As one of the largest organs in the body, the liver has very important functions in the body especially in relation to the digestive system. As such, it has a crucial role when it comes to achieving optimal fitness in addition to helping with controlling and regulating several processes. Prioritizing Liver health is therefore one of the key strategies to having a healthier body.
This article delves into these fascinating roles of the liver as well as how to ensure that I stay up and working. By understanding the need to preserve and enhance the liver, we unlock a new way of approaching fitness and overall well-being.
What are the Specific Roles of the Liver?
The Liver is found in your upper right side of the abdomen stretching slightly to the left. It's major roles in the body include:
● Detoxification
When we ingest drugs, toxins, alcohol and other potential harmful substances, they go through the liver which serves to break them down into harmless substances. These can then be removed via urine or feces.
● Protein synthesis
The liver has synthetic functions serving to manufacture important proteins such as coagulation factors, immunoglobulinand albumin. All these have a crucial role in the body and their reduction is associated with significant commodities.
● Carbohydrate metabolism
Carbohydrates are the energy substrates in the body. The liver regulates their metabolism especially the conversion of glycogen into glucose which can be utilized by the cells.
● Bile production
Bile is important in digestion of fat and in absorption of certain vitamins. It is also a way in which the body excretes toxins that have been detoxified. This important substance is produced by the liver.
Other important roles of the liver include:
1. Cholesterol synthesis
2. Storage of some vitamins
What can cause Liver damage?
Being in the center of almost every metabolic process in the body, the liver can easily be damaged. The damage can be in the form of substances that pass through it while circulating in blood or certain diseases. These include:
● Alcohol
Alcohol is the leading cause of liver damage especially when taken in large amounts. This is through its direct damage to the liver cells caused by alcohol itself and one of the products that are produced when being metabolized. Alcohol also leads to accumulation of fat in the liver since it inhibits its breakdown.
● Viral infections
Hepatitis viruses are other causes of liver damage. There are several varieties of these viruses including hepatitis A, B and C.
Other less common causes of liver damage include:
● Autoimmune diseases such a primary billiard cholangitis
● Certain medications such as acetaminophen
● Genetic conditions
● Liver cancer
Preserving and Improving Liver Health
Having such an important role, the liver should be preserved and improved if one has to realize a healthy lifestyle and improve their fitness. Here are some strategies that can help improve and preserve liver health:
1. Avoid toxins that may damage the liver
One of the commonest toxins that can easily be avoided is excessive alcohol. However, other chemicals also cause Liver damage and should be avoided. This may include carbon tetrachloride that one may be exposed to in certain work environments
2. Monitor medication and supplements
Taking certain medications when only necessary will help preserve your liver health. Such drugs include acetaminophen, statins and supplements such as ephedrine.
3. Weight management
Nonalcoholic fatty liver develops frequently in obese people. It causes inflammation and damages your liver cell affecting its normal function. By managing your weight, you can easily reduce the chances of getting Nonalcoholic fatty liver.
Liver health in relation to fitness and physical performance
With its role in detoxification and metabolism, the liver has a big part in your fitness and physical performance. When one has a healthy liver, they get optimal nutrient absorption, efficiently utilize their energy and eliminate toxins from the blood which in the long run enhances athletic performance and overall fitness.
Therefore, it is crucial that one avoid damage to the liver as much as possible and focus on enhancing its health. This is one way of maximizing fitness goals.
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