Let's make sure you understand liver function properly~^^

The liver is a vital organ involved in the body's metabolic processes.
The liver functions as a metabolic organ that appropriately converts ingested food into the necessary nutrients for various tissues and transports waste products remaining after tissue utilization back to the liver for processing.

 

Liver function

 

Carbohydrate metabolism

The liver stores glucose, amino acids, lactic acid, and other substances in the form of glycogen. This glycogen is converted into glucose when needed to maintain blood sugar levels and generate the energy required by the body.

 

Protein metabolism

It produces albumin and factors involved in blood coagulation through protein metabolism.
It functions to store nutrients absorbed through the intestines (such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins) and also produces bile acids to digest fats, which are then excreted into the duodenum via the bile duct to act together with food.

 

Local metabolism

When carbohydrates are consumed excessively, they are converted into fat and stored, then broken down and used as an energy source when carbohydrate levels are low.

 

Bile production and secretion

The liver produces 1 liter of bile daily, which is stored in the gallbladder and then released into the small intestine.

 

 

Synthetic function

 

The liver synthesizes and releases substances necessary for the body's functions. It produces and stores essential nutrients such as plasma proteins required for blood clotting and albumin involved in body edema, thereby maintaining basic bodily functions.

 

Vitamin and mineral metabolism

It stores vitamins A, D, and B12, and also functions to store iron, copper, zinc, and other minerals.

 

Hormone metabolism

Hormones in our body are metabolized in the liver, so if liver function is impaired, hormonal imbalance can occur.

 

 

Detoxification function

When harmful substances enter the body, they function to destroy the toxic materials, protect the body, and detoxify the poisons.

 

Sterilization effect

Kupffer cells in the liver play a role in processing foreign substances in the blood.

 

Detoxification process

Converts ammonia into urea for excretion through urine and transforms harmless substances into soluble forms for elimination via urine.

 

Drug and alcohol metabolism

Various drugs and alcohol are metabolized and broken down in the liver.

 

Blood bank

The liver contains about 13% of the total blood supply to the body.

 

A commonly used test to assess liver function is the measurement of blood AST/ALT (GOT/GPT). AST/ALT are enzymes primarily found in the liver, and their levels increase when there is liver damage, making them useful tests for detecting liver injury. However, since these enzymes are also present in the heart, skeletal muscles, and kidneys, an increase in their levels does not necessarily indicate liver damage. When taking many types of medications or dietary supplements, liver damage can occur, leading to elevated AST/ALT levels; therefore, medication and supplement use should be discussed with healthcare professionals before proceeding. Additionally, liver function can be evaluated through measurements of blood albumin, bilirubin, and prothrombin time.