When we eat rich foods like cake, pie, and ice cream, the digestive system breaks the food down into very fine sugar-like particles (glucose). These are carried by a vein, called the portal vein, to the liver. Liver cells decide whether the organ will utilise or store the glucose. When we over-do sweets or starchy food, the liver must work harder to keep the amount of sugar in our blood at a healthy level. Researchers on arthritis have found that the liver of a great many arthritics is extended by this effort. The liver cannot throw off sugar for energy utilisation as quickly for arthritics and diabetics as it does for people without these disorders. Protein, too, must be forwarded through the liver. Protein is to be found in lean meat, fish, and dairy products. Most protein—after it is broken down into its by-products—is shuttled to the liver. Here the by-products are subjected to the liver's fancy. The liver cells decide whether to store the protein, or send it into the bloodstream. My research indicates that a person with arthritis should be on a high protein diet. A Rich Liver means Poor Joints Just as in the case of proteins, the liver grabs up carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Because it is first in line, the liver takes everything it needs from food and becomes healthy—at the expense of the rest of our body. No wonder the liver can regenerate up to 75 per cent, of itself, being the only gland which can practically rebuild itself, if need be. But, as arthritics, we are not interested in repairing the liver ... we are concerned with regenerating joint linings and cartilage. What foods and materials can we use? While the lining or cartilage of an arthritic joint is in the early stages of becoming worn, any repair substance escaping past the liver will be of great help. Again, the best substance to dodge the liver is our friend cod-liver oil.