The liver is a vital organ that has the ability to regenerate continuously but not indefinitely. Indeed, an unhealthy lifestyle such as alcohol or fat abuse, induces a faster deterioration of its cells and undermines this essential part of the body. Thus, it can no longer normally ensure its natural function, which is to digest food and rid the body of toxic substances.
The liver helps fight infections and cleans the blood. It also helps digest food and store energy when you need it. In good health, he has the surprising ability to repair himself when attacked. Many liver diseases exist, but whatever their type, the damage to your liver will usually progress in the same way. Whether your liver is infected with a virus, damaged by chemicals or attacked by your own immune system, the fundamental danger is the same: your liver will be so damaged that it will not work to keep you alive!
To avoid this, it is important to know the warning signs of an infection of the liver. We propose a list of 9 signs that should alert you to the status of this important body. It would be wise to do regular screenings if not, consult a specialist as soon as you see one of these signs or you have doubts.
Yellowing of the eyes
The change of eye color to yellow is the most worrying sign of liver disease. At the origin of this particular pigmentation is bilirubin. It is usually broken down by the liver to be removed from the body via the stool. In case of liver disease, it accumulates in the body and causes yellowing of the whites of the eyes
Pain in the abdomen
Upper abdominal pain may be directly related to a dysfunction that causes increased liver size and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This is usually caused by increased pressure in the blood vessels around the liver. It is thus urgent to consult to know if it is about liquid or simple gases.
Family history
Some liver diseases are hereditary. To avoid any risk, it would be wise to consult if you have a family member who has suffered from one of these diseases. Liver diseases of genetic origin include liver cancer, hemochromatosis and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Muscle aches
Following the dysfunction of the liver, the toxins are not properly eliminated and can thus impact your muscles. If your muscles hurt, if your legs are swollen or if you have bruises easily, you better consult.
Chronic fatigue
This symptom, when it is chronic and without having previously given the slightest effort, is always a harbinger of a major dysfunction of our organism. The liver can probably be the source.
The alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol can have an irreversible effect on your liver and lead to a serious illness of it. Naturally, the liver helps your body get rid of chemicals and toxins, but high alcohol consumption forces it to work harder and therefore to fatigue it faster.
Itching
Itching may be related to bile salts: Bile is a digestive substance produced by the liver. In people with primary biliary cirrhosis (an inflammatory liver disease of the bile ducts that causes the bile duct to collapse), bile can build up and cause visible symptoms, such as itching.
Change of color of stool and urine
Since the liver releases toxins from the body, it has a direct relationship with your stool: indeed, a disruption of its operation, automatically causes a change in the color of the urine. The color then changes to orange, amber, brown or even the color of the beer. In this case, you must contact a doctor urgently.
Bleeding
This is one of the rarest but most disturbing symptoms. Bleeding from the nose can be an indicator of deeper pain in the liver.
In any case, if you have one or more of these signs, it would be wise to contact a specialist to reassure you or at worst, to fight the evil in its infancy.
