The Function of the Heart Is So Important, Then Love Him

Some healthy people may not realize what the liver or liver functions for overall body health. Some liver functions include destroying toxins in the blood, producing protein, and helping the digestion process. When the liver has been sick, then they realize the importance of this organ. Don't wait until your heart aches to realize how important this organ is. The liver has many vital functions in maintaining survival. The liver is the largest gland in the body. In adults, the average liver weight is 1.4 kilograms. This brownish red organ is located in the upper right abdominal cavity, exactly under the diaphragm and to the right of the stomach. Normally, you cannot feel this organ because it is protected by the rib cage. Under the liver, there is a gallbladder as well as a portion of the pancreas and intestines.

Understanding the Various Functions of the Heart for the Body

Here are some liver functions:

• Destroying old red blood cells. This process will turn the stool brown. However, if the stool is pale or even white, or the color of the urine becomes darker, it can be a sign of a problem in the liver, such as hepatitis caused by a virus. In addition, the eyes and skin that turn yellowish or known by the public as jaundice can also indicate problems with this organ. This condition can be caused by the accumulation of bilirubin or the result of the breakdown of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a compound in red blood cells that occurs when red blood cells are broken down.
• Cleanse the blood of dangerous compounds, such as poisons, drugs, and alcohol.
• Helps metabolize protein by converting ammonia to urea, which is excreted with urine by the kidneys.
• Saves energy to the body in the form of glycogen and converts it to glucose when blood glucose levels are low.
• Store folic acid, iron, and several vitamins, such as vitamins A, B12, D, and K.
• Producing cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as their carrier proteins so they can be flowed in the blood.
• Producing proteins, such as albumin, which are useful for maintaining fluids in the body's circulatory system. Protein which acts as a factor for blood clotting and the immune system is also produced by the liver.
• Producing hormones, such as growth hormone in children.
• Producing bile, which is responsible for helping digestion of food.

Liver Function Test or Test

To monitor the condition of the liver or liver is needed to examine liver function or also called liver function test. The point is to detect potential liver or liver disease, such as hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver damage caused by consumption of alcoholic drinks and certain drugs. In addition, if you experience symptoms of jaundice, liver function tests also need to be done to help diagnose whether the symptoms are caused by liver disease. The various functions carried out by the liver make various chemical compounds produced and circulate in the bloodstream. Therefore, liver function tests can be done by taking blood samples to check the chemical compounds. The pattern of the results of blood tests can help determine which compounds are excessive or reduced levels causing problems. Here are some compounds that are usually measured in liver function tests:

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT)

ALT has another name for Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT). This is an enzyme that is useful to help process proteins. Levels of this compound will be high when the liver is injured or inflammation, as in hepatitis.

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Also called Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT). This is also an enzyme in the liver. If the level is high it usually describes a problem in the liver.

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

This is an enzyme that forms in the liver and bones. In patients with bone disease or some types of liver disease and bile ducts, levels of alkaline phosphatase compounds in the blood will be high.

• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

An enzyme produced by the liver, but can also be found in other organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, heart and brain. Gamma GT examination together with other liver function test components is performed to assess whether there is interference with the bile duct or liver.

• Albumin

This is the main protein produced by the liver and enter the blood circulation. Low albumin levels can indicate some types of liver problems or can also be caused by malnutrition.

• Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a compound made from hemoglobin. This compound gives a yellowish or greenish color to the bile. High levels of bilirubin in the blood cause jaundice (jaundice). Types of bilirubin that are examined in liver function tests include unconjugated bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, and total bilirubin.

• Protein

Measurement for all proteins in the blood. The types of proteins examined include total protein, albumin, and immune factors.

In addition to liver function tests that measure the above compounds, other tests may be needed to help confirm the diagnosis or monitor problems in the liver. Other tests also take blood samples, but the measured ones are different, namely blood clotting tests and immunological tests to detect the presence of viruses or antibodies. If needed, your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound examination of the liver. To maintain liver function in a fit condition, implement a healthy and balanced diet, and prioritize vegetables and fruits. Required protein intake can be obtained from lean meat or skin, nuts and legumes. Limit fat intake to a maximum of 20 percent of the total consumption of all foods. Last and not least, don't forget to exercise regularly. If there are complaints related to liver dysfunction, you can consult a specialist in internal medicine.