The Liver's Main Function is to Act As a Filter

The Liver's Main Function is to Act As a Filter
by Paul Rodgers

producing bile to break down fats, storing sugars, metabolizing vitamins and minerals
and proteins, regulation of hormones, stores various nutrients, especially A, D, B12
and iron, for release as needed, converts lactic acid from a toxic waste to an
important storage fuel, removes some fat-soluble toxins from the body by first
dissolving them in bile salts, then dumping the bile and toxin mixture into the intestine
for eventual excretion.

The liver is the body's largest internal organ. Nearly all the blood returning from the
intestinal tract to the heart passes through the liver. Liver health is becoming an
increasing concern throughout the world. Liver health is often severely affected by
alcohol and drug abuse and the liver may also be damaged as a side effect of some
drugs or treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Commonly referred to as a "filter," the liver is actually more subtle and sophisticated
than a passive filter. The liver's main function is to act as a filter, as it rids the body of
foreign toxins and impurities. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is probably the
simplest, safest, most effective, and least expensive liver-nourishing herb known. All
green vegetable foods benefit the liver, as does carrots, beef and chicken liver,
dandelion greens, parsley, and apples.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is most properly thought of as a liver protector. It contains bioflavonoids
that encourage liver cells to increase their rate of regeneration (or self-repair) by
400-500% in animal studies. One of the special qualities of milk thistle is that it
cleanses and detox an overburdened and stagnant liver while also being able to
strengthen and tonify a weak liver; thus, delivering potent medicine to clogged,
excess conditions as well as weakened, deficient conditionals. It is widely
recommended for anyone dealing with liver problems, whether it be jaundice,
hepatitis, or multiple chemical sensitivities.

Dandelion

Dandelion root has been held byherbalists over the centuries as a supreme liver tonic.
Dandelion root extract can be taken freely to cleanse and tone the liver, and is
especially helpful ifone has eaten heavy foods. The greatest effect comes from eating
or taking a dandelion remedy three times a day, but even once a day is useful. In
some countries, dandelion is considered a blood purifier and is used for ailments such
as eczema and cancer.

Conclusion

The most important body function to obtain this balance is a healthy liver. Our livers
produce about a million different metabolic chemicals, and sort every chemical in our
body from friend or foe. The maintenance of liver health responds well to a holistic
approach, including complementary medicine, avoidance of alcohol, drugs and other
toxins as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The liver is the body's second largest organ and certainly the busiest, performing 500
separate tasks in the body. The liver regulates body functions which affect emotional
and mental activities. The liver is the master organ of detoxification. Find out more
about .

About The Author

Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing .

Imagine the liver working constantly
to process alcohol, spices, drugs, and
rich fatty foods, while at the same
time attempting to keep up with its
many other important functions,
including the manufacturing of
immune proteins, the processing of
natural body steroids and other
chemicals, the storing of energy in
the form of glycogen, and the storing
of fat-soluble vitamins.

The liver is one of the most active
organs, producing important
cholesterol, filtering toxins from the
blood stream (purifying blood),

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.