What is the liver?  

The liver is an organ located on the right side of the body underneath the lower ribcage.

• It is connected to gallbladder and is involved in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
• Blood carrying contents of the stomach and intestines flows directly to the liver, because the liver has a large role in protecting the body from harmful substances.
• The liver is also integral to countless other metabolic processes.  It produces more proteins than any other organ in the body.

What exactly does the liver do?  

The liver:

• Stores and Mobilizes Energy
  • Controls Blood Sugar (Glucose)
    • Regulates Glycogen
  • Regulates Fat Storage
• Aids Digestion
  • Produces Bile
• Regulates Blood Clotting
  • Manufactures
    • Clotting Factors
    • Other Blood Proteins

(During gestation the liver, forms blood in place of bone marrow.)

• Produces Several (Non-Reproductive) Hormones
• Manufactures Cholesterol (a certain amount of cholesterol is beneficial) 
• Filters Blood
  • Eliminates Bacteria
  • Detoxifies Poisons
    • Externally-Derived Poisons
      • Alcohol
    • Byproducts of Metabolism
      • Bilirubin
    • Breaks down Drugs
• Produces Vitamins
  • Vitamin D
• Stores Minerals
  • Iron
• Produces Essential Immune System Factors
• Monitors, as Well as Manufactures, Countless other Blood Proteins, to Maintain the Proper Levels of Numerous Chemicals in the Body

     (For information on some of the specific enzymes and other proteins produced by the liver, see Liver Function Tests)

Sources:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
               American Liver Foundation
               American Academy of Family Physicians 

The material in this article is provided for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice or diagnosis, consult a healthcare provider. For a physician referral, click the button above.