Your Spleen Keeps You Clean!

More than likely, you’ve heard the diagnosis “ruptured spleen,” as your favorite TV doctor rushes a trauma patient in for emergency surgery. Other than hearing the word a few times, what do you really know about the spleen?

The spleen seems to be a forgotten organ of the body, but it’s an important support system for some of the body’s most vital functions.

Where is it and what does it look like?

Your spleen is located on the left side of your abdomen, underneath the diaphragm. It sits to the left and slightly behind an organ that you’re probably more familiar with, your stomach. The spleen is purplish in color, and some would say it resembles a small catcher’s mitt. If you clinch your fist really tight, that’s about the size of your spleen.

What does it do?

Your spleen operates much like the kitchen staff of a large restaurant. It filters, produces and stores. A restaurant kitchen staff receives multiple packages of produce from outside vendors. Produce from those packages must be inspected for rotting pieces, mold or any abnormalities that won’t produce quality menu items. Abnormal produce will be discarded, while good quality produce will be used to make appetizing dishes or stored away for future use.

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Your spleen receives blood via the splenic artery. It filters the blood and removes the red blood cells that are damaged, abnormal or old. The spleen uses lymphocytes to produce white blood cells that fight off germs and bacteria which are present in the blood stream. The spleen also acts…

 as a storage center for platelets, and red and white blood cells.

Conditions of the spleen

Although the spleen is a powerhouse organ, like any other organ in your body it can be impacted by disease. Here are some of those conditions:

• Splenomegaly – This is an enlargement of the spleen that can be caused by liver disease, mononucleosis (mono), cancers like leukemia or lymphoma and tuberculosis
• Sickle Cell Anemia – The abnormally shaped red blood cells that are characteristic of sickle cell anemia can cause damage to the spleen
• Thrombocytopenia – With splenomegaly, an abundance of platelets can be stored in the spleen. As a result, there aren’t enough platelets being released back into the blood stream. This leads to a low platelet count in the body

Your body works harder without your spleen

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The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system ensures that the body maintains proper fluid levels, removes foreign invaders from the lymphatic fluid and absorbs fat from the digestive tract. Pretty important stuff, right?

You can live a healthy life without your spleen, but other organs will have to work harder to maintain your body’s normal functions. If your spleen ruptures from an injury, or if your spleen must be removed (called a splenectomy), the liver will take over the spleen’s job. A healthy liver can take on those additional tasks, but you are more susceptible to infections without your spleen.

Ways to keep your spleen happy

To ensure that your spleen is working to keep your body free and clear of viruses and bacteria, here are some things that…

 you can implement:

• Limit your alcohol intake – Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to liver cirrhosis. This can cause damage to the spleen. If you’re a female, one drink per day is considered moderate, and only two if you are a male
• Play it safe – If you are a daredevil, or like to participate in contact sports, wear protective gear
• Buckle up! – Wearing your seatbelt will help to minimize injuries and impact during an accident that may lead to a ruptured spleen
• Don’t share your silverware! – Sharing silverware, cups and plates can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause infection of the spleen
• Practice safe sex – Contracting sexually transmitted infections can lead to an enlarged or infected spleen, so wrap it up, every time!
• Eat warm, cooked foods – Warm foods are easier for your digestive system to process than cold, raw foods. The spleen puts in less work when your digestive system does
• Anti-inflammatory foods – Consuming foods like sweet potatoes, walnuts, figs, cabbage, fish and lean meats help to ward off inflammation in the body and spleen
• Sweeten it up a tad – Sweeteners, in moderation, like pure maple syrup, molasses, raisins, raw cane sugar and raw honey help to stimulate the spleen to work at its optimum.

So, the next time you hear the word “spleen,” you’ll know that this small, yet powerful organ helps keep your body clean and free of harmful invaders. Take care of your spleen, because you’ll only get one!