Think you’re healthy? But your liver might not agree… Don’t ignore these 12 hidden warning signs!
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine sounds great, but not when it’s due to poor nutrient absorption.
5. Abdominal pain or swelling:
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen may be due to liver inflammation. As cirrhosis progresses, it can lead to ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
6. Jaundice (yellow skin or sclera)
When the liver does not metabolize bilirubin, it builds up, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, a clear warning sign.
7. Itchy skin
Persistent itching without rash may be due to deposition of bile products under the skin.
8. Dark urine and light-colored stools
Unusually dark urine or light-colored/clay-colored stools indicate a problem with bile flow.
9. Easy bruising or bleeding
The liver does not produce enough clotting factors: small cuts can cause sudden bruising or bleeding.
10. Swelling of feet and ankles
Water retention (edema) in the lower extremities is caused by impaired blood flow and fluid balance.
11. Confusion, memory problems
Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when toxins reach the brain, manifesting as confusion, “brain fog,” and even personality changes.
12. Varicose veins on the skin
Small red veins that spread like spider veins on the face, chest, or neck signal a hormonal imbalance due to a damaged liver.
When should we worry? If even a few of these symptoms occur simultaneously, action is needed. Don’t attribute the cause to stress or age. Consult a doctor and have liver function tests. The earlier cirrhosis is diagnosed, the more can be done to halt or even partially reverse the damage.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop cirrhosis, but the following people are particularly at risk:
Regular alcohol consumers;
Subjects with hepatitis B or C;
Patients with fatty liver;
Subjects with metabolic or autoimmune liver diseases;
People exposed to toxic chemicals for a long time or taking drugs that damage the liver.
How to protect your liver before it’s too late
Reduce, or better yet, stop, your alcohol consumption.
Follow a balanced diet: less saturated fat, more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis.
Monitor liver function tests if you are taking potentially toxic medications.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine sounds great, but not when it’s due to poor nutrient absorption.
5. Abdominal pain or swelling:
Discomfort in the upper right abdomen may be due to liver inflammation. As cirrhosis progresses, it can lead to ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
6. Jaundice (yellow skin or sclera)
When the liver does not metabolize bilirubin, it builds up, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, a clear warning sign.
7. Itchy skin
Persistent itching without rash may be due to deposition of bile products under the skin.
8. Dark urine and light-colored stools
Unusually dark urine or light-colored/clay-colored stools indicate a problem with bile flow.
9. Easy bruising or bleeding
The liver does not produce enough clotting factors: small cuts can cause sudden bruising or bleeding.
10. Swelling of feet and ankles
Water retention (edema) in the lower extremities is caused by impaired blood flow and fluid balance.
11. Confusion, memory problems
Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when toxins reach the brain, manifesting as confusion, “brain fog,” and even personality changes.
12. Varicose veins on the skin
Small red veins that spread like spider veins on the face, chest, or neck signal a hormonal imbalance due to a damaged liver.
When should we worry? If even a few of these symptoms occur simultaneously, action is needed. Don’t attribute the cause to stress or age. Consult a doctor and have liver function tests. The earlier cirrhosis is diagnosed, the more can be done to halt or even partially reverse the damage.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop cirrhosis, but the following people are particularly at risk:
Regular alcohol consumers;
Subjects with hepatitis B or C;
Patients with fatty liver;
Subjects with metabolic or autoimmune liver diseases;
People exposed to toxic chemicals for a long time or taking drugs that damage the liver.
How to protect your liver before it’s too late
Reduce, or better yet, stop, your alcohol consumption.
Follow a balanced diet: less saturated fat, more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis.
Monitor liver function tests if you are taking potentially toxic medications.
