What Is the Liver?
The liver is a crucial and second-largest organ in the body. It is around the size of a football and sits on the right side, just under the ribs. The liver is responsible for performing a variety of functions that are crucial for maintaining metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, storage, etc. The liver is a large organ, roughly contributing to two percent of the total weight of an adult. The liver has a unique blood supply; about 75 % of the blood supply to the liver is by the portal vein, and about 25 % of the blood supply is from the hepatic artery. The liver has a vital role in almost every system in the body. It helps with digestion and metabolism by interacting with the endocrine and digestive systems.
What Are the Functions of the Liver?
The liver is responsible for the following functions in the body:
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Metabolism and digestion.
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The liver controls the homeostasis (the ability to conserve the internal stability of an organism’s reaction to environmental changes) of cholesterol and serves as a storage site for fat-soluble vitamins.
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Storage of copper and iron.
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Heme (an organic compound that is the predecessor of hemoglobin and consists of an iron molecule) is broken down into unconjugated bilirubin and conjugated in the liver.
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Bile production.
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Drug metabolism.
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It contributes to the metabolism of sex hormones and creates carrier proteins that are crucial for development and reproduction.
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Pit cells and Kupffer cells are crucial components of the body's immune system. They are present in the liver and are innate (natural) killer cells.
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Nearly all of the body's plasma proteins, such as albumin, binding globulins, protein C, protein S, and all clotting factors other than factor VIII produced via the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, are produced in the liver.
What Are Some of the Common Liver Diseases?
About 1.8 % of American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have liver disease. The many different types of liver disease include those caused by infections, hereditary disorders, obesity, and alcohol abuse. In addition, scarring and more severe consequences may develop as a result of liver disease over time. In total, 30 million Americans—or one in ten—have some form of liver disease. The number of Americans who have cirrhosis (scarring of healthy liver tissues) or chronic liver disease is over 5.5 million. Liver diseases may occur due to hepatitis A, B, and C viral infections, obesity, alcohol abuse, auto-immune disorders, hereditary disorders, cancers, exposure to toxins, etc.
Some of the common liver diseases are:
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Hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E).
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Fatty liver diseases.
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Autoimmune diseases.
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Genetic disorders.
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Drug-induced liver disease.
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Liver cancer.
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Liver failure.
Can the Liver Heal on Its Own?
The liver has the ability to heal and regenerate on its own. After an injury or after a doctor removes it, liver tissue can regenerate. This is due to the liver's ability to enlarge already-existing liver cells. The damaged or removed area then undergoes growth and proliferation of new liver cells. The liver's capacity to heal might be impacted by liver diseases. Inflammation and scarring can delay or even stop healing.
What Are the Signs of a Healing Liver?
The following are the common signs of a healing liver:
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Decreased Brain Fog: There may be a buildup of toxins in the body when the liver is not working properly. Confusion and brain fog may develop, making it difficult to think clearly. However, liver healing can enhance concentration and memory.
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Energy: The metabolism might be significantly impacted by decreased liver function. One could experience fatigue and sluggishness as an outcome. However, the energy may also recover when the liver recovers.
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Decreased Pain: Inflammation of the liver can cause pain. Both the inflammation and the pain may reduce as the liver regenerates.
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Weight Stabilization: A damaged liver fails to maintain proper metabolism in the body. People with liver diseases may experience dietary deficiencies and unintentional weight gain. However, when the liver heals, the weight also stabilizes.
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Restoration of Skin Color: Toxins accumulate in the body when the liver ceases to function properly. The skin and eye whites can turn yellow when there are high levels of toxins present. However, the skin's and eyes' natural colors can return through the healing process.
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Increased Appetite: As the liver heals, it may become easier to digest food and nutrients. Typically, the appetite also gets better.
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Improved Blood Work: Blood toxin levels reduce, and liver function enhances through liver healing.
How Long Does the Liver Take To Heal?
The liver gets extremely damaged by excessive alcoholism, and quitting alcohol consumption can help with the healing process. After an individual quits drinking alcohol, healing can start within the initial few days. However, complete recovery can take weeks or months, depending on the extent of the liver damage.
Not all liver damage is repairable. The liver might be unable to completely reverse the damage if it has been there for a long time (chronic liver diseases). Usually, the patient and the doctor will talk about the amount of liver damage and how much of it can be repaired before starting any treatment. It might even take months and years if the liver damage is severe.
Do Detox Drinks for Liver Work?
Detox drinks are extremely popular and advertised heavily everywhere in the world. These drinks are also easily available in the stores. However, the credibility of these drinks is uncertain. There is no proof that these drinks do anything to benefit the liver, despite the fact that they may seem like a good idea. The liver self-heals and detoxifies. Therefore, nobody should have to pay for detox products. There are, however, some measures one can take to support the liver's healing process.
Conclusion
Treatment for liver diseases can prevent liver failure and possible death. In many instances, liver damage can also be repaired. The liver may often regenerate and cure itself in a matter of months. The patient may experience improved health throughout their body as their liver heals, including more energy, improved clarity of mind, improved digestion, improved skin health, etc. The possibility of reversing liver damage is increased if the liver disease is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
