Hepatitis is one of those diseases that people speak of in hushed whispers. But how many people really know the truth about the debilitating disease, the hallmark of which is inflammation of the liver?

Globally, 250 million have hepatitis C, and it is estimated that there are 300 million thought to be carriers of hepatitis B. Before learning about the problems associated with hepatitis, it's important to know what exactly the liver does for the body.

The Liver

The liver is the biggest gland in the body, weighing in at three pounds. It is also the largest internal organ, taking up most of the upper right-hand abdominal cavity. The liver’s functions include:

•    Filter toxins and other harmful substances out of blood

•    Makes certain amino acids, the building blocks of protein

•    Converts glucose to glycogen and then stores it in the liver

•    Decomposes red blood cells

•    Production of hormones

•    Stores minerals and vitamins A, B12, D and K

•    Maintains proper glucose in the blood

•    Produces 80 percent of one’s cholesterol

•    Synthesizes plasma proteins

•    Produces main substance of urine, urea