Just picture this scene: You have a very meticulous housekeeper working in your house. Every day she diligently keeps things in order, washes everything around her. In short, she keeps the house clean and hygienic. But one day she falls ill, does not show up for work, and all your usual way of life collapses. There is no one to replace her, and the house gradually sinks into chaos: dirt and dust in every corner, unwashed dishes, emitting an unpleasant odor…
Well, the liver is the "housekeeper" of the body. And when it decides to "go on sick leave", it does not pass unnoticed in any "corner" of the body.
Another specific feature of the liver is the absence of pain receptors, so it practically does not signal the disease, literally "suffering in silence". When symptoms appear, the situation with the liver may be close to critical.
Although the symptoms of liver disease can be difficult to recognize, the body can still give us a clue that something is wrong with this organ. Here are 7 signs that it's time to run for help:
1. You have noticed changes in the condition of your facial skin.
Due to the violation of metabolic processes in the body, facial skin most often becomes oily, rashes, pimples, pigment spots of different sizes and shades (from light brown to black) appear. The face becomes pale, the skin ages sharply, and becomes covered with wrinkles.
2. You feel tired and overwhelmed even after resting.
It is one thing if a person suffers from sleep disorders, works a lot and tediously, or his diet is meager and monotonous. Then, of course, fatigue has quite specific reasons. However, do not look for abstract explanations for unmotivated fatigue. The liver produces the vast majority of the energy used by the body to sustain life. Therefore, some of the first signs of liver problems will be a general malaise, a feeling of chronic fatigue. Whatever you call it, one thing is certain: sudden or noticeable weakness can be a good reason to pay attention to the liver.
3. You often suffer from swollen ankles.
Here, the body retains fluid around the ankles and feet. This problem occurs when a damaged liver prevents the body from producing and transporting proteins. This causes circulatory problems in the lower extremities, as gravity pulls fluids downwards.
4. You are sweating more and your body odor has changed.
Increased sweating and bad body odor can also indicate liver problems. To fight off accumulated toxins, the body seems to be in a race, running out of steam, overheating and trying to cool down. In addition, the substances released by the body change their composition, you may smell something similar to the odor of boiled cabbage.
5. You've noticed that your urine has changed color.
A change in the color of your urine can be one of the first symptoms of liver failure. If your urine turns a dark shade of yellow or even brown, it may be a sign that your liver is not eliminating waste efficiently.
6. You often suffer from heartburn.
Liver disorders lead to changes in the PH of the blood and increased acidity in the stomach. This irritates the stomach walls and prevents the sphincter from working properly, causing acid to enter the esophagus. You may also feel bitterness in your mouth and notice yellow plaque on your tongue.
7. You have a high body temperature.
Increased body temperature is characteristic of all forms of inflammatory processes, including the liver, especially if the disease is actively progressing. Patients note that often when meeting, during handshakes or hugs, people pay attention to their "hot" palms.
Given the particular tendency of the liver to "keep quiet" and ignore its problem to the last, I strongly recommend standing up for this enthusiastic organ. Do not delay in visiting your doctor for the above mentioned discomforts.
Take care of your liver and help it to get clean and healthy!