3 Facts about the human liver (liver) that are surprisingly amazing

Some of you may already know that the human liver (liver) is one of the largest organs in the body. However, do you know about the fact that the liver is a key player in your body's digestive system?

Because it turns out, every food, drink, medicine, or whatever you consume will pass through the liver. So you need to keep your liver healthy in order to keep it functioning optimally.

Interesting facts about the human liver

Before discussing how to maintain a healthy liver, here are some facts you need to know about the liver.

1. Facts about the liver which is the second largest organ

The liver is shaped like a soccer ball, weighing approximately 3 kilograms. So big, right? This makes the liver the second largest human organ after the skin. The liver is located on the right side of your body, just below your rib cage.

2. The body's main multitasker

The liver has so many tasks in the body. In fact, every food or drink you consume will pass through your liver to produce substances your body needs.

The liver converts protein, fat, and carbohydrates into energy or substances that the body can store, then sends the rest to the bile organs.

This organ also plays a role in monitoring blood sugar and delivering food into the blood when your blood sugar levels are low.

Apart from that, the liver also plays a major role in producing proteins which are essential for blood clotting, and getting rid of old and damaged cells in the body.

Because of the many roles the liver plays in the body, this vital organ has been called multitasker or an organ capable of performing many functions at once.

3. The heart can grow again

What is unique about the liver is its ability to grow back or regenerate when a part of the liver is damaged.

In fact, even if you lose a third or two thirds of your liver, the remaining part will grow to replace the missing part within six to eight weeks.

This is what makes living donor liver transplant possible if there is a genetic match.

Diseases that can affect liver function

Hepatitis types A, B, and C are diseases that can affect the liver in different ways and symptoms.

• Hepatitis A is a virus that can be transmitted through food, feces and water.
• Hepatitis B is a virus that can be transmitted through blood, body fluids, and sexual contact. However, the most common transmission is from mother to baby at birth. There is already a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C is a virus that can be transmitted through blood and body fluids.

A simple way to keep your liver healthy

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Excess alcohol consumption can damage liver cells and lead to swelling or scarring leading to cirrhosis of the liver.
• Pay attention to the medicines you take, because some cholesterol drugs sometimes have side effects that cause liver problems. Painkiller acetaminophen (Tylenol) can hurt your liver if you drink too much. You need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out how to take medicines safely.
• To prevent hepatitis B, you need to get the hepatitis B vaccine.
• Don't share personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, etc. This is done to reduce the risk of transmitting the hepatitis virus through blood and body fluids which can harm your liver.

x