The liver is probably one of the body’s most overworked organs. It may as well be called a “Silent Hero” because it plays a key role in the chemical processes of the body.
The liver stores important vitamins, energy and minerals, and releases them to the blood. It helps the body to resist infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the blood. It converts the food you eat into energy, and produces chemicals your brain needs and spinal cord needs. The liver also detoxifies by metabolizing and expelling drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins from your system. It also helps digest your food and absorb important nutrients through the bile it produces.
There is a misconception that alcohol drinkers are the most commonly affected by liver disease – one that is called Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD). Symptoms can include fatigue, pain in the upper right abdomen, enlarged breasts in men, red palms and yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition called jaundice.
However, there are many factors that can affect your liver health such as prolonged medication, viruses, parasites, and obesity.
There is also a liver disease called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in which a person has fatty liver even with little or no alcohol consumption. What is alarming with NAFLD is that its symptoms usually have no physical manifestation. In cases with such, signs include fatigue, pain in the upper right abdomen, and enlarged stomach.
Taking care of your liver and checking if it is fully functioning is your responsibility. Remember that the liver gives your body the energy for its day-to-day needs. It regulates and processes anything you eat and drink.
So what do you do to take care of your liver?
Aside from eating and drinking well, you can also take blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.
Foods like berries, oatmeal and garlic and drinks like coffee and green tea are good for your liver.
Taking medicine also helps improve liver function. (Phospholipids) Essentiale® Forte P contains purified EPL® (Essential Phospholipids) which is extracted from natural food with precise technology from Germany. It can be easily absorbed by liver cells. Essentiale, an over-the-counter medicine, is clinically proven to strengthen liver health by promoting the repairing function and regeneration of liver cells,.
Don’t take your liver for granted. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Your “Silent Hero” will thank you.