The Key Liver Function: Energy Metabolism
The liver is the largest organ of our body. It is responsible for many vital functions and is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of many substances. It is located in the upper right side of the abdominal cavity, resting just below the diaphragm. The main functions of the liver are Protein synthesis, fat (cholesterol) synthesis and storage, carbohydrate (glucose) storage and release, production of bile, production of urea, removal of many drugs and substances from the body, metabolism of some hormones.
The liver has an important job of cleaning harmful components within the human body. In addition, the liver adjusts beneficial nutritional elements so that the body can use them. Liver cleansing can be valuable to this process. For liver cleansing and regeneration, it is necessary to consume appropriate foods through a healthy diet that nourishes the body.
What is the importance of maintaining a metabolic balance?
Metabolism is regulated by enzymes and hormones that control our vital functions. Enzymes activate body functions and play critical roles in chemical conversion processes. Hormones secreted by various organs in our body (such as insulin secreted from the pancreas) interact directly with many control systems and regulate all energy-related functions of the body.
Our enzymes and hormones need building materials to function, and they get them from food. If the necessary nutrients are not provided in sufficient quantities, the metabolic balance can easily be disturbed. Metabolic disturbance can cause excess weight and many metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and liver diseases caused by malnutrition.
In metabolic balance, glycemic loads and metabolic characteristics of the person are considered, as opposed to the calories from the foods consumed. Metabolic balance is not a hard-to-maintain thing that fills the stomach with tasteless, salt-free, fat-free, light, or appetite-suppressing artificial foods. It is a healthy eating habit that ensures that the food that the body needs are prepared and consumed in the most natural form, in the most delicious way, in ideal sizes, and sustainable with a lifetime of pleasure.
What can be encountered in the short/long term when this balance cannot be achieved?
To maintain metabolic balance:
- Energy intake should not exceed energy expenditure,
- Dietary content should contain enough proteins, vitamins and minerals, and essential fatty acids;
- Diet should provide satiation effect;
- The diet should be suitable for daily use and be sustainable;
- The diet should be suitable for an individual’s taste and habits;
- And it should contain enough fiber and protein.
If the metabolic balance cannot be achieved in the body, insulin balance may deteriorate, and resistance may develop. Metabolic balance aims to keep the body’s insulin balance at an average level. Doing this prevents the deterioration of the balance of hundreds of insulin-dependent hormones and the organs they control, and protection against disease develops. People who achieve metabolic balance can eventually achieve ideal weight and health. At the same time, they can become self-sufficient in healthy nutrition and manage their weight. According to the metabolic balance, healthy nutrition is not a short-term trend, but a sustainable nutrition and metabolism program. It must be permanently integrated into a person’s life to be healthier and fitter. If people decide to return to their old, unhealthy eating patterns, they shouldn’t be surprised when they realize they can’t maintain their target weight. However, when people realize that healthy eating is an elixir of life and decide to stick to it, they end up rewarding themselves with health, vitality, self-confidence, and ideal body weight.
Importance of Weight Management for Liver Energy Function
The liver serves as a vital organ that works on many crucial issues for the body. The liver is one of the organs responsible for burning fat. Maintaining the health of our liver is a crucial way to lose weight effectively, step by step. Still, sometimes the foods we eat can have inevitable consequences on our health. If the liver is not properly cared for, this organ becomes filled with toxins, overworked, and even lubricated- a condition that is often the result of obesity. It cannot be assumed that the liver will remain healthy no matter what. When the liver is overloaded, the immune system is weakened, and you get sick more easily. There can become an accumulation of fat, and a fatty liver can lead to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Also, lipids and toxins in the liver make weight loss very difficult.
The Effect of a Healthy Diet on Liver Health
Some of the many vital liver functions are the storage of vitamins and minerals, production of blood coagulation factors, enzyme and protein synthesis, storage of fat and sugar, and the removal of alcohol, drugs, and toxic substances from the body. Because of all these, a healthy liver is needed for a healthy life. Some issues should be considered throughout life to protect liver health. These include avoidance of alcohol and cigarettes and unnecessary drug use, exercising regularly, staying away from stress, having regular health checks, and eating a healthy diet. In particular, an unhealthy eating plan causes fatigue and lubrication of the liver, damaging the organ. For this reason, providing a balanced diet ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrate and ensuring body weight management is essential for liver health.
Disordered eating can often lead to an unhealthy diet. When a meal is skipped, there may be a desire to eat more at the next meal. In addition, when main meals are skipped, most people may turn to unnecessary snacks more often. Suppose people with fatty liver also have insulin resistance and weight problems; in that case, they should pay special attention to regular nutrition to get rid of these problems and reduce their fat level.
