What does your liver do?The liver performs more than 500 dierent
functions
LIVER
GALL BLADDER
STOMACH
INTESTINE
Cleanses your blood Metabolizes alcohol
and other drugs Neutralizes and destroys
poisonous substances
Regulates the supply of body fuel Produces and stores glucose to
keep the
mind alert and body active
Manufactures essential body proteinsSuch as those involved in:
Transporting substances in the blood Clotting of blood Providing
resistance to infection
Regulates the balance of hormonesIncluding: Sex hormones
Thyroid hormones Cortisone and other
adrenal hormones
Regulates body cholesterol Produces cholesterol, excretes
and
converts it to other essential substances
Regulates the supply of essential vitamins and minerals Such as
iron and copper
Produces bile Bile eliminates toxic substances
from the body and aids digestion
Liver diseaseSymptoms of liver
disease: Jaundice Swelling in the
abdomen and legs caused by fluid accumulation
Tenderness in the area of the liver
Fatigue Weight lossPeople with liver problems can be completely
unaware because they may have few, if any, symptoms.Blood tests may
be used to determine if your liver is functioning properly.
The liver is the only organ that can regenerate
itself, thus making it possible for one person to donate part of
their
liver to another person. When a portion of the liver is
transplanted,
the donor's liver will regenerate back to its original size
while the transplanted portion will grow to
the appropriate size for the recipient.
=
An adult liver is about the size of a football
1 kg =Weight of an
adult liver
O
The liver is the second-
largest organ in the body
The liver processes virtually everything you eat, drink,
breathe
in or rub on your skin
Source: Canadian Liver Foundation; Fotolia illustration
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