The Importance of the Liver in Detoxification Excretion - Essay Example

LIVER FUNCTIONS The liver is the largest gland in the body that weighs about 3 lb 36 kg). The physical appearance of liver is reddish brown in color and is divided into four lobes of unequal size and shape. Liver is positioned to the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Liver gets the blood via two large vessels called the hepatic artery and the portal vein. While the heptic artery carries oxygen-enriched blood from the aorta the portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine. Further these blood vessels divide several times to finally end up in small capillaries. Each capillary then leads into a lobule. Liver tissue is collection of thousands of such lobules. These lobules are made up of hepatic cells which are the basic metabolic cells of the liver (MamasHealth.com, 2000). The liver is a complex organ. It performs over 500 different functions. Some of the functions include: to produce substances that break down fats, convert glucose to glycogen, produce urea which is the main substance of urine, make certain amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins, filter harmful substances from the blood such as alcohol, storage of vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, D, K and B12) and maintain a proper level or glucose in the blood. The liver is also responsible for producing cholesterol and it is estimated that it produces about 80% of the cholesterol in the body (MamasHealth.com, 2000). Among these functions the two of most important functions is to control of amino acid concentration and detoxification. Urea is produced in the liver and is a metabolite of amino acids. Ammonium ions are produced due to the breakdown of amino acids. And these ammonium ions are used in the biosynthesis of nitrogen compounds and excess ammonium ions are converted to urea (Royal Society of Chemistry, N.D.). The liver's basic functions are three fold: Vascular, Secretory and Metabolic. In other words it plays an important role in the major systems of the body, particularly in the digestive, circulatory and endocrine systems of the human body. In simple terms the vascular function includes being a major blood reservoir, filtering over a liter of blood every minute. The liver effectively removes bacteria, endotoxins, antibody complexes and various other particles from the circulation. The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body when it comes to detoxifying or getting rid of toxins. The liver plays a key role in most metabolic processes, particularly detoxification. The liver neutralizes a broad range of toxic chemicals, both those produced inside the body and those coming from the external environment. In human system the normal metabolic processes produce a wide range of chemicals and hormones and it is worth mentioning that the liver has evolved as an efficient neutralizing mechanisms. If it was not for the liver, then our bodies would have been full of toxics and would have become very difficult for the survival. There is tremendous change in the environment in recent years and it is continuously pumped with toxic chemicals every day. Human beings are as a result exposed to these chemicals. The food we eat is contaminated with pesticides, the air we breathe contains several poisonous gases, and the water we drink has chemicals. In other words many of the toxic chemicals come from the environment: the content of the bowels and the food, water, and air. The harmful polycyclic hydrocarbons such as DDT, dioxin, 2,3-D, PCB, 2,4,5-T and PCP are the basic components of various herbicides and pesticides. And these are example of chemicals that are now found in almost all fat tissues measured. Even those eating unprocessed organic foods need an effective detoxification system because all foods contain naturally occurring toxic constituents. Hence in all these cases liver plays the most important role of detoxification. The liver plays these vital roles in detoxification through the following processes: it filters the blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile full of cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymatically disassembles unwanted harmful chemicals from the body. The enzymatic process generally occurs in two steps referred to as phase I and phase II. In the phase I the liver either directly neutralizes a toxin, or modifies the toxic chemical to form activated intermediates which are later neutralized by one of more of the several phase II enzyme systems (tuberose.com, N.D.). The human body is incapable to store proteins or its basic units the amino acids. When excessive amounts of protein are taken through food, the excess amino acids produced from digesting proteins are transported to the liver from the small intestine. A series of chemical reactions occur in the liver when these amino acids reaches the liver cells. It begins with the oxidation of amino acids in the presence of an enzyme catalyst. During this process the amine group of amino acid, -NH2, and a hydrogen atom, H, are detached. The amine group is reduced to ammonia by the addition of a hydrogen atom and this process is called deamination. The non-nitrogenous portion of the molecule is converted to carbohydrates or fats (Royal Society of Chemistry, N.D.). Since ammonia is highly toxic chemical therefore cannot be allowed to accumulate in the body. With the help of specific catalysts in the liver cells carbon dioxide reacts chemically with the ammonia molecule, NH3. This compound is combined with water to produce the less toxic nitrogenous compound urea. This series of reactions is termed as the ornithine cycle. Soon after this the urea and water are released from the liver cells into the bloodstream and transported to the kidneys where the blood is filtered and the urea is passed out of the body in the urine. Since urea is very soluble in water and a small molecule, it is comparatively easier to be passed out by the kidneys as a solution (Royal Society of Chemistry, N.D.). The liver is a remarkable organ and is the central chemical laboratory in the body. In a world in which new toxins are introduced daily, it's more important than ever to make sure our livers are happy and healthy. The liver produces approximately one liter of bile every day which is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble substances. Bile is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble material from the intestines, including many vitamins, and its secretion helps eliminate many toxic substances. The liver plays an important role in metabolism. The liver also produces bile to digest fats, chemically changes many foods into vitamins and enzymes, converts carbohydrates and proteins into glucose for brain fuel and glycogen for muscular energy and stores nutrients to be secreted as needed by the body to build and maintain cells (Rakhra, 2004). [5] In fact the most important metabolic function of the liver is the detoxification, or inactivation and excretion, of toxic chemicals, drugs and hormones, both those made inside the body and those that enters the body from the environment. The liver regulates the of blood glucose level (blood sugar). The liver synthesizes, dissolves, and stores amino acids, protein, and fat. It stores several important vitamins like B12 and Vitamin A. The liver also disposes