Our liver is one of the most vital organs of our body. The liver is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances and aiding digestion.
Hence, we have compiled this comprehensive blog to help you understand liver damage and its warning signs. Moreover, we also provide practical tips and treatment options to protect your liver’s health.
6 Warning Signs of Liver Damage
Understanding the early signs of liver damage is crucial to take proactive measures to overcome liver problems. Thus, we have identified 6 critical liver damage signs that you must not ignore. Let’s look at them briefly below -
Liver Damage Sign #1 - Yellowing of Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
One of the first warning signs of liver disease is the yellowing of skin and eyes, also called Jaundice. This condition occurs when the liver cannot efficiently process bilirubin, a waste product formed from the breakdown of old red blood cells. Thus, when the liver is damaged, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to its deposition in the tissues, causing yellowish discoloration.
Liver Damage Sign #2 - Experience Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is one of the common signs of liver damage. Also known as pruritus, this liver damage sign occurs when the liver cannot efficiently eliminate toxins from the bloodstream. This leads to the accumulation of these toxins in the body. Thus, when the liver is impaired in its most crucial function, the bile salts, which aid digestion, may build up in the skin. And these accumulated bile salts can cause irritation and itching.
Liver Damage Sign #3 - Feeling Bloated (Abdominal Swelling)
Feeling bloated or experiencing abdominal swelling is one of the common liver damage signs. When the liver’s functionality is impaired, the fluids and toxins accumulate in the abdominal cavity; this condition is popularly known as ascites. As the liver’s crucial role in maintaining the fluid balance becomes impaired, the blood flow through the liver is obstructed, leading to increased pressure in the veins. This heightened pressure forces the fluids to seep out into the abdomen cavity, causing bloating and swelling.
Liver Damage Sign #4 - Spider Angiomas
Spider angiomas, also known as spider nevi or spider telangiectasias, are a common sign of liver damage or disease. Small, red, or purple, spider-like blood vessels appear below the skin's surface. The name "spider angiomas" comes from their appearance, with a central red spot surrounded by smaller blood vessels radiating outwards like the legs of a spider.
Liver Disease Association: Spider angiomas are associated with liver damage or liver disease, particularly conditions affecting blood flow through the liver, such as cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and chronic hepatitis.
Liver Damage Sign #5 - Urine Turns Darker in Colour
One of the noticeable signs of liver damage is a change in urine colour. The urine colour becomes darker than usual. Typically, the urine is pale yellow to amber. This urine colour is due to urochrome, a pigment produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells and filters waste from the blood. However, when the liver is damaged, it struggles to process the bilirubin, a waste product created during the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Thus, the excess bilirubin can enter the bloodstream and eventually get filtered into the urine, causing it to turn darker in colour.
Liver Damage Sign #6 - Confusion and Memory Problems
Confusion and memory problems are significant liver damage signs. These signs are often associated with a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. When the liver fails to filter toxins effectively, these substances can accumulate in the bloodstream and reach the brain. This leads to cognitive disturbances. Thus, one may experience confusion, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and even personality changes.
What Are Some Effective Tips To Overcome Liver Problems?
Now that you are well-versed with the warning signs of liver damage, it's time to equip you with practical tips to help support your liver’s natural healing capacity and promote overall liver health.
Tip 1 - Adopt a Healthy Diet that is Liver-Friendly
Adopting a balanced and liver-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. Try to include foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to support liver function.
Note - Reduce the intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars.
Tip 2 - Drink Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is the key to ensuring the overall health of your liver. This is because adequate water intake helps flush toxins from the body, lightening the liver's workload.
Note - Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, but individual needs may vary.
Tip 3 - Limit Consumption of Alcohol
This is one of the most crucial tips for maintaining liver health. Alcohol is a significant cause of liver damage. While moderate consumption of alcohol does not harm, overdoing it can lead to severe liver damage. Thus, try abstaining from alcohol for liver recovery.
Tip 4 - Maintain a Healthy Weight by Exercising Regularly.
The unused fats accumulated in the liver can cause inflammation and scarring. So to avoid this, one must maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly. You can engage in physical activities like walking, jogging, or yoga to maintain a healthy weight and reduce fatty liver deposits. Furthermore, exercise also boosts circulation, aiding liver detoxification.
Tip 5 - Set a Sleep Routine
The liver undergoes a regeneration and detoxification process when you are asleep. So set up a sleep routine for yourself, and get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Visit Jain MultiSpeciality Hospital for Liver Problems.
We hope this article has helped you understand the crucial warning signs of liver damage. These warning signs are meant to help you take proactive measures in seeking professional care earlier to ensure effective treatment of liver damage. So, seek a personal consultation with an experienced gastroenterologist at Jain MultiSpeciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. Our skilled specialists are equipped with the latest technology to safeguard your liver’s well-being.
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