Did you
know that your liver is the largest internal organ in your
body and
one of the hardest working? It performs over 500 vital functions
daily,
including
producing bile for digestion, breaking down fats, and removing toxins
from your blood.
But did
you also know that liver damage is a growing medical concern,
with a
rough estimate of 5 million Americans affected by liver disease?
In this
video, we'll discuss warning signs that could indicate liver
damage
and why
taking them seriously is essential. You will also learn some fantastic
liver
functions
and how to keep it healthy for a lifetime. So let's get started.
Jaundice
Have you
ever noticed a yellow tinge on your skin or eyes? That could be a sign of
jaundice,
a
condition caused by high bilirubin levels in the bloodstream. Bilirubin
is a pigment produced by
the
liver that helps break down old red blood cells. When the liver is
damaged or inflamed,
it can't
process bilirubin properly, leading to a buildup in the body.
This can
result in yellowing of the skin, eyes, and dark urine.
Remember,
jaundice
isn't just a cosmetic issue. It is often the first indication of liver
disease.
Elevated
levels of bilirubin typically exceed 3 mg/dl. As the condition
progresses,
this can result in shades ranging
from lemon yellow to apple green. Although
excessive
consumption of carotene-rich foods like carrots and squash can
also
cause
yellowing of the skin, this typically disappears after a short while.
However,
if
yellowing persists or worsens, it could indicate liver damage.
Be
mindful of these changes;
early
detection and intervention can save your liver from further damage.
2. Upper abdominal pain
Upper
abdominal pain is a key symptom to watch for when it comes to liver
damage. You can experience
it with
chronic liver diseases, particularly in those with Hepatitis C virus
(HCV) infection.
Hepatitis
C is a type of liver inflammation caused by a bloodborne virus. Infection
can occur
for
various reasons like exposure to unscreened blood transfusions, unsafe
injection practices,
injection
drug use, unsafe healthcare, and certain sexual practices. The virus can
lead to mild to
severe illness, with potential
long-term effects including cirrhosis and cancer.
A study
comparing those with HCV to individuals with other liver diseases and
normal controls
found a
significantly higher prevalence of upper abdominal pain over one month in
the
HCV
group compared to the other groups. The study also revealed that those
with liver
diseases
experienced worsened pain after eating, which was not observed in the
standard group.
These
findings suggest that upper abdominal pain may be a valuable indicator of
liver damage,
particularly
in individuals with chronic liver diseases. If you notice this
symptom,
seek
medical attention, especially if you have other risk factors for
liver
damage.
Taking action is the first step in staying healthy.
3. Too
much estrogen
Excessive
estrogen is a serious medical condition that can occur in those
with
chronic
liver disease. With this condition, the liver cannot properly break down
estrogen,
a hormone usually present in
males and females. As a result,
the body has a surplus of estrogen,
which can cause symptoms like palmar erythema.
In this
condition, the palms of the hands can become red and inflamed. You can
also
have
spider angiomas, where small, dilated blood vessels start to appear on
the skin.
The
breast tissue in men becomes enlarged and tender, and the testes shrink
in size.
4. Bleeding in the digestive tract.
Damage
to the liver can cause an increase in blood pressure in the portal vein,
which is responsible
for
supplying blood to the liver. With time, this can lead to the formation of
extra blood
vessels
that function as channels to redirect blood flow under high pressure.
These vessels
can
become enlarged and twisted and eventually extend into the lower part of
the esophagus,
the tube
connecting the throat and stomach that allows food and liquids to pass
through. This
can lead
to the rupture of these vessels, causing bleeding in the digestive tract.
If that
occurs, you may encounter symptoms like vomiting blood,
dark and
bloody stools, reduced urine output, excessive thirst,
dizziness,
paleness,
and a low red blood cell count, also known as anemia.
5 .
Swelling and discomfort in the abdomen
Liver
damage may cause fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, resulting in
swelling
and
discomfort. This is called ascites. However, fluid buildup is not
exclusive
to liver damage. It can occur due
to various underlying medical conditions,
including liver cirrhosis, heart conditions,
and kidney disease. Ascites may develop in
advanced
stages of cancer when a tumor has spread to other organs. Cancer
cells
can
release substances that cause fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity,
resulting in ascites.
