What Does the Liver Do?
The liver is the behind-the-scenes engine of your body — every meal you eat, every drink you take, and even the supplements you swear by are filtered through your liver.
Here at Daily Dose, we’re all about making wellness simple and real. So, if you’re ready to understand how this organ works and why it’s worth your attention, you’re in the right place.
What Is the Liver?
The liver is a hardworking organ sitting on the right side of your body, just below your rib cage. It’s about the size of a football and has a reddish-brown color.
It’s made up of two main parts: the right lobe and the left lobe, connected by the hepatic duct and a network of blood vessels. These vessels bring blood to the liver, with the hepatic artery carrying oxygen-rich blood and the hepatic portal vein delivering nutrients from your digestive system.
Inside, the liver has tiny units called lobules that do most of the heavy lifting. These are packed with liver cells, which are like little workers taking care of vital jobs to keep your body running smoothly. It might not be glamorous, but trust us, the liver is essential.
What Does the Liver Do?
So, what exactly are the functions of the liver? Although this organ wears many hats, here are some of its main jobs:
Filters Harmful Substances
The liver filters your blood, removing harmful substances and waste products before they can cause trouble. Blood from your digestive system passes through the liver via the hepatic portal vein, where it’s screened and cleaned.
Manages Energy and Stores Nutrients
Your liver helps maintain steady energy levels by converting glucose into glycogen for storage. When your body needs an energy boost, it converts glycogen back into glucose. It also stores essential vitamins and minerals, like iron, so your body has what it needs when it needs it.
Produces Bile
The liver produces bile, a fluid that’s stored in the gallbladder and released into the first part of the small intestine when you eat. Bile helps break down fats into smaller molecules, making them easier for your body to digest and absorb.
Supports Blood Clotting
The liver produces proteins needed for blood clotting, like albumin. These proteins are vital for stopping bleeding when you get injured, ensuring your body can heal properly.
Regulates Cholesterol Levels
The liver is key to balancing cholesterol. It produces cholesterol and breaks it down into substances your body can use. This balance is essential for healthy blood vessels and overall well-being.
Processes and Stores Nutrients
The liver doesn’t just manage glucose; it also processes amino acids from proteins and stores carbohydrates for later use. It even converts some waste products, like ammonia, into urea so your body can safely excrete them.
What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Liver?
While the liver quietly does its job, certain symptoms can alert you that it may need some attention.
Here are some signs to watch for that could suggest your liver is not at its best:
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Persistent Exhaustion: If you're constantly feeling drained and rest doesn’t seem to help, it might be a sign that your liver isn’t effectively managing toxins and other byproducts.
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Jaundice: A noticeable yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes can indicate that your liver is having trouble processing bilirubin.
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Digestive Problems: Experiencing frequent nausea, a loss of appetite, or persistent indigestion can often be linked to liver health.
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Swelling in the Abdomen or Legs: When your liver isn't functioning properly, fluid can accumulate, leading to swelling — known as ascites in the abdomen and edema in the legs.
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Changes in Stool or Urine Color: Keep an eye out for unusually dark urine or lighter-colored stool, which can be signs of liver distress.
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Itchy Skin: Persistent itchiness can sometimes be related to liver difficulties due to the accumulation of bile products in the skin.
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Easy Bruising: If bruises start appearing more frequently and are harder to explain, it might be due to the liver struggling to produce enough clotting proteins.
Spotting these signs? It’s a good idea to have a chat with a healthcare provider. A healthy liver is key for overall wellness, and early detection can help maintain the support your liver needs to keep doing its essential work efficiently.
What Can Cause Poor Liver Health?
We’ve covered what the liver is, what it does, and how to spot when it’s struggling — but what can lead to poor liver health in the first place?
Let’s dive into some common causes that can put extra strain on this vital organ:
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Eating lots of fried, sugary, or overly processed foods can overwork the liver. These foods can lead to fat accumulation in the liver and impact its ability to function.
On the flip side, a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, veggies, and lean proteins can help keep it running smoothly.
