By David Olajide

The Liver is the largest solid organ in the body. On the average it weighs 3.5 pounds. It is a secretory gland that secrete bile into the bile ducts. It is also an endocrine gland. It manufactures and injects chemicals directly into the blood which affects other organs of the body. One of the secretions of the Liver which is bile helps in digestion and absorption of fats and also passes waste products into the intestine.

Liver aids in the manufacture of essential proteins and breaks down carbohydrates.

It also helps us to eliminate harmful biochemical waste products and remove the toxic effects of alcohol, certain drugs and other environment toxins.

Vitamins like A, D, E and k which are fat soluble are absorbed by the Liver.

LIVER DISEASES

1. Liver cancer: This is known as hepatocellular carcinoma.
2. Cirrhosis ( scarring )
3. Fatty Liver
4. Hepatitis ( inflammation of the Liver )

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DISEASES

1. Jaundice: Yellow coloring of the skin and whitening of the eyes
2. Swelling of the legs with fluids (edema)
3. Bleeding or easy bruising
4. Fatigue

COMMON CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASES

1. Metabolic disorders
2. Drinking of alcoholic substances and alcohol
3. Viruses
4. Hereditary (genetic)
5. Over use of over the counter (OTC) drugs, herbal supplements and dietary supplements
6. Weakened immune system

AMAZING ABILITY OF THE LIVER TO REGENERATE ITSELF

Liver is endowed with such an awesome and extraordinary self- regenerating ability.

Liver has the ability to grow back (reproduce) itself if part is damaged.

When a person donates part of his or her Liver for transplantation, much of part that is cut off will grow back in no time.

HOW TO PREVENT LIVER DISEASES

1. Maintain food hygiene and prevent food contamination
2. Take caution with the use of aerosol sprays
3. Protect your skin always
4. Keep away from other people’s body fluids and blood
5. Quit alcohol and smoking
6. Be cautious with the use of medications and avoid drug abuse

NATURAL DIET THAT PROMOTE LIVER HEALTH

1. Cranberries and Blueberries: The extracts of the two fruits contains anthocyanins which helps keep the liver in good health.
2. Grapes: Research has revealed that the seeds, skin and pulps of grapes are very high in antioxidants which protect the liver from damage.
3. Pear: A study conducted on obesed rat showed that the fruit is beneficial in the treatment of liver fat condition
4. Berries: Polyphenols level is very high in many of the berries families, including blueberries, raspberries and cranberries. The juices from these berries could help alleviate liver fibrosis.

Other fruits and vegetables that help in better liver are Avocados, bananas, barley, carrot, figs and lemons.

FOODS TO AVOID TO PREVENT LIVER MAL – FUNCTIONING

Too much sugar: Cutting down the level of sugar consumed goes a long way to reduce stress on the liver.

Too much salt: Avoid or reduce salted meat and bacon. Deliberately reduce the amount of salt you put in your meals on daily basis.

Alcohol: To keep your liver fit always, you must eliminate alcohol from your diet.

Fatty  foods: To keep the liver free from accumulation, you should avoid the following foods from your diet; fried foods, chips, and other packaged snacks.