Let's learn everything about the liver: an amazing organ in our body!

Have you ever really thought about this amazing organ inside your body, the liver? Probably not. But did you know, this liver is like a superhero who does many very important jobs that are essential to our survival. So today, let's talk about this liver, what happens to it, and how to take care of it.

What is the liver? Let's learn it simply

Simply put, the liver is the largest internal organ and gland in our body. It is about the size of a football, like a sponge, slightly triangular in shape, and reddish-brown in color. However, its size can vary depending on your height and weight. On average, the liver of an adult weighs about 1.4 kilograms.

Most of the time, the liver is located on the right side of our body, under the ribs. But very rarely, in some people, that is, in a condition called `(Situs Inversus)`, the liver can be located on the left side. Isn't it amazing?

The liver is called both an organ and a gland. The reason for this is that the liver produces proteins and hormones that the body needs. So you can understand how important this is. We call diseases related to the liver “hepatic” conditions. A doctor who specializes in the liver is called a “hepatologist.”

What services does the liver provide to our body?

Well, the work done by the liver is almost endless. But let's look at a few of the most important, essential functions:

• Blood purification: Think of the liver as a filter that cleans the blood in your body. The things we eat and drink, the air we breathe, and sometimes the medicines we take can all bring in harmful substances, called toxins . The liver does a great job of removing these toxins from the blood and keeping the body clean. In other words, it is like the main cleaning center in our body.
• Removing old red blood cells : The red blood cells in our blood also have a certain lifespan. When they become old and ineffective, they need to be removed. That job is also done by the liver.
• Production of Bile: The liver produces a fluid called "bile" that helps digest the food we eat, especially fatty foods. This bile is what breaks down fat into smaller pieces and makes it easier for the body to absorb.
• Metabolizing nutrients: The liver is responsible for 'metabolizing' the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in the food we eat so that they can be used by the body. It is like a factory that converts the raw materials from food into energy and building blocks that the body can use.
• Helps blood clot: When you get injured somewhere, your blood needs to clot to stop bleeding . The liver produces some of the important substances needed for that.
• Controlling the amount of blood in the body: The liver also contributes to controlling blood volume by storing a portion of the total blood volume in our body and releasing it when needed.
• Energy and vitamin storage: The liver is like a warehouse in our body. It stores excess glucose as an energy source called glycogen, allowing us to use it later when we need energy. It also stores vitamins like vitamins A , D, E, K, and B12, and minerals like iron and copper.

Now you probably understand that the liver is not just an organ, but a superhero in our body!

What are the main parts of the liver?

The liver is divided into two main parts. The large right lobe and the small left lobe. Within these lobes are thousands of smaller sections, called “lobules.”

These segments have many blood vessels spread out inside them. As the blood passes through these, the liver filters the blood and removes toxins. The waste products are then excreted in the urine and feces.

The small intestine is connected to small tubes called “ bile ducts ” that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine.

What diseases and conditions affect the liver?

Unfortunately, there are a number of diseases and health conditions that can affect our precious liver. Here are a few of them:

• Diseases caused by excessive intake of toxins: Alcohol-related liver disease, which is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and fatty liver disease, which is caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, are the main ones. Fatty liver is a common condition in society today.
• Hereditary diseases: Some diseases are inherited through our genes. For example, diseases such as ``Hemochromatosis``, which causes excess iron accumulation in the body, and ``Wilson disease``, which causes excess copper accumulation, can damage the liver.
• Liver cancer: Cancer can occur when abnormal cells grow rapidly and without control.
• Immune system problems: Sometimes our own immune system mistakenly attacks the liver. Such conditions include `(Autoimmune hepatitis)`, `(Primary sclerosing cholangitis)` and `(Primary biliary cholangitis)`.
• Viral Infections: You may have heard of the word ``Hepatitis``. It is an inflammation of the liver. It is caused by viruses. ``(Hepatitis A)``, ``(Hepatitis B)`` and ``(Hepatitis C)`` are the most common types.

There is some good news. Sometimes damaged liver tissue can regenerate, or "regenerate." But that doesn't always happen. Some liver diseases can cause serious symptoms and even be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms that indicate a liver problem?

Jaundice is the main and most common symptom of a person with liver problems.

Jaundice is a condition in which the whites of the eyes and skin turn yellow. This is caused by an excess of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood. This bilirubin is produced when old red blood cells break down and is removed by the liver. So, an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood is a sign that there may be a problem with the liver.

Apart from that, symptoms like these may also occur when there are liver problems:

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (this is called `(Ascites)`)
• Bruising easily
• Itchy skin
• Low blood pressure
• Abdominal pain (stomach ache)
• Swelling of the legs or ankles
• Tremors
• Weakness, lethargy, loss of balance, or feeling tired all the time
• Memory loss, confusion, or loss of awareness of where you are and time

If you have one or more of these symptoms, don't take it lightly . It's best to seek medical advice.

How can I keep my liver healthy?

There are many things we can do to protect our precious liver from disease and keep it functioning well. Check out these tips:

• Avoid toxins: Stay away from chemicals, smoking, and illegal drugs as much as possible. These directly damage the liver.
• Do not share personal items with others: needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc. These can easily transmit viral infections (especially hepatitis B and C).
• If you drink alcohol, limit it: Even if you think, “A little bit a day is okay,” those “little” amounts can add up and damage your liver. It’s best to stay away from alcohol as much as possible.
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking medications: Some medications are especially dangerous when taken with alcohol. Also, do not take medications without a doctor's prescription.
• Maintain a healthy weight: This includes eating a balanced, nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Reduce your intake of foods high in fat, sugar, and flour, and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. This can help prevent conditions like fatty liver.
• Practice safe sex: This helps protect against infections like hepatitis B.
• Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated for hepatitis: There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B. Getting these will give you a great deal of protection.
• Wash your hands often: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet, can help prevent many infections.