The liver is the largest organ in our body and is located on the right side, under the right lung. It weighs about 1.5 kilos (more than 3 pounds) and has two lobes, each having many lobules. A lobule is the place where detoxification takes place. The liver also filters our blood.

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The main role of the liver is to break down toxic substances and produce bile. The bile breaks down fats in the small intestines. Bile is also critical for the transport of fat throughout the body. Liver dysfunction can result in difficulties in eliminating cholesterol which is a kind of fat. For those who consume large amounts of cholesterol, which is very common nowadays, liver dysfunction can be a very significant factor in weight gain.

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If the liver does not regulate fat metabolism efficiently then we can expect fat around the belly - the proverbial ‘pot belly’. If our liver does not function properly it cannot remove the small fat globular chylomicrons. These are special particles that are designed for the transport of lipids that circulate in the blood stream. These extra chylomicrons can build up in our organs and form fatty deposits under the skin called cellulite. These cellulite deposits

normally build up in your thighs, butt, arms, and belly. Until the liver function improves, the fat will not go.

 

So what are these functions that the liver does? We may know about the LFT – liver function test- that our GP asks for regularly. When we get the results we see a whole lot of numbers, some highlighted, indicating they are not within a normal range. Typically, the doctors will then write some prescription that we swallow dutifully and then get another test done and so on. Instead we could be inquiring about the root causes, and whether there are other

ways to regulate the parameters without introducing medications that give the liver more work to do!

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Our liver performs over 500 biochemical functions in the body. Let us just look at the most important ones. The liver produces bile. It also produces glycogen, a secondary long term energy storage as well processes ammonia for protein digestion. The liver manufactures important plasma proteins: albumin and prothrombin, and manufactures blood clotting proteins: fibrinogen. It stores fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. The liver detoxifies compounds before they are distributed to the blood system in two phases, and also processes all the pills we ingest.

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When clogged up with the sludge we feed it, the liver cannot function properly, and thus, losing weight, no matter how much dieting or exercise we do, is almost impossible. A liver detox is essential, not only to lose weight, but to maintain hormonal balance, avoid cancer, and other diseases, and thus strengthen the immune system. So caring for your liver should be an integral part of maintaining a sustainable YOU.

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Contrary to popular opinion, eating less does not stimulate the body’s need to burn body fat. Instead, it creates the need for the body to slow down, hence the body hangs on to body fat as it burns muscle tissue which exacerbates the underlying cause of obesity.

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We need to take care of this precious liver as it too can breakdown.

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