The liver breaks down, deactivates and removes toxic substances that we may have ingested. These substances include things such as food additives, harmful minerals, toxic pharmaceuticals, alcohol and excess hormones.

However, fat can accumulate in the liver, which is detrimental to its function. A fatty liver occurs when too much fat builds up in liver cells. Lifestyle changes can help reverse fatty liver disease, but the liver cells can also sometimes be destroyed permanently.

The liver is also able to remove germs and break down harmful substances from blood. Hazardous substances in the liver are eliminated from the body with the help of bile. Other substances can be converted into a water-soluble form, which makes it possible for them to be removed from the body alongside urine.

However, not all toxic substances can be broken down by the liver. To prevent them from being absorbed elsewhere, the liver stores them in itself. These kinds of substances stored in the liver include many PCBs and heavy metals.