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Dear members,
After posting about Parkinson's disease, I thought I should post information on the largest organ of our body, THE LIVER.
Sure everyone will find it interesting as well as informative.
varadarajan
LIVER FACTS
The liver is the largest solid organ in our body. It’s about 8 inches (20 cm) wide, 6.5 inches (17 cm) long and 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick and weighs approximately 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms).
The liver is called a smart organ. Even after bad habits have done some damages,if the bad habits are discontinued, the liver is most likely to recover on its own unless the damage is enormous.
In Liver transplantation,sometimes one liver is split and transplanted on two patients, and God's design being the most perfect, the two pieces develop into two fullfledged livers over time!!
You’ll find your liver mostly under your ribs in the upper right part of your abdomen, just below your diaphragm.
Liver Facts
The liver has two large lobes; a large right lobe and a smaller left lobe.
The liver has various functions:
It makes and secretes bile to help your body absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)
It metabolizes and stores carbohydrates, fats, sugars, vitamins (and other nutrients obtained from the foods we eat) for energy and brain function.
It breaks down harmful chemicals (bilirubin and ammonia) produced by the body and keeps the body regulated and healthy.
It manufactures proteins to help maintain blood purity and proper flow.
It breaks down hormones, detoxifies water and removes drugs, alcohol and environmental toxins
And it filters waste products from your blood.
Trouble is; the liver also stores all the toxins that our body cannot break down.
You see the liver is broken into three zones, each with a specific function. The blood enters the first zone, travels to the second and third zone then leaves the liver - with each zone being susceptible to its own illnesses.
Amazingly, the liver can regenerating itself, however today with the consistent abuse from our fast paced lifestyle our liver is paying a hefty price.
“Dangerous Eating Habits”
Studies show that a fast food diet of burgers, fries and soft drinks can damage the liver.
It is normal for your liver to contain some fat, but if the weight of your liver is more than 10% fat, then you have fatty liver and you may develop more serious complications.
When we eat too much fatty food it increases an enzyme called alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme which indicates liver damage and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, as well as hepatitis C.
Fat cells are building up in the liver and endangering our health. Due to our modern lifestyles, doctors are seeing a wide range of preventable illnesses.
The deficiencies in our diet as well as the excessive and habitual consumption of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, food additives, pharmaceutical and OTC (over-the-counter) drugs are killing our liver cells.
Plus, environmental pollutants such as garden chemicals, cosmetic ingredients, home repair materials and household cleaning products are overtaxing our liver.
A damaged liver has difficulty removing toxins. And, if toxins remain in our system they can build up in our blood and our brain.
A struggling liver can cause a variety of health problems, including:
Headaches
Dark urine
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea, and light colored stools
Enlarged blood vessels, easy bruising
Anxiety and depression
Mental confusion
PMS
Exhaustion and fatigue
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin
Impaired libido (sex drive)
Food allergies and chemical sensitivities
Symptoms of a Diseased Liver
Liver Facts Symptoms of Liver Disease
The symptoms related to liver dysfunction include both physical signs and a variety of symptoms related to digestive problems, blood sugar problems, immune disorders, abnormal absorption of fats, and metabolism problems.
People suffering from a diseased liver tend to show external symptoms like a coated tongue, bad breath, itchy skin, excessive sweating, offensive body odor, dark circles under the eyes. They can have swollen, red, itchy eyes, brown spots or blemishes, as well as excessive facial blood vessels which makes them look flushed.
Other symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, bone loss, easy bleeding, itching, enlarged spleen, headaches, fluid in the abdominal cavity, chills, pain from the biliary tract or pancrea and an enlarged gallbladder.
People can also experience depression, mood changes, poor mental focus and concentration.
Some common liver diseases are:
Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease
Chronic and Autoimmune Hepatitis
Alzheimer’s
Parkinson’s Disease
Alagille Syndrome
Biliary Atresia (BA)
Cancer of the liver
When assessing liver health, doctors typically look at the blood levels of certain substances including bilirubin and liver enzymes. Higher than normal levels of these chemicals may be a sign of liver.
A simple blood test is a first step to check if you have liver problems or damage.
14 Healthy Liver Tips:
Liver Facts Healthy Tips
A healthy liver relies on a healthy diet, regular exercise, lots of fresh air, and avoiding things that can cause liver damage. Try to be kind to your liver. Know what can cause it injury and what can help it.