of cellular waste and breaks down harmful substances, like alcohol (West Penn Allegheny Health System, 2002). The liver inactivates these toxic substances and takes them through physiological, biochemical pathways that ultimately result in their excretion by the bowels, lungs, kidneys or skin. The liver is also involved in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism and vitamin and mineral storage. The metabolic functions of the liver are enormous, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, storage of vitamins and minerals, detoxification or excretion into the bile of various chemical compounds including hormones such as thyroxin, cortisol, estrogen, aldosterone, histamine drugs and pesticides. Liver plays an important role in hormones metabolism. For instance it controls the excess estrogen which if present can result in endometriosis, high blood pressure, PMS, breast, uterine and vaginal cancer and many more disorders. The liver is a part of the circulatory system or the cardiovascular system as it is a major blood reservoir, filtering more than 1.4 litres of blood per minute. It removes bacteria, toxins, and various other unwanted substances from the blood. Proper functioning of the liver's detoxification systems is especially important for the prevention of cancer. It is estimated that about 90% of all cancers are thought to be due to the effects of environmental carcinogens, such as those in cigarette smoke, food, water, and air, combined with deficiencies of the nutrients the body needs for proper functioning of the detoxification and immune systems. The level of exposure to environmental carcinogens varies widely, as does the efficiency of the detoxification enzymes, particularly phase II. High levels of exposure to carcinogens coupled with slow detoxification enzymes significantly increases susceptibility to cancer. However, the level and type of internally produced toxins increases greatly when metabolic processes gets disturbed especially due to nutritional deficiencies. Today there is a lack of proper nutritious diet in most people's life. These non-end-product metabolites have become a significant problem in this age of conventionally grown foods and poor diets (tuberose.com, N.D.). There are studies that suggest that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers the liver the organ most strongly affected by our emotions. On the other hand, TCM practitioners and many others have long recognized that when the liver is stressed, anger, depression and irritability are more likely to arise. When a person's liver is functioning harmoniously, the person stays calm and relaxed. Many factors determine whether the liver performs its critical functions well. Too much pressure on the liver from overeating of junk food, too much rich or poor-quality food, environmental stresses, overwork or emotional stress can cause liver overload, leading to a reducing the liver's ability to clear toxins and hormones and manufacture bile. In fact an overloaded liver allows toxic waste material to pass into the blood and the body, poisoning the body itself. Studies also have suggested several methods to detoxify a congested liver. There are several lifestyle factors which can be controlled by man himself. A good lifestyle that supports healthy liver is very important. For instance steps such as starting early morning with fresh lemon juice in water; helps flush and decongest the liver. Eating beets or drink beet and vegetable juice commonly helps to a greater extend. Beets are an excellent liver cleanser. Chlorophyll drinks and other green drinks can be used often to aid in liver cleansing. Good quality protein foods are essential to restore and sustain the liver. Free-range eggs, fish, raw nuts and seeds and whole grains are beneficial. Nutritional antioxidants such as vitamin E, zinc and selenium are critical for protecting the liver from free radical damage. Last but not the least liver restoration also requires lots of fresh air, exercise, adequate rest, natural foods and a minimum of 2L of pure water daily. There are also dietary supplements that are available for the proper functioning of liver. Several studies also recommend herbs that can help in maintaining a healthy liver. For instance, burdock root has traditionally been used as a blood cleanser to support the liver and hormonal health. It is also useful as an immune system enhancer, in the stabilization of blood sugar and as an antibiotic, antifungal and anti-tumor agent. Dandelion root is considered very good for liver remedy as it is entirely non-toxic and gently restores liver function. It increases the flow of bile and supports the kidneys during cleansing and detoxification of the liver and bowels. Another important compound is the milk thistle that contains some of the most potent liver-protective substances known, including silymarin, which inhibits the action of free radials that damage liver cells. In addition, it also stimulates protein synthesis, which results in the production of new liver cells. One of the most common ingredients for liver health is the turmeric which has been considered a powerful healing plant. Curcumin, the principal active ingredient, has demonstrated potent liver protective, detoxifying, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Other effects of turmeric include lowering of cholesterol, improvement of fat metabolism and improvement of digestion. It is a fact that the liver energy system governs the peripheral and central nervous system, the eyes and tendons and provides energy and vitality to the sexual organs. Hence it is one of the most important organs that need to be taken care off with at most care. When the liver is stressed, emotional variations can occur and can result in extreme emotions such as anger, depression, moodiness, aggression, resentment and irritability. Physical symptoms such as allergies, fatigue, indigestion and distended abdomen, eye problems (spots, red, watery), headaches, hot flushes, insomnia, hormonal imbalances such as PMS, muscular pain and neck tension can also occur if there is excess pressure on liver (Jensen, 2000). In conclusion it can be said that Liver is one of the most vital organs in our human system. It plays the most important role in detoxification. In addition it also helps in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and also in other digestive process. The production of bile is yet another important step in the excretion process. The most important function of liver in the circulatory system is the purification of blood from all toxics. Hence it is important to take care of this multi purpose organ by supporting it through good food and lifestyle practices. References Jensen, K. (2000) A Little Help for the Liver, [Online] Alive Publishing Group Inc., Available from: [Accessed on 13 May 2007]. MamasHealth.com, (2000) Liver [Online] Available from: [Accessed on 13 May 2007]. Rakhra, R. (2004) Liver Detoxification, [Online] Rebecca Ryan Resources Available from: [Accessed on 13 May 2007]. Royal Society of Chemistry, (N.D.) Excretion and the liver [Online] Available from: [Accessed on 13 May 2007]. tuberose.com, (N.D.) Liver detoxification [Online] Available from: [Accessed on 13 May 2007]. West Penn Allegheny Health System, (2002) Digestive Function of the Liver, [Online] Available from: [Accessed on 13 May 2007]. Read More