced by the liver which is afterwards moved to the small intestine to finish the digestion process. Carbohydrates are also produced in the liver and the organ is responsible for turning glucose into glycogen that can be stored both in the liver and in the muscle cells. The liver is also helpful in breaking down of medications and drugs, including alcohol, liable for breaking down of insulin and other hormones in the body. The liver is also responsible for storing vitamins and chemicals that the body requires as building and repairing. These include, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron which is required for production of RBC, vitamin A for vision, vitamin D for calcium absorption in the body from the food, vitamin K that is essential for blood clotting.
The liver plays an important role in protecting the organism from potentially toxic chemical insults through its capacity to convert lipophiles into more water‐soluble metabolites which can be efficiently eliminated from the body via the urine.
SYMPTOMS OF LIVER PROBLEM:-
- Nausea and vomiting associated with pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
- Sudden weight loss and tiredness, due to the inability of the liver to produce certain proteins
- Jaundice (yellowish hue in the skin), when liver fails to metabolize bilirubin.
- Sudden leg swelling, when liver is unable to produce enough albumin.
- Gynecomastia (development of breast in male), liver is also involved in the metabolism of sex hormone.
- Acid reflux and heart burn
- Trouble digesting fatty foods
- Weak immune system, if you are getting cold, flu or gastrointestinal infection frequently
- Liver disorder can also produce bad breath, excessive sweating and odious body odour.
COMPLICATION ASSOCIATED WITH LIVER ARE: -
- Fatty liver diseases: - It is also known as Hepatic Steatosis, it happens when the fat build up in liver. Too much of fat build up can lead to liver inflammation and ultimately to liver failure. High cholesterol level or type 2 diabetes also increases the risk of the fatty liver diseases.
- Alcoholic liver disease: - Consuming large quantity of alcohol for long period time cause liver damage.
- Cirrhosis: - It is the last stage of the fibrosis. Caused by hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Complication associated with cirrhosis is swelling of leg, hip, abdomen, foot. Advance cirrhosis is sometime life threatening and may lead to liver failure.