Being proactive is the key to liver health.
Eat a healthy diet: The standard American diet is not very helpful to the liver. Make an effort to eat foods rich in foliate, flavonoids, magnesium, iron, sulphate, selenium and B-vitamins. These key nutrients will help your liver detoxify your body. Build a diet of complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. Eat more salads, beans, fresh juices, stir-fried foods cooked in olive oil, seeds and nuts.
Go Organic: Whenever possible buy as much organic foods as possible. Studies show that organic fruits and vegetables have about 40% more antioxidants and higher levels of iron and zinc than regular produce. Plus milk from organic animals contains up to 90% more antioxidants.
Watch your protein: Your body needs protein, but consume too much protein and it will build up in your liver and interfere with your brain function. To determine how many grams of protein you should eat daily divide your weight by two. For example at 130 pounds you should only consumer 65g of protein. And, try to get your protein from vegetable, nuts and dairy products rather than meat.
Count your carbohydrate calories: Too many carbs can cause fatty buildup in your liver and add to liver dysfunction. Read food labels carefully, cut down on salt and stick to a minimum of 15 calories for each pound you weigh.
Cut back on stimulants like tea and coffee: Instead drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
Eat antioxidant rich foods: Add more broccoli, cabbage cauliflower, kale, soybeans, artichokes and Brussels sprouts to your diet. Antioxidants can stop the free-radical damage and help detoxify damaging cells. Artichokes act as a blood purifier and have shown to lower cholesterol, triglycerides levels and other metabolic waste products.
Watch Vitamins A and D: Too much vitamin A and D can add undue stress to your liver.
Avoid antibiotics or antacids: Antibiotics destroy good (toxin fighting) bacteria in your stomach and intestines and antacids can weaken your digestive acids.
Beware of Alcohol and Acetaminophen: Never take acetaminophen with alcohol. The combination is potentially hazardous to your liver cells.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes and Illegal drugs: Of course, we all know that alcoholism, cigarettes/chain smoking, and illegal drug use will have a serious adverse affect on your liver up to and including death.
Take Milk Thistle to protect the liver: Milk Thistle contains silymarin, which strengthens cell membranes and boosts the liver’s ability to repair itself. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by promoting the growth of new liver cells.
Take a dose of activated charcoal twice a week: Active charcoal can absorb whatever molecules it comes in contact with, including toxins. It shouldn’t be taken with food or medicine.
Stay clear of environmental pollutants: When using paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosols make certain you have good ventilation, use a mask, cover your skin, and whenever possible wash chemicals from your skin with soap and water.
These toxins are picked up by the tiny blood vessels in your lungs and carried to your liver where they are detoxified and discharged in your bile. The less you take in the better it is for your liver.
Beware of the drugs you take: There are thousands of drugs and chemicals that are capable of causing injury to the liver. Many over the counter (OTC) drugs can do more harm than good.
Remember, all medications are processed through the liver to some degree. It is the liver’s job to detoxify any substances that are potentially harmful to the body and if it can’t it will store the toxin.
It’s vitally important to know which medications can cause liver damage, which will worsen a preexisting liver condition, and which medications are safe to take.
For example, you should avoid a range of common medications like: Tavist Allergy/Sinus/Headache Caplets, Vicks DayQuil Multi-symptom Cold/Flu Relief Liquid, and Tylenol.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that subjects who took approved maximum daily dosages of acetaminophen developed early signs of possible liver damage.
And, if you’re taking Hydroxycut – stop it IMMEDIATELY! The maker of this dietary supplement is recalling this product after FDA received 23 reports of liver problems, including one death.
And, the drugs Duract (bromfenac) and Rezulin (troglitasone) have been withdrawn due to liver injury.
Detoxifying Your Liver
Liver Facts - Detoxifying Your Liver
To keep your liver in pristine condition you may want to consider a liver cleanse. But, don’t take the process too lightly. When cleaning your liver, the toxins stored in your liver will be dumped into your body and it’s up to your colon and kidneys to eliminate them quickly.
Naturopaths suggest that a liver cleanse is done in stages. In fact before doing a liver cleanse a colon cleanse is recommended. If your colon is not operating at peak performance it won’t be able to get rid of the toxin and that could lead to other problems.
After posting about Parkinson's disease, I thought I should post information on the largest organ of our body, THE LIVER.
Sure everyone will find it interesting as well as informative.
varadarajan
LIVER FACTS
The liver is the largest solid organ in our body. It’s about 8 inches (20 cm) wide, 6.5 inches (17 cm) long and 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick and weighs approximately 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms).
The liver is called a smart organ. Even after bad habits have done some damages,if the bad habits are discontinued, the liver is most likely to recover on its own unless the damage is enormous.
In Liver transplantation,sometimes one liver is split and transplanted on two patients, and God's design being the most perfect, the two pieces develop into two fullfledged livers over time!!
You’ll find your liver mostly under your ribs in the upper right part of your abdomen, just below your diaphragm.
Liver Facts
The liver has two large lobes; a large right lobe and a smaller left lobe.
The liver has various functions:
It makes and secretes bile to help your body absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)
It metabolizes and stores carbohydrates, fats, sugars, vitamins (and other nutrients obtained from the foods we eat) for energy and brain function.
It breaks down harmful chemicals (bilirubin and ammonia) produced by the body and keeps the body regulated and healthy.
It manufactures proteins to help maintain blood purity and proper flow.
It breaks down hormones, detoxifies water and removes drugs, alcohol and environmental toxins
And it filters waste products from your blood.
Trouble is; the liver also stores all the toxins that our body cannot break down.
You see the liver is broken into three zones, each with a specific function. The blood enters the first zone, travels to the second and third zone then leaves the liver - with each zone being susceptible to its own illnesses.
Amazingly, the liver can regenerating itself, however today with the consistent abuse from our fast paced lifestyle our liver is paying a hefty price.
“Dangerous Eating Habits”
Studies show that a fast food diet of burgers, fries and soft drinks can damage the liver.
It is normal for your liver to contain some fat, but if the weight of your liver is more than 10% fat, then you have fatty liver and you may develop more serious complications.
When we eat too much fatty food it increases an enzyme called alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme which indicates liver damage and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, as well as hepatitis C.
Fat cells are building up in the liver and endangering our health. Due to our modern lifestyles, doctors are seeing a wide range of preventable illnesses.
The deficiencies in our diet as well as the excessive and habitual consumption of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, food additives, pharmaceutical and OTC (over-the-counter) drugs are killing our liver cells.
Plus, environmental pollutants such as garden chemicals, cosmetic ingredients, home repair materials and household cleaning products are overtaxing our liver.
A damaged liver has difficulty removing toxins. And, if toxins remain in our system they can build up in our blood and our brain.
A struggling liver can cause a variety of health problems, including:
Headaches
Dark urine
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea, and light colored stools
Enlarged blood vessels, easy bruising
Anxiety and depression
Mental confusion
PMS
Exhaustion and fatigue
Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin
Impaired libido (sex drive)
Food allergies and chemical sensitivities
Symptoms of a Diseased Liver
Liver Facts Symptoms of Liver Disease
The symptoms related to liver dysfunction include both physical signs and a variety of symptoms related to digestive problems, blood sugar problems, immune disorders, abnormal absorption of fats, and metabolism problems.
People suffering from a diseased liver tend to show external symptoms like a coated tongue, bad breath, itchy skin, excessive sweating, offensive body odor, dark circles under the eyes. They can have swollen, red, itchy eyes, brown spots or blemishes, as well as excessive facial blood vessels which makes them look flushed.
Other symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, bone loss, easy bleeding, itching, enlarged spleen, headaches, fluid in the abdominal cavity, chills, pain from the biliary tract or pancrea and an enlarged gallbladder.
People can also experience depression, mood changes, poor mental focus and concentration.
Some common liver diseases are:
Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease
Chronic and Autoimmune Hepatitis
Alzheimer’s
Parkinson’s Disease
Alagille Syndrome
Biliary Atresia (BA)
Cancer of the liver
When assessing liver health, doctors typically look at the blood levels of certain substances including bilirubin and liver enzymes. Higher than normal levels of these chemicals may be a sign of liver.
A simple blood test is a first step to check if you have liver problems or damage.
14 Healthy Liver Tips:
Liver Facts Healthy Tips
A healthy liver relies on a healthy diet, regular exercise, lots of fresh air, and avoiding things that can cause liver damage. Try to be kind to your liver. Know what can cause it injury and what can help it.
