Why is maintaining liver and kidney health closely linked with the prevention of diseases?

Think of the liver as a big factory in the body for metabolism and distribution of nutrients. The liver takes up toxic substances and converts them into harmless substances, or discharges them from our body. It also performs many vital metabolic functions including breaking down fat to produce energy, and absorbing fat with the help of bile. The liver also controls our blood sugar level. [1]

Nutrients and waste are carried throughout our body by red blood cells. These blood cells are like trucks; they carry nutrients to and collect waste from different parts of our body, working 24/7 nonstop. The pair of kidneys work as filtering stations for the blood. They remove wastes and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help to keep the level of chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. The kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells. [2] The function of the kidneys is closely related to the condition of the blood and also the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and discharge waste.

The main reasons for decreased liver and kidney function are:

1. Organs are over-worked due to toxicity. (Taking in too much sugar and fat, heavy metals, toxins and chemicals from diet) [3]
2. Virus attack or diseases. (This includes hepatitis virus, HIV, cancers etc.)
3. Aging. As we age, the function of our organs will naturally decrease, and our metabolism slows down.[4]

When our liver and kidneys are over-worked or their function decreases, our body’s ability to process waste, toxins, fats, sugar, etc. will be reduced. This might lead to decreased metabolism and hormonal imbalance, causing toxic substances and waste to stay in our body. The wastes in the bloodstream will be carried to and eventually build up in different parts of the body. When the body can no longer deal with these substances, problems will arise, such as: fatty liver, NASH, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers etc. [5]

The build-up of fat and lack of exercise can cause fatty liver, NAFLD and NASH; alcohol can cause liver damage and high salt and sugar diet can damage kidney function. Along with aging, these are the main causes for liver and kidney damage which could greatly affect the body’s ability to detoxify. From this, we know that decreased liver and kidney function is closely linked with diseases, especially NCDs. Apart from a healthy diet and adequate exercise, the protection of liver and kidney function is also key to the prevention of diseases.