Know the function and how to maintain the health of your liver & bull; hello healthy

The liver, aka the liver, is one of the largest and most vital organs in our body. It is brown in color and weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms. It is located in the upper right abdominal cavity, just below the right rib. If there is a disturbance in the liver, sometimes there is pain in that area. So that this doesn't happen, let's find out how to maintain a healthy liver!

Why is the liver one of the most important organs in the body?

Before knowing how to maintain health, you certainly have to know how important this organ works for the body.

The liver has more than 100 important functions in regulating the balance of the body. The heart's ability to multitasking making this organ one of the busiest organs in the body apart from the brain, heart and kidneys. So, what are the duties of the busy heart?

Body armor and detoxification 'engine'

The liver has a function as a protector of the body from harm. In this organ, various types of toxins, drug waste, alcohol, and harmful substances produced by the body are converted into neutral substances, so that they become elements that can be accepted by other organs.

The liver will convert waste substances and toxins to be secreted in bile and urine, cleansing the blood before these toxins reach sensitive organs, such as brain function. These various substances will then be excreted through the kidneys and intestines. This is called detoxification.

Versatile factory

The liver acts as a destroyer of old red blood cells. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) that are 120 days old must move towards the liver to fuse themselves because they are no longer able to function properly. The liver will break down old red blood cells and convert the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells into bile raw materials.

The liver produces about 1 liter of bile per day, this amount will be channeled into the gallbladder for further purposes. Later, this bile will be excreted through the intestines to help the process of digesting food.

In addition, the liver also has a function to control amino acid levels. Amino acids play a role in the production of protein which will be useful for repairing tissues in the body.

Body traffic regulator

Food substances that have been digested by the small intestine will move towards the liver as " pool center ". The liver has the ability to produce, store, and circulate sugar (glucose) to all parts of the body. In the liver, glucose is stored as glycogen. Liver glycogen is only excreted according to use in the tissue.

The liver also controls cholesterol levels in the blood, processes and produces it as much as needed. The manufacture of cholesterol from acetic acid is carried out in the liver. Likewise with plasma lipoproteins, the vehicles that transport triglycerides are also made in the liver.

As a processor for vitamins and body immunity

The liver has a function in processing vitamins, especially vitamin D. The process of activating vitamin D is carried out by the liver together with the kidneys. The liver also has cells that act as the center of the immune system called Kuppffer Cells.

Kupffer cells cover 15% of the liver mass and 80% of the total body immune cell population. These cells are very important in overcoming bacterial, viral, and other damage from outside the body. This is important in fighting infection.

How to maintain a healthy liver

There are many simple ways that can be done to guard our hearts. We certainly don't want the many functions of our hearts to be messed up, if our hearts are disturbed. Moreover, there are many liver diseases that we can prevent with easy steps. What can you do? Here are the steps

1. Immunization early

Hepatitis, a type of inflammation of the liver, can be prevented by giving early immunization. For example, hepatitis B immunization is given from birth and carried out in several stages. Likewise the hepatitis A vaccine which functions to prevent us from contracting the disease.

Therefore, take your baby and child to a doctor or local health facility such as Posyandu for regular vaccinations.

2. Drink lots of water

Water is an important part that influences the functions of our body. Water helps remove toxins and helps the process of absorption of essential nutrients smooth. Drinking the required amount of water can also help relieve side effects during treatment or therapy.

But it should also be noted, if you have cirrhosis, which is a contracted liver, you are advised to drink less water so that your body does not contain too much fluid.

3. Eat nutritious foods

Food regulation, both in the right type and in the right amount, can help the liver to properly regulate metabolic traffic. In addition, we also help lighten the work of the heart. Fatty liver or fatty liver occurs because we do not regulate the amount of fat and carbohydrates we eat.

4. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can cause liver shrinkage or cirrhosis. In the long run, alcohol can also cause liver cancer. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption for the sake of our liver health.

5. Be careful in taking drugs

As discussed above, the liver functions to convert medicinal substances into active or neutral substances. Many over-the-counter drugs, such as cold medicines, cough medicines and body supplements, can be toxic to the liver if taken in excess and without clear regulations.

If we are not careful in choosing drugs or supplements, it will make the liver work harder. Therefore, always consult with your doctor before starting therapy or taking certain supplements.

6. Avoid toxic substances

You can be exposed to toxic substances while doing certain activities such as cleaning the house. This is because some cleaning products and aerosols contain dangerous chemicals. If you have to use it, make sure the room being cleaned is ventilated and don't forget to use a mask.

7. Practice safe sex

Make no mistake, hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual contact. Especially if you or your partner haven't been vaccinated, do it without safety, and frequently change partners. Therefore, use safeguards to avoid the risk of transmission of this disease.

There are various ways you can do to maintain the health of your liver. Do not hesitate to see a doctor immediately if you begin to feel complaints around the liver.

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