Sitting on the right side of the belly under the lungs, the liver weighs about 3lbs and is necessary for human survival.  Liver plays a major role in over 200 bodily functions and utilizes millions of cells for metabolism including protein synthesis, glucose storage, detoxification and hormone production.  The only human organ capable of regenerating itself, the liver can utilize its own blood cells to regain normal liver function.

There have been documentaries done about eating fast food, alcoholism and the environmental dangers of pesticides and chemical pollution that cause liver cirrhosis.   Everything we eat and drink, medicines we get from the doctor and alcohol we consume all have to be filtered by your liver and kidneys.  The liver essentially filters out the unnecessary waste products in the blood and keeps the body clean on the inside.

Today people that live in Kentucky have ample opportunity to obtain faster, lower quality food substance that bombard the liver with more chemicals and acids than ever before.  My personal opinion is that consuming lower quality foods will contribute to organ disease and increase the risk for all types cancers.   Coupled with a decrease in physical activity our body has no chance to burn off extra calories.  The obesity epidemic of the nation, especially in Kentucky, has grown to over sized proportions.

My point is to help make people aware of the liver so they won’t take it for granted.  Many are unaware of the damage they are doing until they develop symptoms and the damage has already been done.  My biggest pet peeve is obesity because having excess body fat around the midsection impedes organ functions to the point that even the liver can’t do its job to fight infections and promote a healthy body.

If you are more than 10lbs overweight and consume processed and fast foods reguarly then you could be at an increased risk for developing liver complications down the road.  My #1 suggestion is to DETOX your liver by eating more fruits and vegetables and fortifying your liver with the vitamins and minerals that it needs.

Some of my favorite vegetables are the Cruciferus Vegetables (Cruciferae, New Latin for “cross-bearing” from the shape of their flowers, whose four petals resemble a cross)

• 1.    broccoli
• 2.    cabbage
• 3.    brussel sprouts
• 4.    bok choy
• 5.    rutabaga
• 6.    mustard seed
• 7.    radish
• 8.    wasabi
• 9.    collard greens

By eliminating all the extra carbs, starches and sugars from your diet and eating more fruits and vegetables, specifically the “crossed” kind, you will promote healthy liver function and help your body’s metabolism to burn more stored body fat.

That’s eating with purpose, that’s eating to live! 

Can you lose 10lbs?

 Is your liver worth it?

About the author:  David has made physical fitness and healthy living a lifelong quest.  He is the owner of a local fitness studio in Bowling Green.  He holds a M.S. in Excercise Science from WKU and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. He shares tips on fitness and nutrition on his personal blog at www.dnfitness.worpress.com