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How Your Body Works |
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Liver of Life : The varied functions of the Liver
Amy Louise Ralston, MBAcC, MZBA, MKosmedUK |
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The liver is known as the "brain of the body" by some medical traditions. It is the largest organ in the body, weighing in at 2.2-5.5 pounds! It is wedge-shaped, maroon coloured, and lies underneath the bottom edge of the right frontal rib cage.
The liver performs many varied and crucial functions. It actually makes bile continually, which it secretes into the gall bladder for storage until it is needed for the digestion of fats and fat soluble vitamins, and assisting the digestive action of pancreatic enzymes. The liver converts excess carbohydrate from glucose into glycogen and stores it, so that if blood sugar falls too low, the situation can be remedied. It can also convert excess carbohydrate and amino acids into fat for storage. The liver also stores large quantities of vitamin A, D and B12.
 The recycling of iron is assisted by the liver, where it too is stored, and re-used for the formation of red blood cells.
Protein (amino acids) is also on the list of substances managed by the liver. The liver uses some the amino acids which pass through for growth and repair of tissues. Any remaining amino acids are used for energy, or are converted to carbohydrates and fats, depending on needs. The liver also forms 90-95% of the blood plasma proteins.
A most interesting aspect of liver function is the role it plays in heat production. The liver is very busy with its many different metabolism jobs, and as a result expends large amounts of energy. Any excess heat is distributed around the body by the blood which passes through and collects the heat. Energy efficiency has been around a long time!
The liver function most people are familiar with is the crucial one of detoxification. The liver is actually able to destroy or modify toxic substances in the body. Several hormones, including estrogen, are either altered or excreted by the liver. Perhaps it is now easier to see why alcohol tends to affect women more than men.
According to traditional oriental medicine, the liver is also in charge of the appropriate expression of anger. Any surprise that excess alcohol can lead to violence?! The liver is also seen as the seat of vision, not only physical vision (note that alcohol and drug overuse irritates the eyes) but that of the visionary. Clarity and forward motion and joie de vivre blossom when the liver is healthy; a "liver of life" goes forth and creates with this energy. And did you know, the Chinese phrase "gung ho!" refers to this very thing!
© Copyright Wholistic Research Company 2001
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