The Liver: A Vital Organ

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It performs multiple vital functions, including:

• Detoxifying the blood from harmful substances.

• Producing bile to aid in fat digestion.

• Storing vitamins and minerals.

• And many other essential roles.

Because of its crucial functions, it’s important to ensure the liver is healthy to avoid serious health complications. Fortunately, you can often assess liver health through visible signs without immediately visiting a doctor.

Signs of a Healthy Liver

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some indicators that your liver is functioning properly include:

1. Strong memory – If you have good memory and focus, it indicates a healthy liver. A diseased liver can cause toxins to accumulate, affecting brain function and leading to confusion and poor concentration.

2. Feeling energetic – Low liver function can slow metabolism, causing fatigue, low energy, and difficulty performing daily activities.

3. Stable weight – Sudden weight gain or loss can indicate liver problems affecting metabolism.

4. Normal skin, eye, and urine color – In liver inflammation, bilirubin levels rise, causing jaundice: yellowing of the skin and eyes and dark-colored urine.

5. Balanced appetite – Regular appetite indicates a healthy liver. Loss of appetite is often an early sign of liver disease.

6. No persistent itching – High bilirubin levels may cause the skin to itch, especially on palms and soles.

Key Functions of a Healthy Liver

According to Cleveland Clinic, a healthy liver performs several essential tasks:

• Detoxifying the blood – The liver removes toxins, medications, and excess hormones from the bloodstream.

• Producing important substances –

  • Albumin: a protein that transports fatty acids and steroid hormones and maintains blood pressure.

  • Bile: aids in breaking down fats and certain vitamins in the small intestine.

• Metabolizing nutrients – The liver helps process fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to provide energy to the body and brain.

• Supporting blood clotting – Bile aids in absorbing vitamin K, which is essential for producing clotting factors.

• Storing nutrients – Vitamins A, D, and K are stored in the liver. It also supports immune function.

Common Indicators of Liver Disease

• Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes.

• Cognitive and mood changes – confusion, sleep disturbances.

• Easy bruising or excessive bleeding.

• Anemia or blood in vomit/stool.

• Ascites – fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

• Swollen ankles.

• Loss of appetite and weight loss.

Tips for Maintaining Liver Health

1. Follow medical instructions when taking medications and be cautious with painkillers, as some may damage the liver.

2. Prevent viral hepatitis – drink clean water, get vaccinated, and avoid sharing personal items.

3. Eat a balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly.

4. Avoid harmful supplements or herbs that may affect liver function.

5. Drink coffee in moderation – it may reduce the risk of some liver diseases.

6. Include liver-friendly foods – oats, broccoli, green tea, water, almonds, spinach, and blueberries.