Importance of healthy liver
The liver is a vital organ responsible for crucial bodily
functions. It continuously produces bile, aiding fat-to-energy conversion which
is important for digestion. It also removes toxins and harmful substances from
the body, helping in regular purification. Overlooking its care can result in
significant repercussions, often evident through subtle yet important signs.
Here we list some symptoms that indicate whether your liver is in a bad shape,
because recognizing these indicators is the initial step towards taking
proactive measures to protect your liver and, by extension, your overall
well-being.
Loss of appetite
A noticeable reduction in appetite can be an initial sign that
your liver might not be functioning optimally. Sudden change in food or eating
patterns and having an aversion to some of your favourite foods could also be a
sign of your liver not being in good health. The liver's involvement in
metabolism and digestion means its impairment can affect your desire to eat and
enjoy meals.
Nausea
Persistent feelings of vomiting, dizziness, and muscle pain can
serve as a symptom of liver distress. As the liver aids in processing and
removing waste products from the body, a malfunction will eventually lead to
nausea symptoms because of the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.
These 7 symptoms on the skin can help identify diabetes easily
Terry's nails are a medical condition characterized by a specific
appearance of the fingernails. In this condition, the nail beds (the area under
the nails) appear pale or white, often with a narrow band of normal pink or
reddish color at the tips. This can be caused by various underlying health
issues, dominantly liver damage. The altered nail appearance is attributed to
changes in blood supply and protein composition in the nails.
Blisters and scars on skin
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is a condition where the skin gets
easily hurt and forms painful blisters when exposed to sunlight. This happens
because of certain proteins (porphyrins) building up in your liver and then
moving into your blood and skin. These proteins make your skin very sensitive,
especially when you're out in the sun. This excess porphyrin accumulates in the
skin, making it sensitive and causing blisters, scars and increased hair
growth.
Dark neck creases
Excessive insulin in the body due to insulin resistance, often
associated with fatty liver disease and irregular liver function, can lead to
acanthosis nigricans. This condition is characterized by darkening of the skin
in certain areas like the neck crease, resulting from this surplus of insulin.
Discomfort in the upper abdomen
Experiencing discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right side of
your abdomen could signify underlying liver inflammation or congestion. The
discomfort might range from a mild, nagging sensation to a more pronounced and
persistent ache, depending on the extent of liver involvement. Monitoring and
assessing this discomfort can offer insights into potential liver health
concerns that might need immediate medical attention.
Yellowish tint on skin or eyes (Jaundice)
Jaundice, recognizable by the yellowing of the eyes and skin,
serves as a prominent indicator of compromised liver function. The liver's
challenge in processing bilirubin, a yellow pigment derived from the breakdown
of red blood cells, leads to its accumulation in the body, resulting in this
distinctive discoloration. Bilirubin, typically metabolized and excreted by a
healthy liver, can build up when the liver is not functioning optimally.
Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (Ascites)
Ascites, the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity,
can result from diminished albumin production by the liver. Albumin, a crucial
protein, helps regulate fluid balance. Ascites can cause discomfort, abdominal
swelling, difficulty in day to day movements and difficulty breathing.
Pale stools
Normal stools derive their brown color from bile produced by the
liver. If the liver isn't functioning optimally, it may produce inadequate
bile, leading to pale or clay-colored stools. This alteration in stool color can
serve as a noticeable indication of liver issues.
Unhealed bruise and wounds
The liver plays a vital role in producing essential proteins
necessary for blood clotting. However, when the liver is damaged, its ability
to generate these clotting proteins is compromised. This reduction in clotting
protein production leads to a heightened vulnerability to bruising even from
minor injuries. Moreover, the impaired clotting mechanism results in prolonged
bleeding from wounds that would typically clot swiftly.
If any of the above symptoms seem familiar, it is time to get checked by a medical professional to rule out any further complications and medicate as necessary.
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