10 things you may not know about the liver

Liver disease can continue silently for a long time; 50% of people with symptoms do not have symptoms, until the signs appear meaning the disease is severe.

What is the task of the liver?

The liver is responsible for cleaning blood. In addition to eliminating toxins, the liver also performs about 500 other jobs, such as creating bile - a fluid that helps digest food. It also serves to absorb what you eat, drink and transform them into energy and nutrition.

Size of liver

The size of the liver is equivalent to a ball. Weighing about 1.3 kg, the liver is the largest organ on the body, larger than the skin. It is located on the right side of the body, just below the rib cage.

How do you know your liver is healthy?

Lab tests are usually ordered to check if the liver has disease, injury or infection is a blood test. These are usually blood tests done simultaneously.

Can liver regenerate?

The answer is yes. The liver is the only organ that can regenerate when a part is cut or damaged. That's why you can donate part of the liver. The majority of liver donors are siblings or parents.

Picture 1 of 10 things you may not know about the liver
Alcohol damages liver cells.The liver helps eliminate alcohol from the body.

Should you detoxify your liver monthly?

Some people force the body to purify their toxins by limiting some foods or drinks and hoping that it helps to remove toxins from the liver. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of this diet. Instead, a healthy diet will provide the liver with the necessary substances.

Why is alcohol not good for the liver?

Alcohol damages liver cells. The liver helps eliminate alcohol from the body. However, if you drink more than your liver can take, it can be harmful to the liver. There are several liver diseases related to alcoholic beverages such as fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis. If you find it difficult to limit your alcohol intake, consult your doctor.

Why do you have yellow skin and eyes?

If the level of bilirubin in the blood increases, you may have jaundice, yellowing of the eyes. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by rupture of red blood cells. Usually the liver metabolizes bilirubin but if it is too much or the liver is damaged, jaundice will appear.

Hepatitis A is a disease that can lead to jaundice. In addition, newborns may also develop jaundice due to incomplete development of the liver and problems with bilirubin metabolism.

Cirrhosis and alcoholism always go together?

This is not entirely true. Cirrhosis is used to describe liver scarring, impaired liver function is the most serious liver disease. Alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, one out of every 5 heavy drinkers has cirrhosis, but it is also the result of hepatitis B or C among many other causes. You cannot reverse the process of cirrhosis.

The only way to prevent liver damage is to limit drinking?

Drinking less alcohol can help prevent some liver diseases. However, there are many things you need to do to protect your liver, such as maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced diet. In addition, you should have a test to know if you have hepatitis C. You should also consult your doctor to know whether you should get hepatitis B and A.

Will you know right away if the liver is sick?

Liver disease can go on for a long time. About half of people get sick but no symptoms. If you see signs of the disease, it means the disease is severe, such as frequent tiredness or muscle aches. You may also have itchy skin, abdominal pain, dark urine, skin or yellow eyes. At that time, you need to have a blood test to determine your liver problem.