The Liver Function
Most Important Detox Organ

The liver function as one of the most important detoxification organ besides being the largest internal organ within our body. Its weight is about 3 to 4 pounds and measures between 21 - 22.5 cm in its diameter, 15 - 17.5cm in height and 10 - 12.5 cm in depth.

It is separated into two lobes, the left lobe and the right lobe. Within the right lobe, there are two sources of blood supply: the hepatic artery and the portal vein. Within the hepatic artery, the liver receives oxygenated blood. The portal vein brings in deoxygenated blood with newly absorbed nutrients.

The liver cells then extract its required nutrients, oxygen, toxins, and wastes from the blood. The toxins and wastes are either stored within the liver or neutralized. Let us simply breakdown the various liver function performed each day:

1. Produces a yellowish-green substance called bile. It is stored within the gallbladder and then used when required for emulsion and absorption (digestion) of fats.

2. Regulates our carbohydrate metabolism to control our blood sugar level by storing glucose in the form of glycogen and then releasing glucose back into our system when needed for energy.

3. Regulate our protein metabolism (they produce proteins to transport substances such as fats, hormones, and drugs).

4. It stores vitamins A, D, K, B12, and folate as well as synthesize blood clotting factors.

5. It produces sex hormone binding globulin to help create and break down hormones.

6. Detoxify and transform internal toxins (endotoxins) and environmental toxins (exotoxins) so that they can be excreted. This process is also known as xenobiotic detoxification.

7. Liver cells, known as Kupffer cells, function to filter, ingest, and breakdown the toxic materials like dead cells, microorganisms, chemicals, drugs, and debris found in the blood passing through the liver.