The liver is the most under appreicated organ in medicine even though
it is the main filter for our body. Its responsibility includes the production of cholesterol, which is the precursor
to all hormones, the production of bile to digest fats, the removal of breakdown products of protein metabolism, the storage
of vitamins A, D, K, B12 and folate, the synthesis of clotting factors, and most importantly, detoxification.
Detoxification means the breaking down or transforming of foreign substances like ammonia, metabolic waste, drugs, alcohol and chemicals,
so they can be excreted out of the body. Detoxification involves two pathways in the liver: phase I and phase II.
Phase I breaks down these foreign substances into their intermediates. Phase II makes the intermediates water-soluble
so the kidneys can carry them out of the body. Problems with either phase results in toxic sustances being recirculated in our body and stored in our brain, bones, fat
and organs.
Environmental toxins, artificial flavors, food additives, pesticides and the overuse of prescription
medications all wreak havoc on our liver. These foreign substances hamper its proper |
| functioning and when this happens, the
liver can become overwhelmed and burdened, while still appearing normal on routine blood work.
Typical blood studies look at a variety of parameters, which indicate
liver damage and its functional state.
While this information is very important, it does not tell us about events leading
up to liver damage. Thus, one must perform functional liver testing which actually measures the ability of the liver to rid
itself of everyday toxins. This preventative approach allows the physician to implement a specific detoxification program to
help clean out this filtration system.
Preventative medicine, including detoxification of the liver, has been shown
to help with any chronic disease, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, certain
neurological and endocrinological diseases and overall health. It is time we give our liver the respect it deserves and allow it to perform
to the best of its ability. | |
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