What Is The Spleen For? How To Take Care Of It?

The spleen plays an essential role in digestion and the immune system. This organ is the size of a fist and is located on the left side of the abdomen, just below the ribs. It may have been inflamed at some time or, on the contrary, you may never have noticed its existence. Be that as it may, it is always appropriate to know a little more about the body and how to care for it.

Surely you have ever heard that certain people have had their spleen removed, either by accident or illness. What happens then? Is this organ so indispensable? The answer to this question is yes.

People who live without a spleen are more prone to infections and certain diseases because of their close relationship with the immune system. Hence, it is essential to keep it healthy and strong. Let’s learn a little more about this organ below.

What functions does the spleen have?

The spleen is an indispensable part of the immune system. It filters the blood and pounds of antigens, destroys old blood cells, and works intimately with the lymphatic system. In addition to this, it produces a type of elements that protect us from bacteria.

During digestion, the spleen transforms food and carries nutrients. It is also essential for creating iron stores and for storing platelets.

Regarding its conformation, this organ is made up of two types of tissues: a red part and a white part. The latter is related to the immune system and produces lymphocytes. The red part, meanwhile, acts as a filter and stores blood with platelets and elements that act as antibodies against certain viruses and bacteria.

Can you live without a spleen?

Whether due to a traumatic accident or illness, many people are forced to live without a spleen. This can be removed through a process called splenectomy .

The curious thing about this reality is that, when the body no longer has the spleen, the liver is the one that assumes many of its functions, although not all. However, these people, in the long term, will be much more sensitive to infections and certain diseases, since the liver cannot compensate for the immune function of the spleen.

What diseases can affect you?

A swollen and swollen spleen is often a symptom of another underlying condition that a doctor will have to detect, of course. We will notice if we feel pain on the left side, under the ribs. On the other hand, we will also have a fever and we will not feel hungry for long periods of time. This is because the swollen spleen presses on the stomach and gives us a false feeling of fullness.

This organ can also suffer from hemolytic anemias.  It is a type of anemia in which the spleen becomes altered and ends up destroying more red blood cells than it should, especially those that are in good condition.

Another problem that you may suffer from is idiopathic thrombotic disease.  In this case, what the spleen does is destroy platelets. The main symptom is the appearance of small red spots on the skin.

Finally, we must mention thrombocytopenic thrombotic disease.  It is a disease that affects the capillaries and is related to the immune system. Those who suffer from it usually have a fever, small hemorrhages and anemia.

How to take care of the spleen?

These are some suggestions that must be respected in order to properly care for this important organ:

• Avoid foods that are difficult to process and digest. Cut down on white bread, white pasta, processed sugars, and red meat.

• Stay hydrated: drink enough water a day, avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks.
• Increase the consumption of foods with fluoride, such as parsley, carrots and grapes. There are other foods that also nourish the spleen and take care of it. For example: ginger, leek, garlic, onions, and cinnamon.
• If you want to take an infusion, opt for the dandelion: it is a plant known for its properties that help maintain the functions of the spleen.

In addition to all this, it is very appropriate to have an oatmeal smoothie with apple in the morning. To do this, take three tablespoons of whole oats, a glass of water, and an apple; then, pass all the ingredients through the blender and obtain a very homogeneous smoothie.

Drink it fresh. If you do this for ten days a month, you will take care not only of your spleen, but of your health in general.

In short, the spleen is an organ that not everyone considers, but that each person needs. Therefore, take the necessary measures for their care for an action that is highly recommended and that we should all follow.