Liver And Gallbladder: know the basics and functions of your liver
and gallbladder in your body. What are the problems associated with
liver and gallbladder? Also know the symptoms of stones in your
liver and gallbladder.
A large and a meaty organ of the human body, the liver is located
towards the right side of the stomach. It weighs around 3 pounds and
is reddish-brown in color that feels rubbery on touching. It is not
possible to feel the liver normally as it is protected by the rib
cage.
The liver is largely divided into two main sections called the left
lobe and the right lobe. The gallbladder is located under the liver,
with parts of the intestines and pancreas along. The
liver and gallbladder together with
these organs work in close cooperation to process food; absorb and
digest it.
The main task of the liver is filtering of the blood descending from
the digestive path, before it can further pass the blood to the rest
of the system. Even the detoxification of chemicals and metabolism
of drugs is an important function of the liver. The liver is also
responsible for the synthesis of proteins important for clotting of
blood and other associated functions.
Functions of the liver and the gallbladder
The
liver and gallbladder
are metabolically active organs responsible for performing many
vital functions of life. Some of the functions of the
liver and gallbladder
are:
Excretion and production of bile salts
Excretion of cholesterol, bilirubin, drugs and other hormones
Liver and gallbladder
perform metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
Activation of enzymes
Storage of minerals, glycogen and vitamins
Liver and gallbladder
also perform synthesis and production of plasma proteins like
albumin, and blood clotting factors
Blood purification and detoxification
Bile salts are continually being produced and secreted by the liver
into the bile ducts in differing amounts. Some of the bile is
transported directly into the small intestine and some bile is
carried into the gallbladder. The gallbladder is responsible for
storing the bile so that it can be squirted from the bile ducts into
the small intestine for breaking down the fats after you have
consumed a meal containing fats. Gall bladder also acts like a
reservoir or a temporary storage that stores excess bile on
encountering pressure in the bile ducts. Hence
liver and gallbladder are essential
organs performing vital roles in the digestive process.
Conditions and
problems associated with liver and gallbladder
Several problems associated with the
liver and gallbladder
is found in people suffering from random digestive problems:
Hepatitis: it is a kind of inflammation happening in the liver
that is usually caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C.
There are non-infectious causes too for Hepatitis, which include
allergic reactions, heavy drinking, obesity or drugs.
Cirrhosis: when the liver is damaged for a long term basis from
some cause, it can result in permanent scarring known as
cirrhosis. The liver gradually loses its ability to perform
well.
Liver cancer: hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common
liver cancer type, always occurs mostly when the patient is
suffering from cirrhosis.
Liver failure: several causes might be responsible for liver
failure such as infection, excessive alcohol consumption and
genetic diseases. It is harmful both to the
liver and gallbladder.
Gallstones: these are stone formations that can stick in your bile
ducts that drain the liver. In such cases, bile ducts infection and
hepatitis can result.
Symptoms that you might be having gallstones in your liver and
gallbladder
Having and suffering from gallstones in
the liver and gallbladder
has become a common problem today. Because of the laid-back and
unhealthy lifestyle of people and lack of nutritional food, these
gallstone symptoms of liver and gallbladder
are a common sight today. Read on more to see if you are
experiencing any.
Symptoms
that you have gallstones are often termed as a gallstone
"attack" since the attack occurs suddenly.
A typical gallstone attack can result in steady pain felt in the
upper abdomen that will increase rapidly, lasting from half an
hour to several hours.
Experiencing severe pain in your back or in between the blades
of the shoulder or feeling pain under the right shoulder along
with vomiting and nausea.
Gallstone
attacks usually occur after fatty meals, and they also might
happen during the night times.
Other commonly seen gallstone symptoms are indigestion,
abdominal bloating, recurring intolerance towards fatty foods,
etc.
People going through or experiencing any of the above stated
symptoms should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms of
gallstones in the
liver and gallbladder
are similar to the symptoms of a heart attack, ulcers, appendicitis,
hernia, hepatitis and pancreatitis. So, you must go for an accurate
diagnosis before it’s too late as it can prove harmful for your
life.
Apart from that, following a healthy lifestyle, eating a
well-nourished and balanced diet and frequent intake of herbal
therapies if you experience any of these symptoms like Glytamins can
go a long way in bringing you back to life and reducing your
symptoms!
