The liver is one of the most critical body organs necessary to support healthy living. The liver filters out toxins from the blood and removes waste from the body. It secretes a fluid called bile that helps with digestion and carries away waste material. It also makes albumin protein which prevents fluids from leaking into the surrounding tissues, according to the Columbia University Department of Surgery.
Being so valuable to us, the liver is prone to damage if not taken proper care of. Problems with liver means problems with other body functions that it supports throughout. Liver damage can be genetic also. Poor lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking contribute to a declining liver health. It can lead to liver disease like liver failure, liver infection, fatty liver and more.
Signs And Symptoms Of Liver Damage
These signs and symptoms may signal that your liver is not functioning well. If you detect any of the symptoms below in your body, you should consult a doctor. Only after a medical test will your doctor confirm if your liver is okay or not. Some liver tests may measure enzymes and protein in the blood.
- Dark colored urine
- Yellowish eyes
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Feeling of nausea and vomiting
- Spoon nails
- Swelling in ankles, feet and hands
- Abdomen pain
- Irregular periods
Risk factors affecting liver health
These risk factors pose a greater risk of developing liver disease early or at a later stage.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to Alcohol Related Liver Disease like alcoholic hepatitis caused by liver injury. Liver breaks down everything that goes in the body. Similarly, it breaks down the alcohol which produces toxins and damages the liver. Limiting or cutting down on alcohol intake can prevent liver damage.
Obesity
Obesity too leads to liver disease. Given the excess fat buildup, it can spike blood sugar levels and LDL cholesterol in the blood inducing liver injury. When there is too much fat, the liver finds it difficult to process and breaks down it. This can also cause fatty liver.
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels increase the oxidative effects on the liver and causes injury. A spike in blood sugar levels can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It can cause inflammation and harm the liver on a serious level.
Tattoos
According to the World Health Organization, the chemical released from the ink while tattooing on the skin slowly gets inside the body organs. It affects the immune system and may disrupt kidney and liver functions. It may also cause skin cancer.
Having identified the symptoms of liver damage and its risk factors, we advise you to consult a doctor and take precautions. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and quit bad habits like drinking and smoking.