Why the liver is the body’s most misunderstood organ

Most of us think about the liver as simply being the body’s filtration system that acts as a sponge that removes toxins from our bloodstreams. But the truth is it performs many more functions that are vital for our health such as acting as the primary organ in regulating our metabolisms, storing essential nutrients our bodies can draw from in times of need, and even producing proteins that help our blood to clot when we’re injured. However, changes in our lifestyles over the past several decades are leading to an alarming rise in the prevalence of damage and disease to this essential organ. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Quin Wills, a researcher and CEO of the biotech company Ochre Bio, who specialises in developing innovative new treatments to combat liver disease. He talks us through the many functions the liver performs in our bodies, explains some of the most common causes of the rise in chronic liver disease and looks forward to the future to detail some of the cutting-edge treatments that may be on the horizon to combat this growing issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices