Did you know that the largest functioning organ in your body is the liver? It is also one of the most important organs too being one of the big five. The average liver will weigh around five pounds and its job is to metabolize substances like medication and chemicals as well as filter blood.
One of the main functions of the liver is to digest and absorb food with the help of the gallbladder. When the liver fails due to various diseases like cirrhosis, then the entire body functions can shut down within 24 hours. However not always are liver problems serious although if neglected they can graduate to a serious problem.
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Your liver works 24 hours a day filtering and purifying blood at the rate of a liter per minute. It is a massive production chamber where 13,000 chemicals are produced in the body as well as 80% cholesterol. In spite of this important fact, the liver is taken for granted where people don’t realize that the liver is responsible for a healthy heart and brain function. Poor liver function or liver damage sends out signs and symptoms that should never be ignored. Here are the signs of liver damage.
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One of the earliest and initial indicators of liver damage is stomach problems and an upset stomach. This can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. However, you should realize that an upset stomach can be the cause of several other conditions including just an upset stomach or infection so don’t jump to conclusions too early till you get a good diagnosis. If you find it happening too frequently, then consult a doctor immediately. It could mean that your liver isn’t removing toxins effectively causing the upset stomach.
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Tiredness is common when you have had a long day at work or are tired from housework but unexplained tiredness and fatigue indicate a problem which could be liver damage. Even if you are eating healthy and sleeping well but still find yourself weak and tired, it is time to go for a checkup. A dysfunctional liver means the body needs to put in more effort to take over the functions of the liver which makes you tired. It is a sign that toxins may be absorbing protein from the blood which is necessary for energy and that’s the reason s your body is slowing down.
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A dysfunctional liver results in excess bile buildup that in turn results in poor digestion of fat. Undigested food leads to poor appetite and weight loss.
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Indigestion is another cause of liver damage as it means nutrients are not being processed effectively to be absorbed by the smaller intestine. Liver damage leads to poor bile production that causes conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, poor alcohol intolerance, constipation and bloating.
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Even if you are eating healthy and drinking adequate liquids but your urine is discoloured, then it is one of the early signs that your liver is damaged. In liver damage, the urine tends to be brownish, amber or orange that signifies the presence of excess bilirubin in the blood.
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Due to the absence of bile, the color of your stool may soon look grey or pale yellow. However, when this happens sometimes, there is nothing to worry about as other factors could also cause the change in color. But if this happens frequently, then consult your doctor.
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Jaundice is a sign of liver problems. In liver damage, red blood cells responsible for transporting protein break down and bilirubin replaces them in the bloodstream. This causes the condition of jaundice that turns your skin and eyes a yellow color.
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Pain and cramps in the lower abdomen not related to stomach infections or menstrual cramps could be a sign of damaged liver or ascites. Ascites is the condition when there is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen and is an early sign of liver damage.
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While kidney damage causes fluid retention, liver damage also causes the condition. Swollen hands and feet indicate fluid retention. However, because many diseases are associated with fluid retention, it is essential that you consult your doctor immediately.
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Excessive itching is a sign of liver damage which results in flaky and sensitive skin. You may even observe your veins being more noticeable where you could find you bruise easily. This will go away only when your liver is healthier. You could use a moisturizer to protect your skin.
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The most famous sign of liver disease or damage is a pain in the upper right area of your rib cage where the liver is located. Sometimes it can be really painful or it can cause a dull ache.
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Clotting is also assisted by the liver but when the liver is damaged, blood clotting is reduced and it leads to intestinal bleeding. Intestinal bleeding can also cause constipation and diarrhoea.
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