Of course, all our organs play an important role in maintaining our health, but it has to be said that one of the most important organs is our liver. It is not only responsible for detoxification, as it has many other roles to play.
The liver is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, maintaining blood sugar balance, lipoprotein synthesis and metabolism. A healthy liver significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases.
Sometimes the body does not need glucose for energy production, in which case the liver stores it in the form of glycogen. This is our organ responsible for glucose synthesis, but it also has the job of balancing blood glucose levels in response to insulin levels.
If the liver does not function properly, it can develop insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance and elevated blood insulin levels are key factors in the link between diabetes and liver disease.
Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is often associated with type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy liver is essential to reduce the risk of diabetes-related conditions and to maintain normal lipoprotein metabolism.
The liver also plays a prominent role in bile production, which helps in proper digestion, removal of toxins and breakdown of fats.
It also cleanses the blood of drugs and other harmful substances and stores iron. The liver also produces immune factors that remove toxins from the blood.
You can also protect the health of your liver with herbs. One of these is milk thistle, which contains an active substance called silymarin. It can help liver cells regenerate, reduce inflammation and, because it has antioxidant properties, it protects liver cells from damage.
Artichokes have been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a natural liver and gallbladder remedy. The active substance in artichokes is cynarin, which is found in higher concentrations in the leaves. In studies, cynarin has been shown to have both hepatoprotective and liver regenerative effects.
Dandelion can also be used for chronic liver diseases. It also has hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.