The liver is the largest and one of the most important organs in the body. It is located in the upper-right-hand quadrant of the abdomen and weighs about three (3) pounds. Blood is carried to the liver by the portal vein from the small intestine that contains nutrients, vitamins, and drugs that were absorbed into the bloodstream. The "first pass effect" is a result of this pass directly from the bloodstream into the liver. Over 500 important liver functions have been identified. Some of these functions include:

• Detoxifying, metabolizing, and/or secreting drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins.
• Synthesizing proteins including albumin, the most abundant human plasma protein essential to maintain osmotic pressure for the proper distribution of body fluids and a major carrier or hormones, proteins and fatty acids. The liver also produces blood clotting factors.
• Metabolizing and storing carbohydrates which are used as energy by the cells of the body.
• Synthesizing cholesterol used to make new cell membranes and hormones.
• Eliminating harmful biochemical products produced by the body such as billirubin formed from the breakdown of red blood cells and ammonia from the breakdown of proteins.
• Forming and secreting bile that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins.

Basically, anything you eat, drink, breathe, or absorb through your skin eventually reaches your liver. Disruption of normal liver functions can have widespread negative health effects including the accumulation of toxic substances and deficiencies of important fats, proteins and vitamins.

Viruses are the major cause of liver disease—hepatitis. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs can damage the liver causing cirrhosis and other diseases. Medications, including acetaminophen, can damage the liver.

Symptoms of liver disease include yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin, abdominal pain and swelling, constantly itching skin, dark urine color, pale stool color, chronic fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Some measures to keep your liver healthy include:

• Avoiding or limiting alcohol especially with other drugs or medications that can damage the liver.
• Getting vaccinated to prevent hepatitis A and B.
• Avoiding aerosol sprays such as cleaners, insecticides, paint and other toxic chemicals.
• Avoiding skin exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limiting fatty foods.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight through diet and exercise.

At the Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos we vaccinate to prevent hepatitis A and B, we screen for hepatitis C, and we test liver enzymes to screen for liver damage. We are knowledgeable in vitamins and supplements that support liver health.

References: http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/liver/DG00038/METHOD=print, http://healthcare.utah.edu/healthinfo/adult/liver/liver.htm.

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