The All-Important Liver
The Liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It is about the size of a football and is located mainly in the upper right portion of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above the stomach, but a small portion extends into the upper left quadrant.
The Liver plays an active role in the process of Digestion through the production of bile. Bile is a mixture of water, bile salts, cholesterol and the pigment Bilirubin. The Liver is responsible for metabolizing carbohydrate, lipids and proteins into biologically useful materials.
The Liver provides storage of many essential nutrients, vitamins such as vitamins A,D,E,K, and B12 and minerals, iron and copper obtained from blood passing through the hepatic portal system a.k.a. the Circulation System in order to provide a constant supply of these essential substances to the tissues of the body.
The Liver is responsible for the production of several vital protein components of blood plasma and coagulation factors involved in the formation of blood clots
The Liver functions as an organ of the Immune System through the function of the cells that line the spleen and lymph nodes. These cells play an important role by capturing and digesting bacteria, fungi, parasites, worn-out blood cells and cellular debris. The large volume of blood passing through the hepatic portal system and the Liver allows the cells to clean large volumes of blood very quickly.
The Liver performs an astonishingly large number of tasks that impact all body systems. The one consequence of this complexity is that hepatic disease has widespread effects on virtually all other organ systems. Fat in the Liver of people who drink little or no alcohol can result in Fatty Liver Disease.
FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is common and for most people causes no signs and symptoms and no complications.
In some people, however, the fat that accumulates can cause inflammation and scarring in the Liver. This more serious form of non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease can progress to Liver failure.
SYMPTOMS:
Fatigue,
Pain in the upper right abdomen,
weight loss
CAUSES: This disease occurs when the Liver has trouble breaking down fats causing fat to build up in the Liver tissue.
Doctors aren't sure what is the cause of the build-up, but it won't necessarily hurt you. In its simplest form, non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease can cause excess Liver fat with no complications and is common.
More serious is Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis which is when the fat causes inflammation in the Liver. This can impair the Liver's ability to function and leads to scarring of the Liver (Cirrhosis).
Also serious is Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease associated with Cirrhosis. Liver inflammation leads to scarring of the Liver tissue which with time can become so severe that the Liver no longer functions adequately (Liver Failure).
Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease
Gastric bypass surgery
High Cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides In the blood
Metabolic syndrome
Obesity
Polycystic ovary
Sleep apnea
Type 2 Diabetes
Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
Underactive pituitary gland ((Hypopituitarism)
Treating with Western Medicine
There is no standard treatment for non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Doctors typically work to treat the risk factors that contribute to the Liver Disease.
SUMMARY: There are ways to help oneself when facing this Liver Disease.
Lose weight;
Choose a healthy diet; Exercise and be more active;
Control your Diabetes;
Lower your Cholesterol; Protect your liver by avoiding what puts extra stress on the Liver. (Don't drink alcohol).
Alternatives: True Rife has programs for helping with Liver Problems. The True Rife Body Systems provides an essential oil that enhances and assists the Liver program: Liver Support Blend
Liver Support Blend Ingredients: Carrot Seed. Lemon, Helichrysum, Peppermint, Rosemary, Marjoram, Chamomile Roman, Fennel, Basil
