Hi! I’m your liver! Let me introduce myself.
I am the largest solid organ of your body, weighing over 3 lbs on average (1.4 kg). I’m located on the right side of your abdomen, right between your diaphragm and the top of your stomach (1,2,3).
As part of your digestive system, you won’t believe everything I do for you. Actually, you simply can’t live without me (1).
I filter all the blood from your stomach and intestine. From there, I collect glucose, vitamins and minerals and store them for future use. I’ll also take care of any metabolic by-products, alcohol, drug or medication that is in your system by transforming them into other substances that can either be used or discarded safely by your body. While I’m at it, I’ll make sure to remove bacteria and old or damaged blood cells from your blood (1,2,3,4).
But my work doesn’t stop here. I create and regulate various components of your blood too. I make sure you have coagulation factors to help stop bleeding, cholesterol for cell, hormone, and vitamin D production, albumin to carry important substances throughout your body, and amino acids to build proteins (2,3,5,6,7).
I also produce bile, which breaks down the fats contained in your food so you can use them for energy and other things. I will also use it to carry some waste that will be eliminated with your feces. I also send waste to your kidneys to get rid of through your urine (2,3,8).
In order to keep me healthy you should exercise regularly, eat healthy food and avoid illicit drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, and hepatitis through vaccination and safe sex practices (2,9).
Oh, and no need to spend your money on detox cleanses – I’m very qualified and capable of doing my job on my own. Plus, these might not be safe for you or me (9,10,11,12,13)!
Voilà! That’s me, your liver!
Sources: https://tinyurl.com/SUFImYourLiver
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What organ can regenerate itself even if there is only 10% of it left while also holding 13% of all your blood and doing all of the “detox” most of us will ever need?
It’s your liver!
Read up on how good it is at its job https://t.co/WTOgHy3YQc#ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/quE22hswwm
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienced'Abord (@ScienceUpFirst) April 17, 2024
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