Many people are aware that the liver is one of the body's most important organs, but not everyone fully understands exactly what makes it so vital. The liver, located just beneath your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen, is actually your body's largest internal organ. This powerhouse is responsible for filtering your blood, detoxifying chemicals, metabolizing drugs, producing bile to aid digestion, and storing sugar as glycogen for energy.

But when the liver isn't functioning as it should, its ability to perform these necessary tasks drops, and your body starts to send out distress signals. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference for your long-term health.

1. Persistent Itching and Skin Irritation

One surprising yet common sign of liver trouble is persistent itching (medically known as pruritus), often accompanied by general skin irritation. When your liver is unable to efficiently flush out waste and toxins, these substances build up in your bloodstream. A major culprit is bile salts, which are meant to be excreted into your digestive system. If they accumulate in your body, they cause irritation that's felt on your skin as relentless itching – sometimes so severe it disrupts sleep or daily life. You may also notice your skin appearing unusually dry, flaky, or showing unexplained rashes.

2. Unexplained Fatigue and Weakness

Everyone feels tired now and then, but chronic and unexplained fatigue is one of the earliest indicators of liver dysfunction. The liver helps process and store energy from your food; when it's struggling, energy production slows, leaving you exhausted despite adequate rest.

3. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)

Jaundice develops when your liver can't properly process bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells. Excess bilirubin turns the skin and the whites of your eyes yellow. Besides its distinct color change, jaundice is a crucial warning that shouldn't be ignored, as it often occurs in the face of significant liver disease or obstruction of the bile ducts.

4. Swelling in the Abdomen or Legs

If you start to notice swelling or bloating in your abdomen (known as ascites) or in your legs and ankles (edema), your liver may not be producing enough proteins, such as albumin, which help keep fluid in your bloodstream. Instead, fluid leaks out into your tissues, causing uncomfortable or even painful swelling.

5. Dark Urine or Pale Stools

Another tell-tale sign is a change in the color of your urine or stool. Dark-colored urine and pale or clay-colored stools can result from an issue with bile production or flow. This typically means the liver is unable to excrete bilirubin efficiently, and it ends up in your urine rather than your stools.

Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

Your liver is essential to your wellbeing. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, don't dismiss them or self-diagnose. Consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and the right treatment. In many cases, early intervention can help prevent further damage and even reverse liver disease.

To keep your liver healthy, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and get regular checkups. Your body may not always tell you what's wrong in obvious ways, so learning to listen to its signals is always a wise choice.

Source: https://recepten.servi.tn/5-symptomen-die-erop-wijzen-dat-uw-lever-ziek-is/