Your liver does a lot of work — it detoxifies your blood, produces bile for digestion, and stores energy. When it's not functioning correctly, you could be facing serious health issues.
It's important to look out for early signs of liver problems to catch them early and prevent further damage. If you suspect possible liver problems or want to check if your liver is in optimal shape, this article will discuss ways to know your liver isn't healthy and what you should do next.
5 Important Signs Your Liver May Not Be Healthy
Sometimes, you may not be sure if your liver is in the best perfect condition or not. To be sure about your liver's health, these are five things to look out for:
1. You're Yellow
Yellowing of the skin and eyes, also known as jaundice, is one of the most recognizable signs of liver dysfunction. Jaundice happens when the liver does not process bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown) properly, causing it to accumulate in the blood.
This causes your eyes and skin to turn yellow. If you notice this, seek medical attention immediately. You may be advised to undergo a full liver function test to determine the cause and its severity.
2. You're Always Tired
If you get tired without a reason, it could be a sign of liver disease. The liver is important in energy metabolism, and your body may struggle to maintain normal energy levels if the liver is compromised.
If you experience constant or prolonged fatigue, say even after taking a nap or when you're not doing anything, consult a healthcare provider. They'll perform blood tests and imaging to assess your liver function and recommend lifestyle changes and treatments.
3. Your Abdomen Hurts, and Slightly Swollen
Experiencing pain in the upper part of your abdomen could mean your liver is inflamed or enlarged, which are common signs of liver diseases. Besides the discomfort, you could also be bloated or feel full when you've not eaten. Go for an ultrasound or CT to diagnose what's wrong. You may need to take some medications or change your diet and lifestyle.
4. Your Urine is Dark
Dark urine, like cola, could mean your liver is not producing bile effectively. It could also mean you're severely dehydrated. Visit a doctor for a liver function test and imaging studies. Your diagnosis will determine your next course of action.
5. Your Skin is Itchy All the Time
If your skin itches a lot, and you don't have a rash or a wound that is just healing up, it could be a liver problem. Itchy skin sometimes happens due to the buildup of bile under the skin when the liver is not functioning properly. It could be that or a skin reaction. See a doctor either way.
How to Know a Healthy Liver
Here's some tips to know if your liver is well:
- You have regular bowel movements at about the same time of the day.
- You're digesting your food well
- Your energy level is peachy
- Your weight is stable
Final Thoughts
It's important to look out for these signs regularly so you can catch and treat any liver dysfunction early. You should also be extra careful if you have a history of liver disease, alcohol consumption, or obesity. Eat balanced diets, exercise regularly, and avoid excessive alcohol intake.