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Did you know that the liver is the largest internal and heaviest organ in the human body? Well the answer is yes! The liver weighs 1.6kg that is approximately 3.5 pounds. Amazing isn't it? Every human being has A liver. BUT the liver has two parts(LOBES):
- A right lobe-which is larger.
- A left lobe - which is smaller with smooth surface
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The liver is just under your rib cage beneath your diaphragm and at the right upper side of your abdomen.
Another amazing fact about the liver is being the only organ to regenerate (come back to life) after damage or partial hepatectomy (removal of certain parts of the liver)
WHAT DOES THE LIVER DO FOR THE BODY?
- The liver is the main site in the body where poisonous substances are detoxified and drugs are filtered. Most drugs and food substance pass through the liver to be inspected before they are moved into the blood stream.
- It is the site for protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- It stores iron and produces most of the fat soluble vitamins( vitamins A D E and K) and VItamin B2.
- Most hormones and plasma proteins are also produced by this organ
- Factors that activate clotting when there is a cut or injury are also produced by the liver
In spite of all these functions of the liver and its ability to regenerate after damage, we can one way or the other expose the liver to irreversible damage by a lot of factors and our lifestyle.These factors may be acquired or congenital( genetic).
Certain lifestyles such as heavy alcohol abuse, having unprotected sex, pushing drugs into the body using syringes and sharing them predisposes the liver to infections and subsequent damage. Obesity and Diabetes has also being found the cause liver infections by research. Another common cause of liver toxicity is paracetamol abuse. Many people die annually through chronic addiction to paracetamol abuse throughout the world.
With time some people run to cancers affecting the liver, the gall bladder and the bile duct as a result of the factors .
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HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE A LIVER DISEASE?
Most people develop swelling of the feet and the hands.This is primarily due to fluid accumulation in these parts of the body. The stomach also appears swollen with unbearable pain
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.Aside this there is a high tendency to vomit and loss of appetite for food. The patient tends to experience general body weakness. One of the classical signs is the yellowing of the skin and the eyes( jaundice).
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The urine of the patient may appear Dark in colour. It must be noted that these symptoms and signs may be seen in other conditions so it always best to visit the laboratory and the physician for complete diagnosis when they are seen or experienced.
HOW TO PREVENT LIVER DISEASES
Its quite easy to prevent these conditions we have talked about by following simple directions and advice from physicians and medical laboratory scientists. One must maintain a healthy body weight since obesity is a predisposing factor FOR LIVER diseases.Alcohol drinking should be done in moderation. Having unprotected sex can be a means of contracting hepatitis B virus. Therefore it is advised to use condom protection when having sex with different partners. Avoid the sharing of needles and sharps. If possible , get vaccinated against certain viruses that may cause liver damage. Medications should only be taken based on prescription from a qualified health worker.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR LIFE , HAVE A HEALTHY LIFE AND LIVE LONGER.