The liver is the largest and one of the most important organs and plays a role in some 600 chemical processes in the body. The liver can weigh about 1,500 grams in an adult.
Functions of the liver include:
- Protein metabolism (production and breakdown of proteins)
- Carbohydrate metabolism (production and breakdown of carbohydrates)
- Fat metabolism (production and breakdown of fats)
- Storage of nutrients (sugar, fatty acids and amino acids)
- Regulation of blood sugar production of glucose from glycogen or amino acids (for energy production)
- Manufacture and breakdown of cholesterol
- Storage and transport of vitamins and minerals
- Detoxification of toxins, medications, alcohol, etc.
- Breakdown of body substances production of bile (bile consists of water, bile salts, cholesterol and bilirubin)
- Generation of antibodies, enzymes, coagulation factors, anticoagulation factors, etc.
- Regulation of the immune system
- Regulation of fluid balance
- Regulation of acid-base balance
Liver dysfunction is a major cause of various chronic diseases.
The following are some symptoms of liver dysfunction. Many symptoms are often not linked to the liver, especially in the early stages.
- Feeling of general malaise
- Fatigue
- Digestive complaints, nausea, vomiting, constipation itching, skin complaints
- Weight loss
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Pale bowel movements
- Bloody or tarry bowel movements
- Low blood pressure
- Sweating a lot
- Bad breath and/or body odor
- Fogged tongue
- Quick bruising
- Edema
- Headache
- Migraine
- Irritation or confusion
There are several causes that can underlie liver dysfunction, listed below are a few.
- Wilson’s disease: copper stacking disease
- Hemochromatosis: iron-stacking disease
- Bile congestion: obstructing bile flow due to e.g. gallstones, tumors, medications, alcohol, hepatitis etc.
congenital anatomical defects (malformed-or no bile ducts) - Overweight
- Medication
- Disturbed gut flora, leaky gut
- Chronic inflammation
- Food intolerance
- Bacterial and parasitic infections
- Viral infections
- Too many toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, smoking, etc.
- Unhealthy diet with too many sugars and bad fats
- Oxidative stress, lack of antioxidants, lack of glutathione
- Lack of vitamins
Liver psyche
Just as the liver physiologically makes all substances foreign to the body, bodily, the psychic aspect of the liver has to do with converting and processing experiences and emotions into growth, development and self-confidence. Liver energy is sensitive to (psychological) stress: anger, sadness, frustration, malice and resentment cause the liver extra work by producing (and then breaking down) stress hormones. Nor is not expressing or suppressing these emotions good for the liver. The expression is not for nothing,“what’s on your mind?” Conversely, when the liver is not functioning properly it can also have psychological consequences, making you more susceptible to negative emotions (annoyances, irritations, feelings of depression or jealousy).
Detoxification system
Detoxification is the metabolism that breaks down harmful or toxic substances and removes them from the body. When this system does not work properly, toxins can accumulate in the body. A poor detoxification system underlies all manner of disease conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, joint pain, fibromyalgia, immune disorders, chronic fatigue and cardiovascular disease. The way we as individuals break down toxins is partly genetic, but is very much influenced by diet and lifestyle. There are no medications that support detoxification, but all medications do affect the detoxification system because they themselves need to be broken down by it. The only way to ensure a smooth breakdown and removal of toxins is through proper diet and nutrients.
How can you support your liver?
The following substances burden the detoxification of the liver and should be avoided as much as possible: alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, all kinds of food additives (colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers), saturated fat and trans fats (fried foods). There are also foods that actually support liver detoxification such as fresh fruits and vegetables (especially the bitter varieties like chicory, artichoke, grapefruit), rosemary, thyme, turmeric, garlic, onion, chives and omega-3 fatty acids. Green tea, dandelion, licorice, and nettle teas support liver function. Organic products contain few artificial additives and pesticides and are therefore less stressful for the liver. In addition, get daily exercise, preferably outdoors, and get plenty of rest.
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