10 Early Signs of Liver Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
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The symptoms of liver disease are often difficult to detect, masquerading as an indistinct general feeling of being less than “one hundred percent”.
Our bodies tell us when there is something wrong. Pain is not always the harbinger of harm, there are many other much more subtle symptoms of liver disease.
The liver is the largest organ inside of the body and is integral in the removal of waste and toxins from the blood stream.
All too often, we live our lives blissfully unaware of the damage we may be inflicting upon this vital organ.
Recognizing these ten early signs of liver disease and taking preventative measures could subvert serious consequences.
Fatigue
Fatigue, or the feeling of tiredness, is a consequence of our modern lives. However, this may also be an early symptom of liver disease.
Oxygen in the blood creates energy, but if your blood is packed with toxins your energy levels will exponentially decrease, resulting in fatigue.
The feeling of needing an excess amount of sleep may be an indicator of a gluten intolerance as well.
Examination of your diet and lifestyle, specifically alcohol intake, may indicate the need for a healthier regimen.
Jaundice
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Jaundice is a condition which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. Stool may be of a lighter color, and urine may darken if you have this condition.
Jaundice is a distinct symptom of liver disease. Bilirubin, a pigment usually removed by a healthy liver, is the culprit of this warning sign.
A normally functioning liver will remove this pigmentation from the blood, however a diseased liver is incapable of performing this function.
Stomach Problems
Stomach problems may be another indicator of a dysfunctioning liver. Stomach issues like nausea or acid reflux may be the result of numerous medical conditions, however if even the blandest, simplest foods cause you to experience an excess of acid in your stomach or a feeling of nausea, your liver may be compromised.
Gluten intolerance may cause these symptoms as well, however if you drink an excess of alcohol and consume a large amount of processed foods this may be an indicator of liver disease.
Only a medical doctor will be able to determine if your stomach problems are the result of liver disease or another problem.
Feeling Of “Unwellness”
Another unfortunate consequence of our modern lives is a general feeling of “just not well”.
We become accustomed to this malaise, we forget what feeling well or good is like. This insidious symptom may be another early indicator of liver disease.
This feeling of “unwellness” may be the result of a buildup of toxins in the blood stream.
A healthy liver removes these toxins. The lack of pain does not indicate that the liver is functioning as it should, the symptoms may be much more subtle.
Swollen Stomach
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A swollen stomach may occur if you have a condition called ascites. This swelling can continue down into the legs and feet as well.
This is a fluid retention, and may lead to serious consequences. If you have this symptom, stop drinking alcohol immediately and complete a full liver cleanse.
A healthy plant based diet consisting of at least seven to nine servings of fruit and vegetables daily will promote healthy liver function.
As always, consult a medical doctor, as ascites can have dire consequences to your health.
A sharp, Stabbing Pain
Pain is our bodies’ way of warning us that we may have a serious condition. Most people do not often associate pain in the stomach with liver problems.
The liver is located on the right side of the body, at the lower part of the rib cage, above the kidneys.
Many people may dismiss this pain as back pain or stomach pain, when it is actually the organs responsible for waste removal from the body causing this sharp pain.
A sharp, stabbing pain or tenderness specifically on the right side of the body may indicate liver disease.
Decreased Appetite
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A decreased appetite can indicate numerous conditions, including liver disease.
This symptom may be accompanied by other signs of a liver problem. This indicator is insidious and easy to overlook, however it is important that you pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you.
Unusual Bleeding
Unusual bleeding may occur when there is a liver problem. Normal levels of proteins in the blood cause blood clotting, and if the liver is not functioning at healthy levels, this clotting may not occur.
Frequent nosebleeds and excess bleeding when you are cut may indicate that your liver is not filtering your blood as it should.
Lapses In Memory and Abnormal Mood Swings
Hepatic encephalopathy can occur when the liver is diseased and not functioning properly.
This is a serious brain condition that is the result of toxins in the blood resulting in impaired functioning of the brain.
Memory loss and emotional mood swings can be early precursors of this condition. Recognition of these symptoms in ourselves is often difficult.
Relating these symptoms to a liver condition caused by diet may be even more difficult.
Lapses in memory and abnormal mood swings should be heeded as signs that medical attention is needed.
Itchiness
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Blood flows directly under your skin. If your blood contains excess amounts of toxins, you may experience itchiness. It is ridiculously easy to attribute this symptom to an allergic reaction or even a bug bite, however it can be an indicator that the liver is not performing as it should.
Redness of the skin on the extremities, excessive dryness, and visible veins may be signs of liver problems.
These symptoms can be indicators of many conditions, therefore it is difficult for sufferers to relate them to an improperly functioning liver.
These subtle symptoms, or any combination of them, may indicate a serious liver condition.
Immediate cessation of alcohol consumption and the implementation of a healthy plant based diet consisting of seven to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily is important.
As always, consult a medical professional if you are experiencing these symptoms. A healthy, functioning
liver is integral to the removal of toxins and waste from the blood stream. Pay close attention to what your body is telling you, and your liver will continue to perform at tip-top levels!
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