What is Healthy Liver Function?
A healthy liver efficiently performs hundreds of vital functions, essential for overall well-being. It acts as the body's central processing unit, constantly working to filter blood, metabolize nutrients, and produce essential substances.
- Blood Filtration: The liver continuously filters blood, removing toxins, harmful substances, and waste products. This cleansing action is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy internal environment. [Source: Cleans toxins (harmful substances) out of the blood. Gets rid of old red blood cells.]
- Nutrient Metabolism: It processes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, breaking them down into usable forms for the body's energy needs and various metabolic processes. [Source: Metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats so your body can use them.]
- Bile Production: The liver produces bile, a vital fluid that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile helps carry away waste products. [Source: Production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion]
- Vitamin and Mineral Storage: The liver stores essential vitamins and minerals, releasing them as needed to maintain optimal bodily functions. [Source: The Importance of a Healthy Liver - It regulates blood sugar, makes vitamins, maintains blood at...]
- Protein Synthesis: The liver plays a crucial role in synthesizing proteins necessary for various bodily functions, including blood clotting and immune response. [Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine - Production of certain...]
- Waste Removal: Beyond toxin removal, the liver helps remove old red blood cells and other waste products from the bloodstream, contributing to overall bodily detoxification. [Source: Gets rid of old red blood cells.]
- Cholesterol Regulation: The liver helps regulate cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health. [Source: 5 Ways to Be Kind to Your Liver | Johns Hopkins Medicine - It also adjust cholesterol...]
Indicators of Healthy Liver Function:
While many liver functions happen internally without noticeable symptoms, regular blood tests can assess liver health. These liver function tests (LFTs) measure levels of enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. Normal ranges vary, but examples include:
- ALT (Alanine aminotransferase): 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
- AST (Aspartate aminotransferase): 8 to 48 U/L
- ALP (Alkaline phosphatase): 40 to 129 U/L
- Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
- Total protein: Specific ranges vary based on the laboratory.
[Source: Liver function tests - Mayo Clinic]
Note: Abnormal LFT results can indicate liver damage or disease; consult a healthcare professional for interpretation.
