The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right side of your abdomen. It plays a major role in digestion, metabolism, blood clotting, and storing nutrients. But perhaps most importantly, it’s the body’s primary detoxifier.
So, how exactly does the liver keep you clean and healthy?
How Does the Liver Remove Toxins?
Think of the liver as the body’s filter. Here’s how it helps cleanse your body:
- Blood Filtration: Almost all of your blood passes through the liver, which filters out harmful substances like alcohol and drugs. The liver also contains cells called macrophages that remove bacteria from the bloodstream, boosting your immune system and protecting you from infections.
- Converting Ammonia to Urea: When your body breaks down food, it produces ammonia, a toxic waste product. The liver converts this into urea, which is much less harmful and can be safely excreted through urine.
- Bile Production: The liver creates bile, a fluid that aids digestion and helps eliminate waste. Bile breaks down fats into fatty acids, which the body can then absorb.
How to Support Your Liver
A healthy liver is essential for flushing out toxins. Here are some ways to keep it in good shape:
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can slow liver function.
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can cause liver inflammation. Over time, excessive drinking can lead to scarring or cirrhosis.
- Maintain a balanced diet to keep a healthy weight and prevent fatty liver disease.
- Always check with your doctor before starting any new medication or supplements, as some can cause liver damage if used improperly.
At The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine, our doctors offer both conventional and natural therapies to help your liver function at its best. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!