The liver is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients to the body and eliminating toxic substances, which makes its role extremely important. Here are seven early warning signs of liver damage or diseases that could be preventing the liver from functioning at its best.
1. Jaundice
Jaundice is known as the yellowing of the skin including the eyes and fingernails. The yellow hue is mainly due to the build-up of bilirubin responsible for filtering the toxins a person ingests.
2. Stomach Problems
A disinterest in food or digestive discomfort may be early warning signs of liver problems. Frequent attacks of acid reflux accompanied by indigestion could also be more pronounced symptoms.
3. Dark Urine
Any changes in urine color are an indicator of a problem within the body, most especially when the urine turns dark yellow. Similar to jaundice, a build-up of bilirubin can manifest as a much darker color of urine, which can eventually lead to bloody or black stool.
4. Swollen Abdomen
A swollen abdomen is known as cirrhosis, which is a serious progression of liver disease, caused by the build-up of fluid in the abdomen. Sometimes, the swelling may instead appear in the ankles which is accumulated fluid drawn down into the body, according to Natural News.
5. Weakness and Fatigue
It can be easy to dismiss weakness and fatigue as a normal side effect of a stressful life. However, low oxygen levels and waste accumulation due to a malfunctioning liver may also result to weakness and fatigue.
6. Confused and Disoriented
When toxins accumulate in the blood, the toxins will have a tendency to move to the brain and cause cognitive issues. Confusion, disorientation and problems with concentration are often the first early warning signs of toxin overload in the liver. Often times, cognitive issues also extend to forgetfulness, unresponsiveness and changes in sleeping patterns.
7. Persistent vomiting and loss of appetite
Stomach problems such as nausea or an upset stomach are early warning signs of liver damage since the liver's ability to eliminate toxins decreases. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are all reactions to excess waste products in the body, according to Health Living.
