The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It helps filter toxins from the blood, process nutrients, store energy, and produce certain chemicals essential for human life. Despite its importance, many people do not pay attention to their liver health until a problem becomes severe.
What you should know is that liver problems can begin gradually without major symptoms. Therefore, it is good to be aware of some of the signs indicating that the liver needs help.
1. Yellowing of the Eyes or Skin
This is one of the most noticeable signs of liver problems.
A person may observe:
~ The whites of the eyes turning yellow
~ The skin starting to turn yellow
~ Dark urine
This occurs due to the buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the body.
2. Severe Fatigue and Lethargy
If the liver is not functioning properly, the body cannot process energy well.
A person may:
~ Feel tired constantly
~ Lack energy
~ Get fatigued without doing much work
~ Feel heavy
3. Loss of Appetite
Liver problems can affect how the body processes food.
A person may:
~ Lose interest in eating
~ Feel nauseous
~ Vomit sometimes
~ Get full quickly
This can lead to weight loss over time.
4. Pain or Heaviness in the Right Side of the Abdomen
The liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen.
If it is having trouble, a person may feel:
~ Pain
~ Heaviness
~ Pressure
~ Discomfort on the right side of the abdomen
5. Swelling of the Abdomen or Legs
When liver problems become severe, fluid can start to accumulate in the body.
This can cause:
~ Abdominal swelling
~ Leg swelling
~ Ankle swelling
This is among the signs that the problem requires medical attention.
6. Severe Itching of the Body
Some liver problems cause certain substances to build up in the blood.
This can lead to:
~ Itching all over the body
~ Itching without a rash
~ Restlessness, especially at night
7. Dark Urine and Pale Stool
Changes in the color of urine and stool can be important signs of liver problems.
A person may notice:
~ Very dark urine
~ Grayish stool
~ Pale or lighter-than-usual stool
8. Easy Bruising or Bleeding
The liver helps produce chemicals that aid in blood clotting.
If it is compromised, a person may notice:
~ Easy bruising on the skin
~ Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
~ Slow blood clotting when injured
9. Excessive Sleepiness or Confusion
If the liver fails to filter toxins properly, they can build up and affect the brain.
A person may experience:
~ Forgetfulness
~ Lack of concentration
~ Excessive sleepiness
~ Confusion
10. Unusual Bad Breath
Sometimes, severe liver problems can cause a distinct odor from the mouth due to the buildup of certain substances in the body.
What Things Damage the Liver?
~ Hepatitis B
~ Hepatitis C
~ Excessive alcohol consumption
~ Severe obesity
~ Diabetes
~ Taking medications without professional medical advice
~ Some traditional remedies of unverified quality
~ Fat accumulation in the liver
How You Can Protect Your Liver
~ Get health check-ups from time to time
~ Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
~ Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
~ Eat a healthy diet
~ Exercise regularly
~ Maintain a healthy weight
~ Avoid using needles or personal grooming tools of another person
~ Take medication only on the advice of a qualified health professional