Sunday, January 6, 2008

Lily-livered

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has many complex functions.

-Manufacture (synthesize) proteins, including albumin (to help maintain the volume of blood) and blood clotting factors
-Synthesize, store, and metabolize fats, including fatty acids (used for energy) and cholesterol
-Metabolize and store carbohydrates, which are used as the source for the sugar (glucose) in blood that red blood cells and the brain use
-Form and secrete bile that contains bile acids to aid in the intestinal absorption (taking in) of fats and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
-Eliminate, by metabolizing and/or secreting, the potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body, such as bilirubin from the breakdown of old red blood cells and ammonia from the breakdown of proteins
-Detoxify, by metabolizing and/or secreting, drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins

Use moderation in your consumption and be a little timid. Life is short and you don't want to make it shorter.