Being proactive is the key to liver health.
Eat a healthy diet: The standard American diet is not very helpful to the liver. Make an effort to eat foods rich in foliate, flavonoids, magnesium, iron, sulphate, selenium and B-vitamins. These key nutrients will help your liver detoxify your body. Build a diet of complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. Eat more salads, beans, fresh juices, stir-fried foods cooked in olive oil, seeds and nuts.
Go Organic: Whenever possible buy as much organic foods as possible. Studies show that organic fruits and vegetables have about 40% more antioxidants and higher levels of iron and zinc than regular produce. Plus milk from organic animals contains up to 90% more antioxidants.
Watch your protein: Your body needs protein, but consume too much protein and it will build up in your liver and interfere with your brain function. To determine how many grams of protein you should eat daily divide your weight by two. For example at 130 pounds you should only consumer 65g of protein. And, try to get your protein from vegetable, nuts and dairy products rather than meat.
Count your carbohydrate calories: Too many carbs can cause fatty buildup in your liver and add to liver dysfunction. Read food labels carefully, cut down on salt and stick to a minimum of 15 calories for each pound you weigh.
Cut back on stimulants like tea and coffee: Instead drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
Eat antioxidant rich foods: Add more broccoli, cabbage cauliflower, kale, soybeans, artichokes and Brussels sprouts to your diet. Antioxidants can stop the free-radical damage and help detoxify damaging cells. Artichokes act as a blood purifier and have shown to lower cholesterol, triglycerides levels and other metabolic waste products.
Watch Vitamins A and D: Too much vitamin A and D can add undue stress to your liver.
Avoid antibiotics or antacids: Antibiotics destroy good (toxin fighting) bacteria in your stomach and intestines and antacids can weaken your digestive acids.
Beware of Alcohol and Acetaminophen: Never take acetaminophen with alcohol. The combination is potentially hazardous to your liver cells.
Avoid alcohol and cigarettes and Illegal drugs: Of course, we all know that alcoholism, cigarettes/chain smoking, and illegal drug use will have a serious adverse affect on your liver up to and including death.
Take Milk Thistle to protect the liver: Milk Thistle contains silymarin, which strengthens cell membranes and boosts the liver’s ability to repair itself. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by promoting the growth of new liver cells.
Take a dose of activated charcoal twice a week: Active charcoal can absorb whatever molecules it comes in contact with, including toxins. It shouldn’t be taken with food or medicine.
Stay clear of environmental pollutants: When using paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosols make certain you have good ventilation, use a mask, cover your skin, and whenever possible wash chemicals from your skin with soap and water.
These toxins are picked up by the tiny blood vessels in your lungs and carried to your liver where they are detoxified and discharged in your bile. The less you take in the better it is for your liver.
Beware of the drugs you take: There are thousands of drugs and chemicals that are capable of causing injury to the liver. Many over the counter (OTC) drugs can do more harm than good.
Remember, all medications are processed through the liver to some degree. It is the liver’s job to detoxify any substances that are potentially harmful to the body and if it can’t it will store the toxin.
It’s vitally important to know which medications can cause liver damage, which will worsen a preexisting liver condition, and which medications are safe to take.
For example, you should avoid a range of common medications like: Tavist Allergy/Sinus/Headache Caplets, Vicks DayQuil Multi-symptom Cold/Flu Relief Liquid, and Tylenol.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that subjects who took approved maximum daily dosages of acetaminophen developed early signs of possible liver damage.
And, if you’re taking Hydroxycut – stop it IMMEDIATELY! The maker of this dietary supplement is recalling this product after FDA received 23 reports of liver problems, including one death.
And, the drugs Duract (bromfenac) and Rezulin (troglitasone) have been withdrawn due to liver injury.
Detoxifying Your Liver
Liver Facts - Detoxifying Your Liver
To keep your liver in pristine condition you may want to consider a liver cleanse. But, don’t take the process too lightly. When cleaning your liver, the toxins stored in your liver will be dumped into your body and it’s up to your colon and kidneys to eliminate them quickly.
Naturopaths suggest that a liver cleanse is done in stages. In fact before doing a liver cleanse a colon cleanse is recommended. If your colon is not operating at peak performance it won’t be able to get rid of the toxin and that could lead to other problems.
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