The liver

The liver is important because it is the main biotransformer organ of drugs. 

Drugs can be metabolized by oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, hydration, conjugation, condensation or isomerization; whatever the route chosen, the objective is to facilitate its excretion. There are metabolic enzymes in many tissues, but they are especially abundant in the liver. The speed of drug metabolism is not the same in all individuals. In some, the metabolism can be so rapid as to prevent the attainment of therapeutically effective blood and tissue concentrations; in others it can be very slow, with which normal doses can cause toxic effects. The speed of metabolism of drugs in different individuals depends on genetic factors, concomitant diseases (especially chronic liver diseases and advanced heart failure) and drug interactions (especially those involving induction or inhibition of metabolism). 

In the human adult it measures on average 26 cm wide, 15 cm high and 8 cm thick at the level of the right lobe, its approximate weight is 1.5 kg. The liver is located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity, below the diaphragm and above the stomach, the right kidney and the intestines. 

Eat a balanced diet: Eat whole grains, nuts, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats; Avoid saturated fats, sugar and sodium.

 Exercise regularly: According to liver specialist Steven K. Herrine, M.D., professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, exercise helps maintain a reasonable body mass index, and this protects you against NAFLD and NASH. 

Drink in moderation: Drinking too much alcohol is the second most common cause of cirrhosis, after hepatitis C, and a risk factor for alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver and cell destruction) and fatty liver or steatosis. Not all people who drink heavily develop liver disease, but limiting drinks to one per day will reduce the risk of alcohol-related liver disease. 

Beware of supplements: many medications can affect the liver but there are more and more supplements (such as green tea extract) that can lead to serious and sometimes chronic liver problems.