Signs of Liver Damage and Tips to Protect This Essential Organ
When doctors talk about liver diseases, they usually mean chronic conditions that cause increasing damage to the liver over time. Common causes include viral infections, poisoning, and certain metabolic disorders. The liver has remarkable regenerative abilities, but constant overwork can exhaust it, eventually preventing it from working correctly.
How Common Are Liver Diseases?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 1.8% of adults in the United States (around 4.5 million people) suffer from liver disease. It causes roughly 57,000 deaths annually in the US. Globally, liver disease causes around 2 million deaths per year, about 4% of total deaths worldwide. Most deaths are due to complications of cirrhosis, while acute liver failure accounts for a smaller portion. Liver disease affects men twice as much as women.
Early Symptoms of Liver Disease
Many people with liver disease do not show symptoms in the early stages. According to the British Liver Trust, symptoms alone are not reliable to determine liver health. If early symptoms do appear, they are often caused by other factors. If you have concerns about your liver health—even if you feel well—consult your doctor.
Possible early symptoms include:
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General malaise or feeling unwell
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Persistent fatigue, even after resting
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Nausea
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Pain or discomfort under the ribs on the right side
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Small spider-like veins on the skin above the waist
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Redness and blotches on the palms
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Sleep disturbances
Advanced Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention
If you experience any of the following, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may not necessarily be caused by cirrhosis, but prompt medical evaluation is critical:
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Vomiting blood
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Very dark or tar-like stools
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Confusion or difficulty staying awake
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Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Liver
People with chronic hepatitis B infection may require medication, or they might not. However, there are many healthy practices that help protect the liver and improve health, both for patients and for healthy individuals, according to the Hepatitis B Foundation. Here are the best ways to care for your liver:
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Schedule regular follow-ups with a liver specialist.
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Get vaccinated against hepatitis A to protect yourself from another liver-infecting virus.
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Avoid smoking and anything harmful to the liver, especially if you have hepatitis B.
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Consult your doctor before taking any herbal treatments or supplements, as some can interfere with prescribed medications or harm the liver.
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Check with a pharmacist before using any over-the-counter medications (like acetaminophen/paracetamol) to ensure they are safe for your liver.
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Avoid inhaling fumes from paint, paint thinners, glue, household cleaners, nail polish removers, and other toxic chemicals that can damage the liver.
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Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, whole grains, fish, lean meats, and plenty of colorful vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower have been shown to protect the liver from environmental toxins.
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Reduce consumption of added sugars found in sodas, fruit juices, sweets, and packaged snacks.
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Limit intake of saturated fats, including fatty cuts of meat and fried foods.
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Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters or mussels, as they may be contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which are highly toxic to the liver.
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Check nuts, corn, peanuts, millet, and sorghum for mold before consumption. Moldy foods may contain aflatoxins, which are a known risk factor for liver cancer.
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Reduce stress by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.
Remember
Everything you eat, drink, breathe, or absorb through your skin eventually passes through the liver. Protect your liver and your health by following these guidelines.
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