Liver
The liver is an extremely important organ, for animals and humans. The functions of the liver are of vital interest, and can be divided into three groups:
* The function of the liver concerning the blood
The liver is a relatively large organ that contains a considerable amount of blood. In the foetal stage, the liver produces red blood cells. After birth, the liver is an important storage organ for iron; iron is important for the functioning of the red blood cells.
* The liver as the producer of bile
Red blood cells are replaced on a regular basis. During the breakdown of “old” erythrocytes (red blood cells), bilirubin is released. The liver alters the bilirubin to a water soluble form and then it is excreted in the bile. After storage in the gallbladder, the bile leaves the body through the intestines.
Bile not only contains bilirubin, but bile acids as well. These bile acids help with the digestion of fat in the intestines. When the bile acids have done their job in the intestines, they are absorbed by the body and return to the liver. The liver secretes them into the bile again. This way a large proportion of the bile acids are recycled, and the liver needs to produce only a small amount of “new” bile acids.
* The liver as an important link in metabolism
The liver is an important organ in several metabolic processes. In addition to storing and releasing lipids (fats) and carbohydrates, the liver can also transform amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) into carbohydrates. The liver also produces proteins; several of these are important for the clotting of blood. The production of some lipids (fats), better known as VLDL, LDL and HDL also takes place in the liver. The liver removes “unwanted” products from the body. Waste products are processed in the liver and are excreted through bile or urine. The same goes for medicines; some of these are converted in the liver, so that the body “can get rid of them”.
During the detoxification of waste products, free radicals are produced. To make sure that these radicals do not damage the tissue, they should be neutralized by antioxidants. An example of such an antioxidant is glutathione.
Finally the liver also stores vitamin A, B12 and D.
Food supplements that support the liver
Liver conditions occur quite often in pet animals. Some of these conditions cannot be cured; the veterinarian will try to do his/her best to keep the animal from deteriorating, and try to let the animal function as well as possible. There are food supplements that can support the functioning of the liver and that can even contribute to a partial recovery of liver tissue. By giving food supplements one can support the condition and the well-being of a patient, in a natural way, without side effects.
There are a few ingredients that influence the liver in a positive way and are frequently used in supplements for the liver:
* S-AdenosylMethionine (SAMe)
The body produces SAMe from methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). SAMe is very important for detoxification processes in the liver and for the production of antioxidants like, for example, glutathione. The concentration of SAMe in the body decreases during aging and during certain illnesses or liver problems. To support the detoxification processes and to stimulate the antioxidant production, SAMe is a very useful substance. SAMe can even protect the liver from harmful influences such as, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
* Gluta-Syn® whey protein isolate
Gluta-Syn® is an undenatured milk serum protein isolate from whey. This protein is extensively tested and stimulates the immune system and the antioxidant production. Gluta-Syn® provides lactoferrin, alpha-lacto albumin and serum albumine which are proteins that contain glutathione precursors (Glutamate, Glycine and Cysteine).
* DiMethylGlycine (DMG)
DMG is broken down in the body into substances that are used to produce hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, nucleic acids but SAMe as well. DMG stimulates the immune system and increases the production of SAMe.
* Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Milk Thistle contains several flavonoids, including silymarine, and has been used as a supplement for the liver for a very long time. It acts as an antioxidant, stimulates the production of bile and appears to be able to protect the liver from harmful influences.
