Posted By Author on December 5, 2025
The liver is one of the body’s most vital yet often overlooked organs – quietly performing hundreds of essential functions every day. From filtering toxins and aiding digestion to storing nutrients and regulating metabolism, this powerhouse organ keeps the body in balance.
In a recent episode of the HealthLinks podcast, Charleston GI’s very own Dr. Nathan Shores takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the liver’s role in overall health, what can go wrong when it’s not functioning properly, and how proactive care can make a difference. Whether you’re curious about liver wellness or want to better understand how your body works, this discussion offers valuable information for patients throughout the Lowcountry.
The Importance of the Liver
It is commonly known that the largest organ in the human body is the skin. However, it is not as widely known that the liver is the second-largest organ. Your liver plays a vital role in your health and performs over 500 important functions daily.
On the HealthLinks podcast, Dr. Shores touches on just how important the liver is by noting, “Liver does a lot, if it wasn’t for the heart, I’d say it does the most” (1.24). Your liver’s largest job is filtering harmful substances and waste from your blood. The liver plays a crucial role in producing specific hormones, protecting cells, and is a vital component in bile synthesis. It facilitates the creation of proteins, such as clotting factors that regulate bleeding and albumin, which manages fluid pressure within the bloodstream.
The liver helps maintain stable blood glucose levels by storing glycogen (a form of glucose) and releasing it into the bloodstream to ensure consistent blood sugar levels. It also metabolizes toxins and pathogens, allowing them to safely leave the body through urine and feces. Furthermore, it breaks down fats in the blood to generate energy, with any excess potentially being stored as adipose tissue.
Cirrhosis vs Fatty Liver Disease
In the podcast, Dr. Shores makes a great comparison by explaining how fatty liver and cirrhosis may develop. “The liver can heal itself much like the skin. But the problem is just like the skin, if you damage it over and over again, it heals back plus scar tissue. So, you damage it (the liver) one day with fat, you heal the next day with scar tissue. You do this every day for 30 years; you end up with a mostly scarred liver” (6:55).
When this scarring occurs, you can be left with two things: cirrhosis or fatty liver.
Fatty liver disease is characterized by the buildup of fat cells in the liver. It’s primarily categorized into two types: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). While AFLD is linked to heavy alcohol consumption, NAFLD is often caused by factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, or lipid disorders. NAFLD is the most common form of liver disease in the country.
Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by the replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue. This condition doesn’t develop suddenly. Rather, it typically results from years of liver damage, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption or a long-standing, untreated disease.
Dr. Shores puts these differences into his own words, noting, “Cirrhosis indicates scar tissue. So, people can have fat in their liver, and their liver is pretty much the same organ that you are born with, except there’s some fat distributed through it. Cirrhosis is different. The organ is fundamentally changed. There are streaks of heavy bands of scar tissue running through it. It’s mainly a diagnosis of biopsy” (3:55).
Prevention of Liver Disease
At Charleston GI, our liver disease specialists are here to provide comprehensive preventive care. We tailor treatment plans to your individual condition and risk factors for liver disease.
Our prevention strategies include:
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle
- Conducting liver disease screenings
- Optimizing care for underlying conditions that can lead to liver disease
- Offering support for managing liver disease risk factors
Liver disease can exist with little to no signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is important for adults to have a relationship with a doctor. Dr. Shores touches on the importance of this, stating, “One of the most important things about managing your health is going to a doctor at least once a year, even when you feel well” (9:44).
The Takeaway: Protecting Your Liver Health
Your liver plays a vital role in keeping your body running smoothly, but it often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. As Dr. Nathan Shores shared on the HealthLinks podcast, understanding the liver’s function and taking proactive steps toward liver health can make all the difference in long-term wellness.
If you have concerns about your liver or digestive health, the expert team at Charleston GI is here to help. With convenient locations throughout the Lowcountry and a team of board-certified gastroenterologists, we provide the advanced care and personalized attention you deserve. Schedule an appointment with Charleston GI today to take the next step toward a healthier you.
