The Liver

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Ran across this and thought it might be of some interest!

 

" Weighing about 4 pounds, the liver is the largest gland of the body and

the only internal organ that will regenerate itself if part of it is

damaged. Up to 25% of the lever can be removed, and within a short

period of time, it will grow back to its original shape and size.

The liver has many funcitons, perhaps the most important of which is the

secretion of bile. This fluid is stored in the gallbladder and released

as needed for digestion. Bile is necessary for the digestion of fats; it

breaks fat down into small globules. Bile also assists in the absorption

of the fat-soluble vitamins (A,D, E and K), and helps to assimilate

calcium. In addition, bile converts beta-carotene into Vit.A. It

promotes intestinal peristalsis as well, which helps prevent

constipation.

After nutrients have been absorbed into the bloodstream through the

intestinal wall, they are transported by way of the hepatic portal

system to the liver. In the liver, nutrients such as iron and VitA, B12

and D are extracted from the bloodstream and stored for future use.

These stored substances are utilized for everyday activities and in

times of physical stress. The liver plays an important role in fat

metabolism; in the synthesis of fatty acids from amino acids and sugars;

in the production of lipoproteins, cholesterol, and phospholipids; and

in the oxidation of fat to produce energy. The liver creates a substance

called glucose tolerance factor (GTF) from chromium and glutathione. GTF

acts with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Sugars not required

for immediate energy production are converted into glycogen in the

liver; the glycogen is stored in the liver and the muscles, and is

converted back into sugar when needed for energy. Excess food is

converted to fat in the liver, and the fat is then transported to the

fatty issues of the body for storage.

In addition to its important functions in digestion and energy

production, the liver acts as a detoxifier. Protein digestion and

bacterial fermentation of food in the intestines produce ammonia as a

byproduct; this ammonnia is detoxified by the liver. The liver combines

toxic substances (including metabolic waste products, insecticide

residues, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful chemicals) with substances

that are less toxic. These substances are then excreted via the kidneys.

Thus, in order for the liver to function properly, you must also have

proper kidney function.

Finally, the liver is responsible for regulating thyroid function by

converting thyroxine (T4), a thyroid hormone, into its more active form,

triiodothyronine (T3). Inadequate conversion of T4 into T3 by the liver

may lead to hypothyroidism. The liver also breaks down hormones like

adrenalin, aldosterone, estrogen and insulin after they have performed

their needed functions.

*Avoid constipating foods. The liver has to work twice as hard if you

are constipated. Be sure your diet contains sufficient amounts of

choline, inositol, and lecithin, as well as bulk and fiber.

THE 4 BASIC REASONS FOR POOR LIVER FUNCTION ARE:

1) the presence of cumulative poisons: Insecticides, preservatives, and

other toxins can build up in and impair the liver. Even though a

particular toxin may not accumulate in the liver, liver function may

suffer if the functioning of other organs, especially the pancreas

and/or kidneys, is adversely affected by the toxin.

2) An Improper Diet: A diet that is low in protein and high in

carbohydrates and fats, esp. saturated fats, fried foods, and

hydrogenated fats, is hard on the liver and may not provide sufficient

protein building blocks necessary for repair. Poor food choices include

processed foods, junk foods, refined white flour products, white sugar

products, and imitation foods that are designed to appear and taste like

an original product but that have been robbed of natural vitamins,

minerals and enzymes.

3) Overeating: Overeating is probably the most common cause of liver

malfunction. Overeating creates excess work for the liver, resulting in

liver fatigue. In addition, the liver must detoxify all of the various

chemicals present in our food supply today. When the liver is

overworked, it may not detoxify harmful substances properly.

4) Drugs: Drugs put a great strain on the liver. Drugs are substances

that are foreign and unnatural to the body. These foreign substances

cause the liver to work overtime in excreting these toxins. The liver

neutralizes the effects of drugs on the body. Alcohol is particularly

toxic to the liver. When excessive amounts of alcohol enter the liver,

the liver begins to lose its functioning capacity. Other substances that

can contribute to liver malfunction include oral contraceptives and

caffeine.

*Keep the colon clean. Toxins accumulate in the liver and must be

excreted via the colon and kidneys.

* In one study, people with cirrhosis of the liver were found to have an

imbalance of essential fatty acids, which are needed for cell

production. After taking 10 capsules of primrose oil daily for 3 weeks,

these individuals showed a marked improvement in the balance of their

fatty acids (or flax seed oil).

 

Pearl (NY)

 

 

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