What are the functions of the liver?
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Many people may think that the liver's function is only to remove waste and toxins from the body, but in fact, the liver has more functions than that to make the body's processes complete.
The liver does not only have the function of eliminating waste and expelling toxins, but it also has many other functions such as creating bile which is responsible for digesting fat and expelling waste in the intestines. The liver creates proteins related to immunity, so if the liver is not good, the body's immunity will not be good either. The liver will function to convert growth hormone into IGF-1. If the liver does not function well, it will not be able to convert growth hormone into IGF-1, resulting in the growth hormone functioning for only a short period of time. The liver is responsible for maintaining blood sugar and blood fat levels. When sugar is eaten, the liver will convert it to glycogen, which will be a reserve energy while walking, exercising, and sleeping when the body does not receive energy from the food we eat. In order to maintain blood sugar levels, the liver will break down glycogen into blood sugar levels and break down fat around the abdominal cavity for energy. The liver uses mitochondrion to burn sugar and fat for energy.
The liver and sleep are related because the liver works both during the day and at night. If we do not sleep or wake up at the same time, the liver's body clock will be distorted. Studies have found that the liver will work better if our body clock is regular, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time. During the day, we should go out and get a lot of sunlight. Eating the first and last meals before going to bed at the same time will make our body clock regular.
In the case of those who work at night or work in shifts that are not in line with the body clock, it will affect the body's work processes and the repair of worn out parts. There are changes at night. The liver expands and divides to replace and repair worn out cells. There is an increase in the production of mitochondria. Protein is created to be used as a precursor for various enzymes and glycogen is broken down into sugar for use.
The liver is an internal organ that has many functions and works all the time. Therefore, it should be taken care of in order for the liver and other organs of the body to be able to function well. Simple ways to take care of the liver that everyone can do are to eat the right food, have a bright mood, go to bed early and remove toxins from the body.