Your liver works hard to keep your body running smoothly. But when it’s not functioning properly, it can send out warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Recognizing these early signs can help you take action and protect your health.
Let’s explore 14 key signs your liver might need some extra care.
1. Skin Changes
Noticing itchy, flaky skin or brown spots? These could be signs of liver damage. When your liver struggles to filter toxins, they can show up on your skin as rashes or even adult acne.
2. Spider Angiomas
Spider veins – those small, web-like marks on your skin – can signal liver issues. When your liver isn’t metabolizing hormones properly, it may lead to broken capillaries on your face or chest.
3. Bruising and Bleeding
Frequent bruising or nosebleeds? A damaged liver may struggle to produce proteins that help blood clot, making you more prone to bruises and bleeding.
4. Swollen Feet
Swelling in your feet or ankles is often caused by fluid retention, which can be a sign of liver damage. The liver helps regulate fluid levels, and when it’s not working well, your body can hold onto excess fluid.
5. Abdominal Pain and Swelling
A protruding belly, accompanied by discomfort, may indicate fluid buildup in the abdomen – a condition known as ascites. This happens when the liver can’t process fluids properly, leading to swelling.
6. Vomiting with Blood
If you experience nausea or vomiting blood, it’s a serious sign that your liver may be struggling. This can happen when varicose veins in your stomach or esophagus burst due to liver issues.
7. Disturbed Sleep
Trouble sleeping could be linked to liver damage. Toxin buildup in the bloodstream can disrupt your rest, leading to sleep disturbances or even more serious conditions like sleep apnea.
8. Appetite Changes
A loss of appetite or sudden weight loss may signal liver trouble. When the liver isn’t functioning well, it can affect digestion and nutrient absorption, making you feel less hungry.
9. Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin or eyes is a classic sign of liver damage. When your liver can’t process toxins effectively, bile pigments build up, causing jaundice.
10. Urinary Issues
Dark urine isn’t just a sign of dehydration – it could also indicate liver problems. Toxins that aren’t being properly filtered can affect the color and consistency of your urine.
11. Stool Problems
Changes in stool color, especially pale or chalky stools, may be a sign that your liver isn’t producing enough bile for digestion.
12. Water Retention
Swelling in your legs or feet could also be linked to water retention, a result of your liver not maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.
13. Personality Changes
Feeling confused or forgetful? Liver damage can cause cognitive issues like brain fog or difficulty concentrating. Toxin buildup affects your brain just as it affects your body.
14. Fatigue and Weakness
Constantly feeling tired or weak? This could be one of the first signs of liver damage. When your liver is struggling, your energy levels often drop, leaving you feeling drained.
By recognizing these early signs, you can take steps to support your liver and protect your health. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure your liver is functioning at its best.
References
Spider Angioma. (2024). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23200-spider-angioma
Flores, B., et al. (2017). Hemostasis, bleeding and thrombosis in liver disease. Journal of Translational Science, 3(3). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6136435/
Edema. (2024). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
Ascites. (2024). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14792-ascites
Liver problems – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502
Worth, T. (2023). Understanding jaundice: What you need to know. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/jaundice-why-happens-adults
Kivi, R. (2023, June 30). Pale stools: possible causes and when to seek help. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stools-pale-or-clay-colored
Hepatic encephalopathy. (2024). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21220-hepatic-encephalopathy
