The body often sounds the alarm when our health deteriorates. Unfortunately, we are not all able to hear it because we do not necessarily pay attention to the symptoms. The liver is one of the most important organs of the human body, indeed, its malfunction can lead to many diseases.
Awareness campaigns do not stop to inform us about different types of diseases so that we can detect them as soon as possible. Whether through testimonials from sick people or posters and free test days, knowing your body and identifying when it is going wrong is imperative to maintaining good health. It is for this very reason that we must become familiar with the different symptoms that characterize a deterioration of our organs, in this case the liver.
The liver and its role in our body
It must be known that the liver is one of the most important organs of the human body. According to The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, its role is to convert the nutrients absorbed by our body into metabolic benefits. In addition, it also makes it possible to manage the distribution of these nutrients by distributing them to the cells that need them, or by storing them temporarily. The liver also acts as a filter, because it transforms toxic foods into harmless substances, or expels them from the body in case it does not.
According to an article in Clinics in Liver Disease, the impact of pathogenic germs on the liver can lead to many diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, liver fibrosis, or acute liver failure.
11 signs that your liver is in poor health:
The symptoms related to the liver vary according to the progress of the diseases. However, The UK National Health Serviceprovides a list of the most common symptoms from the earliest to the most advanced:
A feeling of fatigue for no reason
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of a bad liver. It manifests itself through a feeling of lethargy and lassitude that characterizes many liver diseases.
A loss of appetite
If you see that you can no longer eat and your appetite is missing, it may be a reaction from your body to tell you that your liver is in poor condition.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can arise from a variety of sources, including migraines or food poisoning. However, when these effects extend too long, it can mean a liver problem.
Digestive problems
The liver is a key part of metabolism because it secretes bile that helps digest fats. When it is not working properly, it can easily lead to problems with digestion, diarrhea, or constipation.
Changes in the color of your urine
If the appearance of your urine changes to orange, brown, or amber, it means the liver is unable to eliminate the excess bilirubin produced. As a result, this substance passes into the kidneys, which creates this color change.
Changes in the color of your stool
Gallbladder problems have an impact on the color of the stool. If you notice that these appear discolored, pale yellow, or gray, it is usually a very clear sign that your liver is sick.
Signs of jaundice
Jaundice mainly affects the color of the eyes, the tongue, the fingertips, and the color of the skin. This symptom, which often stems from problems related to the gallbladder and pancreas, is due to high levels of bilirubin.
Abdominal pain
If you experience constant abdominal pain, this could be a sign that your liver is in poor condition.
Water retention problems
Generally, water retention is associated with kidney or lymphatic diseases, heart failure, or hormonal imbalance. However, this symptom may also occur in the case of liver diseases.
Your skin is scratching you
A liver in bad condition causes itchy skin. You will also notice the appearance of hematomas and veins more and more visible on the surface of the skin.
Bleeding in the intestines
Intestinal bleeding can be seen in the stool or vomiting. Red or brown / blackish, these are common symptoms of liver disease.