In most cases, liver cirrhosis will
cause ascites,
a chronic and progressive
condition where the liver is damaged and scarred.
Regulating
the body's fluid balance is one of the liver's essential
functions,
and
cirrhosis can disrupt this process, leading to fluid buildup in the
abdomen.
Long-term
alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of liver cirrhosis
and
ascites. Consuming alcohol in large
quantities can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver,
impairing
its ability to function correctly. Cirrhosis also causes a
shortage of proteins and a buildup of
fluid, which can increase pressure in the blood
vessels.
When pressure builds up, fluid leaks out and accumulates in the abdomen.
Other causes of liver cirrhosis
include chronic viral hepatitis,
fatty
liver disease, and autoimmune diseases.
Ascites
can make eating, drinking, and moving around difficult, as the abdomen
becomes distended
and
uncomfortable. Patients with ascites often feel full and bloated, even
when they haven't
eaten much. The fluid buildup can
also make breathing difficult, especially when lying down.
In
addition to discomfort and difficulty moving around, ascites can lead to
complications
such as abdominal infections, which
may cause kidney failure. Excess fluid can
also
pressure the abdominal wall, causing hernias in the belly button or groin
area.
6.
Nervous system changes
This can occur in people with
advanced liver disease. When the liver is damaged,
it can't
remove toxic substances from the blood,
leading
to a buildup that can damage the brain and nervous system. In rare
cases,
it can
cause impaired consciousness, changes in personality and behavior,
confusion, drowsiness,
and even
coma or seizures. On top of that, you may even experience muscle
stiffness or
tremors,
uncontrollable movement, sluggish speech, and movement, and
disorientation.
The
exact cause of nervous system changes due to a damaged liver is still
being studied. Still,
it's thought
to be related to changes in brain energy metabolism,
impaired neurotransmission, and
the buildup of neurotoxins in the blood.
7. Itchy
skin
Do you feel like you need to scratch
your skin a lot? Those with liver disease can
experience severe itching, especially
at night. Itching usually can occur on the
palms of your hands and soles of your
feet but can also affect other areas of the body.
Doctors
are still studying why itching happens. They think it might have
something to do with
bodily
substances like bile salts, histamine, progesterone
metabolites,
and
opioids. This itching can significantly reduce the quality of life for
people with liver disease.
Remember:
The
causes of liver disease can vary, but some common ones include
viral
infections like hepatitis A, B,
and C, problems with the immune system,
inherited genetic conditions
and consuming too many toxins.
Alcohol-related
fatty liver disease is one type of liver disease that is
caused
by consuming too much alcohol. At the same time, non-alcoholic fatty
liver
disease (NAFLD) is caused by
consuming too much fatty food. Unfortunately,
rates of
NAFLD are on the rise as more people become overweight and develop
diabetes.
Did you
know you wouldn't survive without the liver for over a week? That's why
it's
essential
to take good care of it. Here are some simple tips on how to avoid liver
disease:
First,
be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Even small amounts
of alcohol can damage your liver,
so monitoring your intake is essential.
Second,
wash produce and steer clear of toxins. Pesticides and other
toxins
can harm
your liver, so always read the warning labels on your products.
Third,
take preventative measures to avoid hepatitis A, B, and C. These viral
liver diseases
can be
prevented by getting vaccinated, practicing safe intercourse, and washing
your hands.
Fourth,
be cautious about medications and herbs. Many drugs and supplements can
cause liver injury,
so it's essential to consult
your doctor before taking any new medicines.
Lastly,
exercise and eat right. Maintaining a healthy weight and
avoiding obesity is critical to preventing
fatty liver disease. By following these simple tips,
you can
take good care of your liver and keep it healthy.
Just like your body gives signs
that your liver is in danger,
it can
also warn you if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
Check
out our video 10 WARNING Signs That You Are PRE-DIABETIC - Are
You
At Risk? or DON'T IGNORE These
12 HIDDEN Symptoms Of DIABETES.
Have you noticed any symptoms that
could indicate liver damage? Let us know in the comments below!
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
DON'T IGNORE These 6 Warning Signs Of Liver Damage Before It's Too Late
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