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8 astonishing facts about the liver

8 astonishing facts about the liver

The liver can be found conveniently located at the upper right corner of the abdomen. It is one of the most sophisticated, multitasking, and extremely hardworking organs in the body. And yet most people don’t know how much the entire body relies on this single organ to maintain immunity and an overall healthy outlook. Here are eight astonishing facts about the liver to know and understand its importance in the day-to-day routine.

It is an organ and a gland
Most people know the liver as an organ. It is indeed one of the most multifunctional organs responsible for handling many small but crucial tasks to keep the body functioning up and running. But interestingly, the liver is also a gland. That means it is responsible for the production of certain hormones that control these body functions.

The liver is a regenerative organ
Most cells in the body heal partially after a wound or injury but cannot regenerate to completely restore structural integrity. The liver is one such exception that has super regenerative healing abilities. For instance, three-quarters of the liver had to be removed to prevent permanent organ damage due to an injury or underlying health complication. The liver tissue can grow back to full size with just the 25% that’s left. That is the astonishing regenerative power of the liver tissue.

It is the second-largest organ
The first largest organ is, of course, the skin, weighing about 15% of the total body weight. The liver follows suit, weighing roughly 3 pounds for an average full-sized grown adult. The size varies slightly depending on gender. It is still the second largest organ that sits under the diaphragm just above the stomach in the upper right corner of the abdominal cavity. The shape of the liver resembles that of a rugby football divided into four compartments or chambers.

It’s a multitasking machine
The liver is responsible for no less than 500 different functions working both as an organ and a gland. It produces essential proteins that prevent fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into tissue. The liver also makes bile fluid necessary for digestion, filters the blood of toxins, regulates amino acids, and promotes blood clotting coagulants used to prevent excessive bleeding. The liver filter function further boosts immunity to resist infections, stores essential vitamins and minerals and mainly processes glucose in the bloodstream. There is so much more!

Liver function regulates brain function
The organ is responsible for regulating ammonia and plasma glucose levels, both essential chemical profiles that regulate brain function. Additionally, it filters out all the toxins that can affect brain functioning. Should any of these daily tasks done by the liver get interrupted, the immediate effects are noticeable with impaired cognitive function. As the organ deteriorates, these cognitive impairments intensify indicating serious liver damage.

Liver is the primary detox organ
Everything must be processed by the liver to actively get rid of toxins. All foods and beverages are broken down by passing through the organ to be stored, altered, purified, and metabolized. This breakdown process produces bile or blood byproducts that need to be excreted by way of stool or urine. In addition, the liver actively works with the intestines and kidneys to remove all harmful substances and only send back purified blood necessary to support body functions.

Even prescriptions don’t work without the liver
The liver processes everything, even prescriptions given for managing underlying health complications. Certain compounds in the organ are the only reason why certain prescriptions actively release the formula in the first place. The liver regulates this formula released in the bloodstream to be used up by the body and removes the excess by way of urination or by passing stools. Without the liver regulating these chemicals, the body can overdose on the smallest and mildest prescriptions given for treating diseases.

Liver is the fuel factory of the body
The liver stores glucose, the body’s primary source of fuel broken down from foods and beverages consumed daily. It acts as the energy central to ensure there is a proper balance of fuel used for metabolic activities. The liver is capable of storing a day’s worth of blood sugar for instant fuel whenever the body requires it for day-to-day functions.

In cases where liver functioning is affected, doctors may suggest the use of supplements to boost liver function in addition to ongoing treatment. Supplements like Liver Health Formula boast an organic base made with natural ingredients to restore bodily function. Check out the Liver Health Formula coupon code and available promotions to order the product online. Note the product should be used only if approved and as instructed by a licensed healthcare professional.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 cold sore food triggers to avoid

A cold sore is a group of painful tiny blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters are also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis. In most cases, the symptoms are the worst when one gets cold sores for the first time. However, after the first outbreak, the body begins to produce antibodies to protect itself from the virus, thus raising immunity against the condition. Managing cold sores - Foods to avoid Usually, cold sores appear when one’s immunity has already been compromised, and unfortunately, they are not as quick to leave. However, these blisters require arginine (a type of amino acid) to replicate and thrive. Hence, depriving the virus of arginine may help reduce the duration of such outbreaks. So, here are some of the foods that must be avoided by patients. Oranges Citrus fruits, such as oranges, contain acid that can cause a burning sensation on contact with the blister. Hence, in addition to avoiding oranges, many healthcare professionals suggest steering clear of citrus fruits like grapefruits as well. Instead, one can opt for bananas and cucumbers to gain optimum nutritional benefits. Pumpkin seeds Although pumpkin seeds are considered incredibly healthy, they are unfortunately rich in arginine. So, when one consumes them as a part of the meal plan, it may aggravate the symptoms and increase discomfort. Furthermore, as sesame seeds are also rich sources of arginine, it's considered best to avoid them as well. Instead, one can include foods rich in antioxidants such as spinach, kale, and berries, to further boost the immune system. Wheat Wheat is also a source of arginine, a vital grain found in every household. Hence, to decrease the outbreak's duration, one must avoid dishes containing wheat. This includes bread, pasta, and even pizza. As an alternative, one can choose the gluten-free variety of these dishes. This may not only help in the management of cold sores but also aid in maintaining nutritional levels. Curry Highly spiced meals such as curry can trigger the entire area inside and around the mouth. Moreover, spicy foods can cause the sores to reopen, causing irritation and discomfort. Hence, it's suggested to keep away from spicy foods and opt for milder yet nutritional meals. Some of the meals that are considered safe for cold sores patients include mashed potatoes, casserole, and stew. Pickles Food items like pickles contain high amounts of salt and are to be avoided by the patients. One of the primary reasons behind it is that the high sodium content may further irritate the skin and even interfere with the activation of macrophages - the compound needed by the body to bring down inflammation levels. However, one can eat foods rich in vitamin B to boost the immune system. These can include eggs, spinach, green beans, and broccoli. Almonds Usually, almonds are considered incredibly healthy as they are excellent sources of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E. However, they also contain a considerable amount of arginine, the compound that triggers and causes a rapid increase in cold sores. Furthermore, regular consumption of almonds can also result in pain and discomfort. Thus, patients are advised to avoid the snack and consider probiotic-rich food like yogurt to combat the virus. Chocolate Dark chocolate has long been considered safe for consumption and even beneficial. However, chocolates contain arginine and can cause more harm than good. When one consumes foods rich in arginine, they aid in the replication of the virus in the body. Hence, people with cold sores are suggested to avoid the intake of chocolate and opt for lysine-rich foods to combat the activities of arginine. Some of the foods that may help clear an existing infection are cheese, fenugreek seeds, beef, and pork. In addition to avoiding the above-mentioned foods, one can also try a few home remedies to help with cold sores. This includes methods such as applying petroleum jelly over the affected areas and gently holding a wet towel against the sores for 5 - 10 minutes. However, it is suggested to seek the advice of a doctor before trying any home remedies. One can also consult a nutritionist before making any major changes to the food plan. This may help the patient alleviate pain and discomfort. Moreover, it can even aid in reaping optimum nutritional benefits without causing any deficiencies.

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