Liver – How to maintain a Healthy Liver ? Know 6 ways

Reviewed medically by Dr Itender Pal Singh

The liver, the largest internal organ in your body, plays an essential role in maintaining overall health. Positioned just beneath the ribs on the upper-right side of your abdomen, this vital organ is responsible for over 500 critical functions and interacts with nearly every system in your body. Understanding the anatomy, functions, and potential conditions of the liver is key to maintaining its health.

Anatomy of the Liver: A Complex Structure

The liver is a cone-shaped organ that resides below your lungs and above your small intestine, occupying a significant portion of your ribcage. Roughly the size of a football, the liver accounts for about 2% of an adult’s body weight, typically weighing between three to five pounds.

This reddish-brown organ has a smooth exterior and is divided into four main lobes, which are further segmented into eight sections. Each segment consists of approximately 1,000 small lobules connected to bile ducts. These ducts transport bile, a waste product, from the liver to the gallbladder and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Anatomical Variations: Developmental Differences

Not everyone’s liver develops the same way. Some individuals may experience underdeveloped or atrophied lobes, while others might have an extra lobe due to overdevelopment. Additionally, conditions like biliary atresia or Alagille syndrome can affect the bile ducts within the liver, leading to scarring, blockage, and difficulties in bile movement. These conditions can result in significant liver damage if not managed properly.

Key Functions of the Liver

As the largest solid organ in your body, the liver plays a crucial role in digestion, detoxification, and maintaining overall homeostasis. Some of its most important functions include:

Blood Filtration : The liver filters over a liter of blood every minute, removing toxins like alcohol and drugs while also eliminating bacteria to prevent infections.

Bile Production : The liver produces bile, which aids in digestion and the removal of waste products from the body.

Nutrient Storage : The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, as well as minerals like iron and copper.

Glucose Regulation : The liver regulates blood sugar levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage and converting glycogen back into glucose when the body needs energy.

Blood Clotting : The liver produces proteins that are essential for blood clotting, ensuring proper wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding.

Common Liver Conditions

Various conditions can affect the liver’s health, ranging from viral infections to lifestyle-related diseases. Understanding these conditions can help in early detection and treatment.

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the Liver

Hepatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. The most common types in the U.S. are hepatitis A, B, and C. These viruses can spread through contaminated food, bodily fluids, or blood. Many individuals with viral hepatitis may not exhibit symptoms, increasing their risk for complications like liver disease and cancer.

Symptoms, when they do appear, may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Another form, autoimmune hepatitis, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and potential liver damage.

Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Concern

Fatty liver disease involves the accumulation of fat in the liver and can lead to serious health issues. There are two main types:

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) : This is the most common liver disease worldwide, affecting about 24% of adults in the U.S. It is often linked to obesity and can lead to liver disease and cardiovascular problems.

Alcohol-Associated Fatty Liver Disease : This type is caused by excessive alcohol consumption and can progress to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis if left unchecked.

Cirrhosis: Permanent Liver Damage

Cirrhosis is a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function. It can result from alcohol-associated liver disease, NAFLD, chronic hepatitis B and C. Early symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, and abdominal pain, but more severe symptoms, such as jaundice and swelling, often appear as the disease progresses.

Liver Cancer: A Serious Risk

Primary liver cancer, which originates in the liver, can develop in both children and adults. The most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with symptoms including a hard lump below the right-side rib cage, upper-right abdominal discomfort, and a swollen abdomen. Risk factors include obesity, NAFLD, and diabetes.

Diagnostic Testing for Liver Conditions

If a healthcare provider suspects a liver problem, several diagnostic tests can help determine the cause and extent of the damage:

Liver Function Tests : These blood tests measure the levels of certain proteins and enzymes to assess liver health.

Liver Biopsy : A small tissue sample from the liver is analyzed in a lab to detect any abnormalities.

Imaging Tests : Techniques like transient elastography, magnetic resonance elastography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) provide detailed images and measurements of liver stiffness and structure.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Liver

Given the liver’s vital role in your body, taking steps to protect it is essential. Here are some tips to keep your liver in optimal condition:

Avoid Toxins : Limit exposure to chemicals, cleaning products, and insecticides. When using aerosols, wear a mask and ensure good ventilation.

Limit Alcohol Consumption : Excessive alcohol intake can damage liver cells and lead to scarring. Consult a healthcare provider about safe alcohol consumption levels.

Avoid Drug Abuse : Illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription medications can severely harm the liver.

Follow Medication Guidelines : Always take medications as prescribed and avoid mixing them with alcohol. Discuss any supplements or over-the-counter drugs with a healthcare provider.

Maintain a Healthy Weight : Obesity increases the risk of fatty liver disease. Manage your weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Get Vaccinated : Protect yourself against hepatitis A and B with appropriate vaccinations.

Your liver is indispensable to your overall health, performing more than 500 essential functions. By understanding the anatomy and functions of the liver, as well as potential conditions, you can take proactive steps to maintain its health. Adopting a liver-friendly lifestyle can ensure this vital organ continues to function efficiently, supporting your well-being for years to come.

Sources –

Harrison manual of internal medicine

Kalra A, Yetiskul E, Wehrle CJ, et al. Physiology Liver. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

American Liver Foundation. Hepatitis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is viral hepatitis?

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH.

Patel R, Mueller M. Alcoholic liver disease. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

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