The liver is one of the most important and complex organs in the human body. Although it does not always receive the attention it deserves, it performs essential functions that keep us healthy. Here, we want to explain its fundamental role in the body, the most common liver diseases, ways to prevent them, and the key laboratory tests used to monitor its condition

Why is the liver so important?

Located in the upper right part of the abdomen, the liver is the body’s largest internal organ. It functions as a kind of chemical center, responsible for regulating and processing different substances such as nutrients, vitamins, and hormones that are essential for our health. Among its most important functions, we can highlight:

1. Nutrient metabolism: The liver transforms nutrients from food into substances useful for the body, such as glucose, proteins, and lipids
2. Detoxification: It acts as a natural filter that removes toxins and harmful compounds from food, drugs, alcohol, and chemicals.
3. Storage of vitamins and minerals:The liver stores vitamins (A, D, E, K, and B12) and minerals such as iron and copper, releasing them when the body needs them.
4. Bile production: Bile, a substance produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, facilitates the digestion and absorption of fats in the intestine.
5. Blood glucose regulation: The liver stores glycogen, which it then converts into glucose when the body needs extra energy, helping to maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

What are the implications of liver health on overall well-being?

By carrying out so many important functions, the liver plays a crucial role in our overall health. A healthy liver allows the body to metabolize nutrients, eliminate toxins, and maintain the balance of many vital functions. However, when the liver is affected, symptoms such as fatigue, digestive problems, and difficulties in fighting infections may appear. Keeping the liver healthy is essential for a good quality of life

What are the main liver diseases?

There are several conditions that can compromise liver function. Among the most common are:

1. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses (hepatitis A, B, or C), alcohol abuse, or excessive consumption of medications.
2. Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis): Accumulation of fat in the liver. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic in origin, the latter being associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
3. Cirrhosis: Scarring of liver tissue as a result of chronic damage, often caused by chronic hepatitis or prolonged alcohol consumption. Cirrhosis severely affects the liver's ability to perform its functions.
4. Liver cancer: It can arise as a result of chronic liver disease, especially in cases of cirrhosis and hepatitis.
5. Liver failure: When the liver loses its ability to function properly. It can occur acutely (suddenly) or chronically (progressively).

Key points for preventing liver disease:

Most liver diseases can be prevented through healthy habits, such as:

1. Eat a balanced diet: Choose fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods that overload the liver.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese are risk factors for fatty liver disease. Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet to promote proper liver function.
3. Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol is one of the main causes of liver damage. If you decide to drink, do so in moderation to protect your liver.
4. Get vaccinated against hepatitis: Hepatitis A and B vaccines are effective in preventing viral infections that can affect the liver.
5. Avoid unnecessary use of medications and chemicals: Some drugs and toxic products can damage the liver if consumed in excess. Always follow medical advice and avoid misuse of medications.

Complement your healthy habits with the right checkup:

Getting regular laboratory tests allows you to detect liver problems in their early stages, even before visible symptoms appear. At Laboratorio Médico Echavarría, we offer the Vital Health Check: Liver Functiona set of tests designed to evaluate how the liver is working and to detect abnormalities in time. This check-up includes:

• Total and direct bilirubin: They measure the level of bilirubin, a product of red blood cell breakdown, which rises in cases of liver disease.
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): Liver enzymes that increase when the liver is damaged or inflamed.
• Alkaline phosphatase: An enzyme that, when elevated, may indicate problems with the liver or bile ducts.
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): Indicator of liver damage, especially in cases of alcohol abuse or medication use.
• Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH): Enzima que puede reflejar daño hepático o tejido afectado.
• Complete blood count IV (automatic method): Ayuda a identificar anemia o infecciones, que son comunes en enfermedades hepáticas.
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and Prothrombin time (PT): They measure the blood's ability to clot, which is affected in people with liver problems.

Protect your liver for a happy and healthy life.

The liver is an essential organ for maintaining the balance of multiple processes in the body. Keeping it healthy is key to ensuring a good quality of life and preventing serious diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding risk factors, and undergoing regular laboratory tests are fundamental steps to guarantee its proper function. At Echavarría Medical Laboratory, we are committed to your liver health and provide reliable diagnostic services to safeguard your well-being.