The functions of the liver
The liver is located in the upper right corner of the abdominal cavity, directly below the diaphragm. Unlike other organs, the liver is supplied with blood via two different routes. Oxygen-rich blood reaches the liver cells via the hepatic artery. At the same time, blood flows into the liver from the portal vein.
The portal vein originates from the intestine and transports substances absorbed through the intestinal mucosa, such as nutrients, medications, and toxins, to the liver. One of the liver's most important functions is therefore to process nutrients and detoxify harmful substances from the portal vein blood before they reach the rest of the body.
In addition to its function as a central organ for detoxification and nutrient processing, the liver has many other important tasks:
- Bile production: Bile acids are produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. They are released into the intestine to aid fat digestion.
- Production of certain proteins such as albumin for blood plasma: The proteins in blood plasma are important for the body's fluid balance.
- Formation of cholesterol: Cholesterol is important for the structure of cell membranes and for hormone synthesis, among other things.
- Regulation of energy metabolism: The liver stores excess glucose (blood sugar) as glycogen and can release it when needed. Through gluconeogenesis, it can also produce glucose from non-carbohydrates, thus ensuring energy supply during starvation.
- Storage of iron and fat-soluble vitamins
- Formation of fibrinogen to regulate blood clotting
- Removal of medications and other harmful substances from the blood
- Defense against infections and removal of bacteria from the bloodstream
Without the liver and its diverse functions, our body would not be viable – making it all the more important that we take good care of this multi-talented organ.
How the Western lifestyle harms the liver
Our modern lifestyle poses considerable challenges to the liver and can promote a variety of diseases.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now considered a widespread disease. It is caused by a combination of an excessively high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat diet, combined with a lack of exercise and resulting obesity. This leads to the deposition of fat in the liver cells, which in the long term leads to inflammation and reduced organ function.
Liver dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. Possible symptoms of advanced fatty liver disease include fatigue and exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and digestive problems. In Germany, approximately one in four adults over 40 is affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (1).
If the progression of fatty liver disease is not counteracted through lifestyle changes, irreversible damage to the liver can occur. Initially, this leads to inflammation and an increase in the size of the organ, and ultimately to scarring and shrinkage of the liver. This is known as liver cirrhosis.
Alcohol and the liver: Why it's worth giving it up
In addition to an overly calorie-dense, unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption can also severely damage the liver and contribute to fatty liver cells. If fatty liver disease is primarily caused by alcohol, it is referred to as alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Alcohol is a cytotoxin that damages every organ and cell in the body. However, the liver is particularly affected by these harmful effects, as it is responsible for detoxifying alcohol.
The breakdown of alcohol or ethanol produces an intermediate product called acetaldehyde, which is particularly toxic and damages liver cells. Regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol increases the risk of serious damage such as liver inflammation and cirrhosis, in which functional tissue is irreversibly replaced by scar tissue.
Are there safe amounts of alcohol?
Alcohol is a poison for our cells and therefore harmful in any amount. Accordingly, there is no such thing as "safe" or "harmless" amounts. Therefore, completely avoiding alcohol is best.
Anyone who still wants to drink alcohol occasionally should keep their consumption as low as possible and should never exceed 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks per week.
Other harmful factors
Other factors of the Western lifestyle that can strain the liver include various medications, environmental pollutants, chronic stress, and lack of sleep. Leaky gut syndrome also puts strain on the liver, as it allows toxins, microorganisms, and foreign proteins from the intestines to enter the portal vein blood and thus the liver.
Tips for a healthy liver
The liver is not only a multitalented organ for our health but also a master of regeneration. Under the right conditions, the liver can regenerate well. Below are some tips for strengthening liver health.
Drink enough water
The liver needs sufficient fluid to effectively perform its detoxification functions. Water and unsweetened teas—especially herbal teas such as milk thistle or dandelion—support the removal of toxins.
Eat lots of vegetables and fruit
A liver-friendly diet avoids sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods. The focus should be on organically grown fruits and vegetables. Foods considered particularly healthy for the liver include artichokes, beets, and garlic.
Make sure you exercise regularly
Regular physical activity is crucial for burning excess fat and preventing fatty liver disease. Even moderate exercise, such as a daily walk, has a positive effect on liver health and overall metabolism.
Reduce your stress levels
Chronic stress can strain the liver because it increases cortisol secretion, which promotes the storage of fat in the liver. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises help reduce stress and thus indirectly relieve strain on the liver.
Dietary supplements for a healthy liver
A sufficient supply of vital substances to the body is an important prerequisite for ensuring that all metabolic and detoxification processes in the liver can proceed without restrictions.
We recommend the following preparations to support liver health:
- S-Acetyl Glutathione: Glutathione is one of the body's most powerful antioxidants and is present in every cell. Glutathione is found in particularly high concentrations in the liver, the body's most important detoxification organ, and is needed to protect liver cells from oxidative stress. S-Acetyl Glutathione has significantly higher cellular bioavailability than the reduced glutathione found in many products.
- Multivitamin Booster: Multivitamin Booster is a high-dose micronutrient complex with 48 different vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. These substances are essential for all metabolic processes in the body. The preparation also contains the vitamin-like substance choline, which is important for normal liver function and supports fat metabolism.
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Curcuma micellar : Curcuma micellar is a liquid turmeric extract containing curcumin in a highly concentrated form. Due to its unique micellar form, the normally water-insoluble curcumin is encapsulated in a water-soluble layer (known as micelles). This encapsulation in micelles leads to increased absorption of the curcumin in the gastrointestinal tract and a significant increase in bioavailability.
Since intestinal health is closely linked to the liver, we recommend our article "How a balanced intestinal flora promotes health." Here you'll find tips for strengthening intestinal health and learn which supplements specifically support the intestines.
Conclusion: Take care of your liver
The liver is an essential organ that performs its best daily for our health. However, our modern lifestyle can place a significant strain on it, impacting our health in a variety of ways. By consciously choosing a healthy lifestyle, we have the power to keep our liver healthy or restore it to health.
Sources
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) – the most common fatty liver diagnosis. German Liver Foundation [Internet]. [Accessed on: December 26, 2024].
