Diary 354: The liver’s story

This is what our liver is telling us.

I store the iron reserves you need, as well as a lots of vitamins and other minerals. Without me, you would not have the strength to carry on!

I make bile to help digest your food. Without me, you would waste away to nothing.

I detoxify poisonous chemicals you give me, and that includes alcohol, beer, wine and drugs (prescribed and over-the counter) as well as illegal substances. Without me, your “bad” habits would kill you.

I store energy, like a battery, by stockpiling sugar (carbohydrates, glucose and fat) until you need it. Without me, the sugar level in your blood could fall drastically and you would go into a coma.

I make the blood that got your system going even before you were born. Without me, you would not be here.

I manufacture new proteins that your body needs to stay healthy and grow. Without me, you would not grow properly!

I remove poisons from the air, exhaust smoke and chemicals you breath. Without me, you would be poisoned by pollutants!

I make clotting factors that stop the bleeding when you accidentally prick yourself. Without me, you would bleed to death!

I help defend you against the germs going into your body all the time. I take those cold germs, flu bugs and other germs you encounter, and knock them dead – or at least weaken them. Without me, youwo ld be a sitting duck for every infection known to man.