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One
of the main functions of the liver is to ensure that all the tissues
of the body receive the cholesterol and triglycerides they need to
function optimally. To achieve this, the liver takes up dietary
triglycerides and cholesterol from the bloodstream. When not enough
is available it manufactures it’s own. The liver then packages the
cholesterol and triglycerides, along with special proteins, into tiny
spheres called lipoproteins. The lipoproteins are released into the
circulation, and are delivered to the cells of the body. The cells
remove the needed cholesterol and triglycerides from the
lipoproteins, as they are needed.
Fatty
liver is a condition is which large deposits of triglycerides form in
the liver. It may be temporary or permanent. The condition is not
harmful in itself, but may indicate a more serious problem. In severe
cases, the liver can increase to over three times its normal size and
may be painful and tender. The most common cause of fatty liver is
alcoholism. The over-consumption of alcohol interferes with the way
the liver breaks down and stores fat. Malnutrition, pregnancy and
poisoning can also lead to this condition.
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