The liver is an essential organ that helps filter toxins from the body and aids in digestion. While it’s a resilient organ, it is also vulnerable to damage, and if that happens, it can lead to serious health problems.

It’s essential to pay attention to warning signs that your liver may not be functioning correctly. Below are ten warning signs that your liver needs attention.

1. Yellowing of the Skin

Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, a condition called jaundice, is a common symptom of liver dysfunction.

Jaundice can occur when the liver is unable to process and excrete bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is a byproduct of the broken-down red blood cells. While jaundice could be due to other conditions, it’s always best to consult a physician if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes.

2. Abdominal Pain and Swelling

Another warning sign that your liver needs attention is abdominal pain and swelling. Swelling in the abdomen, known as ascites, could indicate that there is a significant buildup of fluid in the abdomen.

Abdominal pain could indicate inflammation or infection of the liver or pancreas. While many conditions could cause abdominal swelling and pain, it’s crucial to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms, especially if they persist.

3. Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions, including liver dysfunction.

If you have been experiencing ongoing fatigue, despite getting enough sleep, eating well, and drinking enough water, it could be a sign that your liver isn’t functioning correctly. Chronic fatigue occurs because the liver is responsible for filtering out toxins, and if it’s not doing its job well, toxins could build up in the body, leading to fatigue.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting could be symptoms of many medical conditions, including liver disease. Nausea can occur when toxins accumulate in the liver, leading to an imbalance in the body.

Vomiting can occur when the liver produces too much bile or when there is an obstruction in the bile ducts. If you experience persistent nausea and vomiting, it’s essential to seek medical attention.

5. Changes in Stool Color

If you notice that your stool color has changed, it could be a sign of liver dysfunction. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin correctly, it could lead to a change in stool color, making it lighter or greasier than usual.

6. Skin Itching and Rashes

Itching of the skin and rashes could be an indication that your liver needs attention. When the liver is unable to filter out toxins, it could lead to the buildup of these toxins in the body, leading to skin irritation and rashes.

7. Easy Bruising and Bleeding

If you notice that you are bruising easily or experiencing prolonged bleeding, it could be a sign that your liver isn’t working correctly. This is because the liver produces clotting factors that help in blood clotting.

If the liver is damaged, it could affect the production of clotting factors, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.

8. Personality Changes and Confusion

Personality changes and confusion could also be warning signs that your liver needs attention. When the liver is unable to filter out toxins correctly, it could lead to an accumulation of these toxins in the body, affecting brain function.

This could lead to personality changes, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

9. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

Loss of appetite and weight loss could be symptoms of many medical conditions, including liver disease. When the liver isn’t functioning correctly, it could affect the digestive system, leading to a loss of appetite and weight loss.

If you notice ongoing loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss, it’s essential to talk to your doctor.

10. Fluid Retention

If you notice that you are retaining fluids, especially in your legs and feet, it could be a sign that your liver needs attention. Fluid retention occurs when there is an imbalance of fluids in the body.

When the liver isn’t functioning correctly, it could lead to a buildup of fluids in the body, leading to edema or swelling in the legs and feet.

Conclusion

The liver is an essential organ, and it’s essential to take notice when it’s not functioning correctly. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consider seeing a doctor to rule out liver disease or other medical conditions.