From the Research
The liver does not have a specific "pump frequency" as it is not a pumping organ like the heart. The liver functions continuously through metabolic processes rather than rhythmic contractions. Blood flows through the liver via the hepatic portal system, which delivers nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs, and the hepatic artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood. This blood flow is passive, driven by the heart's pumping action and pressure gradients in the circulatory system, not by any pumping action of the liver itself. The liver processes approximately 1.5 liters of blood per minute, filtering it for toxins, metabolizing nutrients, and performing its many other functions through enzymatic and cellular activities. If you're concerned about liver function, monitoring liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and other markers like bilirubin through blood tests is more relevant than any concept of pumping frequency. Maintaining liver health involves avoiding excessive alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet.
Some studies have investigated the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of liver disease, with medications such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1, 2. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that PEG plus lactulose resulted in early resolution of hepatic encephalopathy and improved 28-day survival in acute-on-chronic liver failure 1. Another study published in BMJ Open Gastroenterology found that PEG led to a higher drop in the Hepatic Encephalopathy Scoring Algorithm (HESA) score and thus led to a faster resolution of hepatic encephalopathy compared with lactulose 2. However, these studies do not provide information on liver pump frequency, as the liver does not have a pumping function.
In terms of liver health, it is essential to prioritize factors that reduce morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life, such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet. Some studies have also investigated the association between proton pump inhibitor therapy and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, finding that proton pump inhibitor use was independently associated with hepatic encephalopathy 3. Additionally, there is a need for more treatment options and preventive care interventions to reduce the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy and mitigate its socioeconomic impact on families and strain on healthcare resources 4. Lactulose has remained a standard pharmaceutical intervention for hepatic encephalopathy and is listed as one of the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines 5.
Overall, the concept of liver pump frequency is not relevant to liver function or health, and instead, it is crucial to focus on maintaining liver health through lifestyle modifications and monitoring liver function through blood tests. The most effective way to prioritize liver health is to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and follow a balanced diet. By prioritizing these factors, individuals can reduce their risk of liver disease and improve their overall health and quality of life.