The liver is one of the main organs of the human body. To give you an idea of its importance, more than 500 functions have already been catalogued.
As it is highly required by metabolism, health problems that affect the liver are often worrying, ultimately causing even cirrhosis, a chronic liver injury characterized by fibrosis and the formation of nodules that block blood circulation, leading to cell death.
Anyone who believes that alcohol abuse is the only cause of this condition is mistaken. Despite being the best known, other habits, such as medication abuse, fatty liver, chronic viral hepatitis, obesity and type 2 diabetes, can cause the condition.
However, the question remains as to what symptoms the organ manifests when it is not doing well. Here, we separate the main ones.
I look at my feet…
Feet are not limited to being a tool for getting from one place to another — they can also inform us when the liver is not doing well with symptoms such as tingling or discomfort; dry skin and cracked feet (especially on the heels);
And the rest of the body!
In other parts of the body, edema (swelling) is expected, precisely because the liver plays a crucial role in regulating albumin levels in the blood, a protein that keeps water in the blood vessels.
With reduced albumin levels, water leaks into the tissues.
Other common symptoms are frequent nausea and dizziness; recurring headache; tiredness for no apparent reason; ease of appearance of purple spots; yellowish skin or eyes; dark urine; loss of appetite; yellowish stools and itching all over the body.
If you notice an association of these symptoms, the ideal is to seek medical help immediately.
To avoid liver complications, simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco intake, as well as a sedentary lifestyle.
Consume foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits, and prioritize good daily hydration.
Thaiz Brito is a nutritionist with a postgraduate degree in Clinical Sports Nutrition