10 Signals Your Body Sends When Your Liver Is Failing

10 Signals Your Body Sends When Your Liver Is Failing

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Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body. Located in the upper right abdomen under the diaphragm, it aids in detoxification, digestion, metabolism, glycogen storage, and hormone production to name a few. All told, the liver has over 500 functions! Humans are not able to live long without a liver. And, although there have been some advances in liver dialysis, as of now liver transplant is the only long-term option available to those who suffer from liver failure.

Every time your liver is damaged and heals itself, scarring occurs. This is known as cirrhosis. Alcoholism has long been known to be a major cause of cirrhosis. But having an unhealthy diet, being overweight, not exercising, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease can put you at risk of having non-alcoholic liver disease. It's been shown that exercise can prevent and even reverse liver disease. If you have diabetes and heart disease if is especially important to have a diet that is very low in fat, especially saturated fats.

So, how can you tell if your liver is already damaged? Below are 10 warning signs your body sends to tell you that your liver is being damaged.

Changes in urine color

Urine can become dark yellow in color due to an increase in the amount of billirubin in the body. Dehydration, enzyme deficiency, gallstones and infection in the bile duct can all cause dark colored urine for a short period of time. But, if your urine is consistently dark over a long period of time, you should seek medical attention.

Swollen abdomen

Cirrhosis can cause a build up of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites. Other medical conditions can also cause ascites, but liver damage is the most common cause. Swelling in the ankles can also be present.

Jaundice

Jaundice presents as a yellowish color to the skin and eyes. It occurs because billirubin cannot be broken down by a damaged liver. Jaundice can also cause the urine to be darker and stools lighter. It can also cause the skin to itch and, in severe cases, can lead to a loss in brain function.

Tenderness in the abdomen

Abdominal tenderness, especially in the upper right area, can be a sign of liver damage. Ascites can also accompany the pain, but not always. The pain can present as a dull throbbing pain or a stabbing pain that is not relieved by pain medication. If you experience long-term pain like this, see a medical professional.

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