If you wnat to assess your liver function, one simple way is to visit a TCM doctor or Ayurvedic doctor. You can also have a series of tests with allopathic doctors (such as blood tests to evaluate liver enzymes). You could also simply assume that past exposure to harmful chemicals together with the fact that you have an eye disease is sufficient to indicate that you would benefit by directing some of your healing efforts toward your liver.
Here is some info about the liver from Dr. Sandra Cabot's website. Notice the liver's important role in detoxifying chemicals we ingest such as pesticides.
The liver is the cleanser and filter of the bloodstream and is of
vital importance. It is the largest organ in the body and has an
enormous amount of blood flowing through it every minute of our lives.
It is between 8 - 9 inches in its greatest diameter, 5 - 6 inches in
its greatest height and 3 - 4 inches in its depth, weighing around 42
to 56 ounces.
What are the functions of the liver?
- It
is responsible for the production of bile which is stored in the
gallbladder and released when required for the digestion of fats.
- The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen which is converted back to glucose again when needed for energy.
- It
also plays an important role in the metabolism of protein and fats. It
stores the vitamins A, D, K, B12 and folate and synthesizes blood
clotting factors.
- Another important role is as a
detoxifier, breaking down or transforming substances like ammonia,
metabolic waste, drugs, alcohol and chemicals, so that they can be
excreted. These may also be referred to as "xenobiotic" chemicals. If
we examine the liver under a microscope, we will see rows of liver
cells separated by spaces which act like a filter or sieve, through
which the bloodstream flows. The liver filter is designed to remove
toxic matter such as dead cells, microorganisms, chemicals, drugs and
particulate debris from the bloodstream. The liver filter is called the
sinusoidal system, and contains specialized cells known as Kupffer
cells which ingest and break down toxic matter.
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