The liver is an organ that is responsible, among other things, for cleansing and detoxifying the body.
But that is not all, because it also takes part, for example, in the metabolism of nutrients and stores vitamins important for its functioning.
These are of course only some of its tasks. Nevertheless, lifestyle – what we eat, how we act, and how we take care of our overall health – affects its condition. In times when highly processed food reigns supreme, we are constantly busy, and stressful situations lurk around every corner, it is good to know how to take care of the liver itself.
The liver – what role does it play and why is it so important?
The liver is the largest gland, whose hallmark functions are detoxification and metabolism. Both are extremely valuable and indispensable for the body's functioning. Liver cells, i.e. hepatocytes, are among the most physiologically active cells and are exposed to many harmful factors in everyday life.
Let us start, however, with the role of the organ itself. As far as metabolic functions are concerned, the conversion of simple sugars, e.g. fructose and galactose, into glucose, which is our basic sugar and also the basic source of energy, certainly deserves mention.
Going further, hepatocytes take up glucose, which they convert into glycogen. The organ's metabolic role also includes the production of, for example, phospholipids and cholesterol used by the body. As for proteins, plasma albumins and fibrinogen are associated with the liver.
Detoxification involving the liver takes place thanks to cytochrome P450, which, when it detects foreign metabolites and toxins, changes their nature, making them easier to remove. For example, hydrophobic toxins become hydrophilic.
Other important functions:
- storage of vitamins (especially A, D, B12),
- storage of iron (ferritin),
- supports the clotting mechanism so that it functions optimally,
- secretes bile,
- converts toxic ammonia into urea.
The liver – what affects its condition and worsens its function?
Despite its high regenerative capacity, prolonged exposure of the liver to harmful factors has negative consequences. Such actions can lead to organ damage and impairment of its function. The liver slows down, works less efficiently, and our health deteriorates. It is therefore good to know which factors have a harmful effect on it. These include, among others:
- high exposure to stress,
- depressive states are also not conducive to liver function,
- cigarettes,
- alcohol,
- narcotic substances (e.g. amphetamine),
- metals (they may also be present in some cosmetic products),
- preservatives,
- synthetic sweeteners (it is better to use, for example, xylitol or erythritol),
- dioxins and pesticides,
- xenobiotics,
- trans fats,
- excess fructose,
- highly processed food.
The liver – how can it be supported and what is good for it?
A fundamental issue will be prevention and elimination of the harmful factors mentioned above. You are certainly aware of this, however. If you want to support your liver, it is best to pay attention to protective preparations and improve your diet by developing healthy eating habits.
Natural extracts/products are also a good option in this regard. For example, it may be beneficial to include milk thistle oil as well as choline and/or dietary sources of it (e.g. egg yolks) in your diet. There is probably no need to tell anyone about proper hydration, i.e. drinking the right amount of water per day, right?
The liver benefits greatly from
reishi mushroom extract, used for this purpose for centuries. Its composition includes the so-called ganoderma B, which, apart from other positive properties, stimulates liver enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism.
Studies confirm that reishi works well in cases of liver insufficiency and inflammation of toxicological origin. The ganoderic acids present in the extract, classified as triterpenes, are credited with positive effects in cancers of this organ. It is worth mentioning that their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential is also extremely useful.
An extract of vilcacora, known as cat's claw, gives very good effects. Thanks, among other things, to the presence of oxindole alkaloids, it improves the capture of microorganisms and toxins. In addition, just like reishi, it strengthens immunity and improves the functioning of the immune system. One should not forget the presence of catechins, which increase hepatocyte activity and liver regeneration. Vilcacora also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
Vitamins and minerals, as well as
adaptogens, which not only increase resistance to stress, but also often have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects.
Including vitamin E, vitamin A, and C may be a very good idea. By the way, it is worth mentioning that milk thistle contains silymarin, valuable in the context of protecting the organ, with hepatoprotective properties. Other antioxidants will also be useful.
