Liver is one of the most functional organs in the human body. Often called the ‘Engine of the body’, the liver plays an important role in digesting, metabolizing and manufacturing essential enzymes. Some scientists consider liver to be more precious than the brain and the heart, due to the essential tasks that it performs.

Liver is the largest single gland - about the size of a football - in the body located on the right side of the abdomen under the lower ribs and just under the diaphragm. The important functions that it performs are:

* It releases a substance called ‘bile’ that helps in the metabolization of carbs, proteins and fats.

* It processes most of the nutrients absorbed by the intestines during digestion and converts those nutrients into  forms that can be used by the body.

* It stores certain vitamins, minerals (including iron) and sugars, regulates fat stores, and controls the production and excretion of cholesterol.

* It detoxifies the body from the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins.

* It regulates the composition of blood, including the amounts of glucose (sugar), protein, and fat that enter the bloodstream. It also controls the production and excretion of cholesterol.

* It makes lymph which acts as a clotting factor to stop excessive bleeding after cuts or injuries.

The liver is the only internal human organ capable of natural regeneration of lost tissue. Three quarters of the liver can be removed and it will grow back  in the same shape and form within a few weeks. However, a damaged liver loses its ability to regenerate. Caring for your liver means eating a good healthy diet, exercising and avoiding things that can cause liver damage.
Do’s for Liver Care

* Drink lemon water every morning as it is beneficial for liver. Lemon strengthens the functioning of liver and helps you digest your food by helping  your liver produce more bile.

* Drink a combination of vegetable juice like spinach (palak) and carrot in the equal amount at least 3-4 days per week. This helps in detoxification of  the liver.

* Dandelion (Kanphul) acts as a stimulator and helps the liver in proper utilization of fats in the body. It also helps in the detoxification of the  liver. The juice extracted from dandelion is one of the most useful medicines to take proper care of the liver.

* Neem has purification properties and can decrease toxicity levels in your liver and bloodstream. It can also decrease unnecessary bile secretions.

* Garlic is also very beneficial for liver. 3 cloves of garlic daily is very important for a person with weak liver.

* Bitter gourd (Karela) can be used for detoxification, blood purification and liver care as well.

* Always cover your skin with long sleeves, gloves, a hat and a mask, when using insecticides, paint and other toxic chemicals at home. Also make sure  you have good ventilation, and wash off any chemicals you get on your skin with soap and water as soon as possible. Your liver can be damaged by what you breath or absorb through your skin.

Don’ts for Liver Care

* Excess calories in the form of carbohydrates can add to liver dysfunction and can cause fat deposits in the liver (fatty liver). Make sure only 30 percent of your daily required calories come from carbs.

* Avoid eating too much protein daily as it can cause mental confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) by overwhelming the liver.

* Do not overeat food and trouble your liver. Eat small meals for easy liver functioning

* Avoid fried foods, turmeric, oils, red chillies and spicy food as they are very harmful for the liver

* Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol as it is very bad for your liver. Overworking your liver by heavy alcohol consumption can cause liver cells to become permanently damaged or scarred - called cirrhosis. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and no more  than two drinks a day for men.

* Don’t mix medications and alcohol. For example, acetaminophen - an ingredient in some over-the-counter pain relievers and drugs used for colds or coughs - taken with alcohol can cause a condition called sudden and severe hepatitis which could cause fatal liver failure. Talk to your doctor before  mixing different medicines.

* Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids. Don’t share razor blades, toothbrushes or needles used to inject drugs and always indulge in safe sex to prevent getting infected with Hepatitis viruses. Get vaccinated if you’re at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you’ve already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus.

A little care for your liver can go a long way.