What are the liver’s main functions?

The liver is a very large organ located on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is considered part of the digestive system that carries out many tasks. 

 Here are some of the liver’s main functions:  

1.     Making bile: Bile helps the small intestine break down and absorb fats, cholesterol, and some vitamins. 

2.     Detoxification: The liver detoxifies the blood from the drug and alcohol, including homemade drugs such as hormones. When we are under a lot of stress, we produce a lot of extra hormones which damage the body over time. 

3.     Aids in digestion: The liver receives most of the substances absorbed by the digestive system (fats go into the lymph first) and processes them. 

4.     Heat production: The heat is carried around the body by the blood due to the liver’s constant chemical reactions. 

5.     Vitamin storage: Iron, vitamin A, D, E, and K are stored in the liver. 

6.     Controls blood sugar: Carbohydrates are stored as in the liver and are broken down as glucose and are released into the bloodstream to maintain normal glucose levels. The liver stores glucose as a large molecule called glycogen and are released whenever the body needs a quick burst of energy. 

7.     Metabolize protein: Bile breaks down proteins for digestion.