Drinking Too Much Alcohol
The liver is responsible for processing alcohol, but too much can overwhelm it. Regular heavy drinking can lead to liver damage over time, so keeping alcohol intake moderate or opting for non-alcoholic alternatives can be a great choice.
Not Staying Active
Exercise isn’t just for keeping your muscles strong — it also supports liver health. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to fat buildup in the liver, so even a daily walk can make a difference.
Medication Misuse
Certain medications, if taken in high doses or for long periods, can strain the liver. Always follow the instructions on medications, and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about their effects.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Environmental toxins, like certain chemicals or pollutants, can make the liver work overtime to filter them out. Limiting exposure to these substances whenever possible helps reduce unnecessary strain.
How To Support a Healthy Liver
Your liver’s been there for you through it all — but how often do you stop to return the favor? Supporting your liver doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul.
Small, consistent steps can help keep this organ working at its best. Let’s start with a few simple changes:
Rely on Nature
Holistic remedies have been around for centuries, and when it comes to liver health, they’ve stood the test of time.
Ingredients like turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion, ginger, and orange have long been used to support the liver’s natural ability to filter out unwanted elements. These plant-powered ingredients can help maintain healthy liver function and keep things running smoothly.
Looking for an easy way to get these benefits without a kitchen full of herbs? Meet our Dose for Your Liver. It’s packed with bioavailable turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion, and more — all carefully formulated to cleanse your liver and maintain your body’s natural filter. Plus, it’s USDA organic, zero sugar, and comes in a refreshing orange flavor.
Stay Hydrated
Water might be the simplest tool in your health arsenal, but it’s one of the most effective. Hydration helps your liver flush out byproducts and maintain its natural filtration process. Without enough water, your liver has to work harder to keep your body in balance.
So, how much should you drink? The general rule is about 8-10 glasses a day, but your exact needs may vary depending on your activity level and climate. If plain water feels boring, try adding a splash of lemon, cucumber slices, or fresh mint for a little flavor boost.
Keep a reusable bottle with you to sip throughout the day.
Eat Foods That Are Good for the Liver
What you eat directly impacts how well your liver can do its job. Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients to give your liver the support it needs. Think colorful veggies, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and whole grains.
Need meal ideas? Start your day with an avocado and spinach smoothie, enjoy roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli for lunch, or whip up a hearty lentil soup for dinner.
Get Moving
Remember how we mentioned that exercise supports liver health? We weren’t kidding! Staying active helps your liver process nutrients, regulate blood flow, and keep unwanted elements moving out of your system. Physical activity can also help maintain a healthy weight, which is key for liver function.
If you’re new to fitness, don’t stress — you don’t need to sign up for a marathon tomorrow. Start small: take a brisk walk, try a short yoga session, or find an online workout video that suits your pace. Even 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise a few times a week can make a big difference. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Promote Healthy Cholesterol
Here’s the thing: healthy cholesterol levels and a well-functioning liver are like two sides of the same coin.
When cholesterol is in balance, it lightens the liver’s workload, making it easier to process nutrients and keep everything running smoothly. On the other hand, unbalanced cholesterol levels can put extra strain on your liver over time.
So, what can you do? Our Dose for Cholesterol was designed to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and keep your heart and liver working in harmony.
Packed with powerhouse ingredients like pomegranate, turmeric, and CoQ10, it’s formulated to support blood vessel flexibility and long-term heart health — all in a simple, daily shot. It’s an easy win for your wellness routine.
The Bottom Line
So, what does the liver do? A whole lot more than most of us realize. From filtering out unwanted elements to producing bile and managing energy, this powerhouse organ is central to keeping your body balanced and thriving. It works tirelessly behind the scenes, deserving a little extra attention and care.
At Daily Dose, we believe wellness is all about consistency and simple steps that support your body every day. That’s why our doses are crafted with clean, functional ingredients designed to fit seamlessly into your routine.
Whether it’s helping your liver, cholesterol, or beyond, we’re here to make wellness as easy and effective as it should be.
Sources:
Liver: What It Does, Liver Disease & Symptoms, Staying Healthy | Cleveland Clinic
Understanding Your Liver: Location, Function, and Complexity | American Liver Foundation