The liver is vital for detoxification and metabolism, but can succumb to disease and ailments such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholism. Recognizing symptoms such as jaundice, light-colored stool, bloating, fatigue, and loss of appetite can prompt medical care to avoid liver transplant. Preventative measures include proper diet and avoiding excessive alcohol, drug, and medication intake.
Being the largest organ in the body, the liver plays a very important role in the detoxification process of the human body by eliminating poisons and toxins. The liver also plays an important role in the body’s metabolism, among other critical functions. Being such a vital organ, proper care is imperative to overall health.
While the liver is durable and regenerative, it is entirely possible that it succumbs to disease and ailments. Common liver problems stem from hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholism. Without proper care and nutrition, the liver can experience functional difficulties and even shut down. If it shuts down completely, liver transplants are sought.
In addition to maintaining a proper diet, taking care of your liver should also include being able to recognize the symptoms of liver problem. A proper diet is an important preventative measure, but being familiar with the symptoms of liver problem can help you seek medical help promptly if you have liver problems. Seeking proper medical care promptly once such symptoms are identified can help avoid a necessary transplant or worse.
Jaundice is the most significant of all symptoms. Recognized by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, the cause of jaundice often includes too much of the bile pigment called bilirubin. When the liver doesn’t metabolize the body’s bile as it should, the skin and eyes can discolor. Jaundice can be a symptom of hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease.
Symptoms of liver problems can also show up in stool. Light colored stool, including gray and tan stool, suggests a problem. Stools may become light or pale if the body doesn’t make enough bile or if bilirubin is blocked from passing through the intestines. Both causes of light colored stools are a clear indicator of liver disease. (It could also suggest gallbladder problems.)
Bloating can also mean a liver problem. This symptom can occur due to a buildup of gas in the digestive tract and fluid retention in the abdomen. Women may confuse bloating with a regular menstrual cycle and therefore should be aware if it occurs more frequently.
Excessive tiredness and mental confusion can also mean liver problems. The cause of fatigue, as it is related to liver disease, can be an alteration in the body’s production of melatonin. Approximately 30-55% of cirrhosis patients have been noted to have sleep disturbances.
Other symptoms of liver problems include: dark urine, excessive itching, vomiting blood, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
An increase in alcohol or drug intake, along with excessive weight gain and medication abuse can contribute to liver problems. By educating yourself, eating right, and taking other preventative measures, you can proactively help reduce your risk of liver disease.
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