The liver is a large meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly and is said to be about the size of an American football. It is protected by the rib cage. The right and left lobes are the two large sections of the liver.

1. Did you know that the liver’s main function is to filter blood?

The liver is able to filter blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body.

It detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. That is, toxins are taken out of the blood by the liver.

Also, it makes protein that is important for blood clotting, as well as makes bile to breakdown fat from foods eaten, produces enzymes and solutions to help digest food in the body, among others.

1. Did you know that the best way to be informed of the health of your liver is by a blood test?

Doctors make use of blood tests to check the liver of injury, disease or infection. The tests are usually carried out at the same time.

1. Did you know that your liver has a unique characteristic of re-growing different sections of itself in the case of damage or removal?

The liver is the only organ in the human body that has the ability to grow back. This explains why most people voluntarily donate parts of their liver to others especially close relatives and friends.

From a school of thought, one need not relate to the other before donating a part of his or her liver.

1. Did you know that the liver does not need any detox diets to detoxify itself?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence that limiting one’s diets to certain foods and juices will help to wash away toxins from the liver.

Individuals are advised to stick to a healthy mode of eating to provide needed nutrients to the liver to enable it carry out its numerous functions.

1. Did you know that liver disease can be dormant for a very long time?

Most victims of liver diseases usually do not have any symptoms or signs of the disease. At other times, there could be unclear warning signs such as having achy muscles, fatigue, itchy skin, swelling in the belly, among others.

A doctor should be consulted for blood test when any of these signs sprout to find out if there is a problem with ones liver.

1. Did you know that parasites and viruses can infect the liver?

When you do not take responsible efforts to prevent or limit the risks of liver damage, parasites and viruses can infect your liver. You will end up suffering from any of the numerous liver diseases.

Among some liver-related diseases are; Hepatitis A, B and C, Hemochromatosis, Liver cancer, Bile duct cancer, et cetera.

1. Did you know that chronic alcohol abuse can damage liver cells?

Although the liver has the ability to process alcohol so that it does not cause harm to the other parts of the body, alcohol intake can be poisonous to the human body when the intake is more than the liver can process.

Among some alcohol-related liver disease includes; alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis and fatty liver disease.

In cases of addiction to alcohol, a counselor or health practitioner can be consulted.

1. Did you know about bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when there is breakdown of red blood cells in the body. The liver is able to filter bilirubin but too much of it as well as liver damage could result in jaundice.

That is, a victim’s skin and eyes can turn a yellow shade when there is too much bilirubin in the blood.

1. Have you sat to ponder on how to keep your liver healthy?

The liver can be fit when you maintain a healthy weight with exercise and a well-balanced diet. One can also consider getting tested for hepatitis C.

Foods that keep the liver healthy include; beets, carrots, lemon juice, olive oil, avocado, garlic, spinach, green tea, to mention but a few.

1. Did you know that the liver naturally detoxes?

The health of the liver can be put in danger with unhealthy food habits due to the accumulation of toxins and harmful substances. It is necessary to ensure a healthy lifestyle to enable the liver to naturally detoxify itself.

That is, human liver has the ability to naturally wash away toxins with the help of food nutrients in the body.

As the saying goes, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in”.