Keeping an eye open for any early signs of liver problems is an essential part of maintaining a holistic health lifestyle. Without a fully functioning liver, both your health and lifestyle will be compromised. Luckily your liver is capable of repairing itself, so providing that any problems are spotted early, and are not allowed to develop and worsen, your liver is likely to make a full recovery. So you need to be on the alert. Here are some symptoms of liver problems to be on the lookout for.
1 – Skin discoloration – Jaundice
One of the early signs of liver problems relates to the fact your liver will not be able to filter out all of the toxins that you ingest. Added to this there may be a build-up of Bilirubin which is a bile pigment – bile being a substance manufactured by your liver to help with digestion. You body cannot evacuate this Bilirubin which then accumulates in your bloodstream and results in your skin taking on a yellowish hue. This yellowing can also affect your fingernails, the tips of your fingers, and your eyes too. This condition is known as Jaundice.
2 – Skin sensitivity
Another of the early signs of liver problems, and again associated with your skin, is when it becomes itchy or oversensitive to the touch. Keeping the skin moisturized will help, but the condition will continue and will probably worsen until the underlying cause (the problem with the liver) is identified and addressed.
3 – Changes in the color of Urine and/or Stools
If you notice any changes to the color of your urine when you go to toilet, this too may indicate you have a liver problem. All the time that you are drinking sufficient fluids, your urine should be pale and more often than not, clear. If your urine becomes consistently dark in color, (caused by excess Bilirubin in your bloodstream), this is an indication you may have a problem with your liver.
It can also affect your stools. A malfunctioning liver may result in your stools becoming pale, bloody, or black.
4 – Changes in the Abdominal Area
Changes taking place in your abdominal area is another of the possible symptoms of liver problems. It may begin with experiencing pain or cramps in the lower abdominal area. This can quickly be transformed into feeling blown out with gas. If left unaddressed a condition known as Ascitis may develop.
Ascitis is the name given to a condition whereby there is a buildup of fluid in the wall of your abdomen. This can lead to pressure being exerted on the lungs, which will cause difficulty in breathing. If this condition does occur, you may well have to undergo a Paracentesis, a medical process whereby a needle or catheter will be inserted in your peritoneum cavity in order to drain off the fluid.
5 – Feelings of fatigue
If you begin experiencing feelings of weakness or tiredness/chronic fatigue, this can also mean that you have a problem with your liver. What happens is that your body is being made to work harder in order to survive. The result is that your body will be telling you it needs more rest. If these feelings of fatigue are present along with any other symptoms that are set out here, then you should immediately go and see your doctor for a diagnosis.
6 – Acid Reflux and Vomiting
Another of the early signs of liver problems is experiencing frequent indigestion and acid reflux, which can lead to bouts of vomiting.