12 Ways Your Body Is Trying To Tell You That Your Liver Is Being Damaged

There are certain signs of liver damage that your body is trying to tell you. Read this article to find out what they are.

By Sravia Sivaram

Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:44

The liver plays a major role in several of the important body functions. From protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose and iron metabolism, there are several functions that the liver is responsible for.

For this reason, you need to be aware of the early signs of liver damage and how to take care of your liver as much as you can for your well-being.

Liver failure occurs when large parts of the liver become damaged and the liver is no longer able to function properly.

Liver failure and any other form of liver-related disease is life-threatening. It requires immediate medical attention.

Liver failure usually occurs gradually and over many years. The most common causes of chronic liver failure include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, long-term alcohol consumption, cirrhosis and malnutrition.

The symptoms of liver failure are quite difficult to diagnose and in this article, we have listed some of the common signs of liver damage that your body is trying to say.

Continue reading to find out the effects of liver damage on the body.

1. Upset Stomach:

Apart from an upset stomach, you are also likely to suffer from nausea as well. Those who suffer from liver damage often feel persistently nauseous, because the liver has partially lost its ability to get rid of the toxins. This is one of the common signs of liver damage.

2. Fatigue And Overall Weakness:

One of the signs of liver damage is feeling tired and weak. This is due to an increased level of toxins in the blood stream that can't be cleared out because the liver can't get rid of the toxins properly.

3. Lack Of Appetite:

This occurs due to a lack of production of bile, which helps digest fat in the diet. When the food isn't digested properly, it can lead to lack of appetite.

4. Digestion Issues:

If the liver is failing, you are likely to develop an increase in indigestion and diarrhoea. Further, if the bile is not produced properly, you may also experience irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal bloating and gallstones.

5. Alterations In The Colour Of Urine:

If the colour of urine is dark, then this may be a sign of liver damage. This is due to the high levels of bilirubin that is produced in the body. This is because the liver cannot get rid of this and it is excreted through the kidneys.

6. Changes In Stool Colour:

Since there is not enough bile being produced due to the malfunctioning of the liver, the changes in the colour of the stool can be noted. Hence, it can become pale yellow, clay coloured or grey.

7. Jaundice:

Jaundice is due to an increase of bilirubin in the bloodstream and also in the bodily tissue that would be excreted in the bile. This is one of the effects of liver damage on the body.

8. Abdominal Changes:

If you experience pain or cramping in the lower part of the abdomen and if it is especially bloated, then this could mean you have ascites and a malfunctioning liver.

9. Fluid Retention:

This is one of the early signs of liver damage, especially in the ankles and feet. You must immediately consult a doctor during such cases. This is one of the top symptoms of liver damage.

10. Increase In Skin Itching:

The skin becoming more sensitive during such cases is quite common and often leads to itches and flakes. You may also experience an increase in bruising as well as increase in the visibility of veins.

11. Abdominal Pain:

There is usually pain in the right upper quadrant of the liver rib cage, where the liver is located. So, when the liver is malfunctioning, there can be pain or tenderness in the affected area.