Your body is absolutely incredible as it is made up of cells, which makes your organs and tissues, which is why you are alive! Each organ in your body has a function that is specific.
But, did you know that there are some organs in your body that you can live without just fine? That is because some organs such as the heart or liver are vital, but there are others that are not. There are 9 organs that you can live a normal life without, and let’s go over them right now.
#9 – The Gallbladder
Your gallbladder is the small organ that is meant to concentrate and store bile from your liver. It does serve the function as helping to keep digestion optimized. However, your intestines can actually do that job just fine if you have to have your gallbladder taken out. And sometimes that needs to happen if bile in the gallbladder crystallizes and forms stones, which are gallstones. And those are painful and can be deadly as it can cause a rupture.
In a case like that, the gallbladder needs to be removed. And as long as the individual who has no gallbladder limits foods that are higher in fat, they can cope just fine.
#8 – The Spleen
The spleen is important for growing fetuses as it grows blood as well as defense cells. But after birth, the spleen no longer serves that purpose and it stores blood platelets as well as killing bad cells and creating antibodies. The bone marrow serves the same purpose. And if you have a serious injury that can cause the spleen to rupture, then it is essential to have it removed. You could live without a spleen but you may end up getting more infections as a result.
#7 – The Appendix
The appendix is an organ that likely is not even important anymore other than the fact it produces proteins to help the immune system fight off infections. But there are other organs that serve that purpose. If the appendix becomes inflamed and causes pain, it can burst which can be deadly. It needs to be removed and people who have no appendix are fine.
#6 – Kidneys
Yes, you need organs that filter out toxins as well as producing hormones that help keep blood pressure regulated. That is what the kidneys do. But you can live without one kidney, or you can go on dialysis if you don’t have either kidney that is working. It is best however to have a kidney transplant while you are on dialysis in order to have one functioning kidney again which means you will not need dialysis after that. And anyone who is living can donate a kidney if they are a match.
#5 – One Lung
You need one lung to live so you can breathe, but you don’t need two. The lungs are what keeps cells in the body alive by providing the oxygen we breathe in and removing carbon dioxide which is waste. However, one lung can do the job if you have to have another one removed due to cancer or a serious injury.
#4 – Reproductive Organs
You don’t need reproductive organs to stay alive. No, you will not be able to procreate, but you can get hormone replacements to keep your levels balanced without the organs. In cases such as cancer in male or female reproductive organs to the point that they have to be removed, it can be done. And as long as hormone replacements are taken, people’s lives won’t change.
#3 – Colon
The colon is responsible for the removal of the waste as referred to as ‘number two’ after digestion has taken place. However, in cases such as colon cancer, Chrohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or bowel obstructions and perforations, it can be removed. Instead what they can do is put a bag on the side where your small intestine is to remove waste so that waste is removed without the use of the colon.
#2 – Bladder
Like the colon, you don’t need your bladder. It is the organ in the urinary tract that is major as it holds urine that needs to be expelled. However, if it is a cancer risk, then it needs to be removed replaced with a special bag that is attached to the abdomen exterior which will allow urine to drain.
#1 – Stomach
It is surprising to learn that you can actually live without a stomach. However, if you have some serious genetic disorders as well as having it as a cancer risk, you are better off with having the entire stomach or even the partial stomach removed. The esophagus is then directly attached to the small intestine. This will require major dietary changes but solid food can still be digested.
Sure, having these organs removed would be highly inconvenient as lifestyles would have to be altered a lot. But it’s good to know that if you had to have any of these organs removed, you could live your life just fine even with adjustments.
