Quite frankly, not everyone needs a liver detox or cleansing. If you eat a perfect diet on a fairly regular basis…lots of healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and very little processed or fast foods, your liver may be in great shape. In this case, a detox program is probably not necessary.

The plain truth of the matter, however, is that the average person does not always put the right types of foods and beverages into his or her body these days.

Another scary realization is that even if you enjoy a wonderfully healthy diet, exercise frequently, drink lots of water and get sufficient sleep, the poisons and toxins in the air you breathe can still keep your liver from functioning properly.

This is why a liver detox is becoming a popular option for people who are looking for holistic approaches to improving their health. Continue reading →

The liver is the largest gland organ in the human body.

It secretes a fluid called bile which is necessary for digesting fats so that they can be easily absorbed by the intestine. It has an average weight of 3 pounds and is located in the upper right area of the abdomen, just underneath the diaphragm and to the right of the stomach. It receives 1.5 quarts of blood every minute through the portal vein and hepatic artery.

Within the liver are tiny cells called hepatocytes which are mainly responsible for the hundreds of functions of this gland in the body. Aside from producing bile for fat breakdown, below are the functions of a robust liver in maintaining a healthy human body.

Carbohydrate Synthesis

The liver plays a vital role in the metabolic synthesis of carbohydrates. A well-functioning liver can synthesize 100 grams of glycogen through the process of glycogenesis for carbohydrate metabolism. It is also responsible for the production of glycerol which is necessary for the synthesis of glucose by breaking down fat cells. Continue reading →