What are the 5 Signs Your Liver is Not Functioning Well?

Identifying Liver Dysfunction: 5 Key Symptoms & Diagnostic Tools

The liver is one of the significant organs in our body. It filters toxins, processes nutrients, produces bile and assists digestion. Any form of disturbance to the functioning of the liver can silently interfere with the overall health before symptoms are evident.

Nevertheless, liver issues should be identified in their initial stages to prevent severe outcomes. Keep reading to learn about the functions of the liver and the warning signs that your liver is not functioning correctly.

What are the functions of the liver?

It's essential to examine the normal functioning of the liver to better understand the functional abnormalities. The liver is a powerhouse organ consisting of more than 500 vital functions. Some of its most significant roles are:

• Detoxification: The liver cleanses the blood of toxins like alcohol, drugs and metabolic wastes.
• Metabolism: It aids in metabolising food nutrients, storing energy, and maintaining blood sugar.
• Bile Production: It produces bile that helps break down fats during digestion.
• Protein Synthesis: The liver synthesises vital proteins such as albumin (used to maintain fluid balance) as well as clotting factors that assist in the process of halting bleeding.
• Storage and Release of Nutrients: It stores vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12), iron and glucose and releases them when the body requires them.
• Immune Support: The liver helps combat infections by filtering bacteria and secreting immune factors.
   

What are the 5 Signs of Liver Malfunctioning?

Here are 5 common signs that your liver may not be functioning properly:

1. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue is one of the first and most widespread symptoms of a poorly functioning liver. It might be experienced as consistent tiredness that does not improve with rest. Fatigue occurs due to the liver's inability to convert nutrients to energy effectively, and toxins can start piling up in the blood.

The inability of the liver to detoxify causes an imbalance in energy metabolism levels, chronic fatigue, and a lack of mental sharpness.

Note: This symptom can be mistaken for other diseases, including anaemia or thyroid disease, so clinical diagnosis is required.

2. Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
 

Jaundice is an evident external sign of liver failure. It happens when bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down in the body, is not processed by the liver and accumulates in the blood.

Some of the key signs include:

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
• Dark-coloured urine
• Pale stools
• Itchy skin
   

Jaundice can result from multiple liver issues, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction.

3. Swelling in the Abdomen or Legs
 

Another important sign of impaired liver function is fluid retention, particularly in the abdomen (ascites) or legs and ankles (oedema). The liver helps regulate fluid balance and protein synthesis in the body.

When the liver becomes scarred or inflamed, it increases pressure in the portal vein (a major vessel leading to the liver), causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. This symptom is often linked to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and requires immediate medical attention.

4. Digestive Issues and Loss of Appetite
 

The liver produces bile, which is crucial for digesting fats. When liver function declines, it can interfere with proper digestion, causing the following:

• Indigestion or bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
   

Poor appetite can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss, weakening the body.

5. Easy Bruising, Bleeding, or Unusual Skin Marks
 

If you bruise more easily than usual or experience frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, this may point to liver dysfunction. The liver produces proteins that help with blood clotting. When it is damaged, the production of these proteins drops, increasing the risk. This sign may be subtle initially, but it becomes more prominent in advanced liver disease.

When to Seek Medical Help for a Poorly Functioning Liver?

Any signs, especially if persistent, should prompt medical evaluation. Standard diagnostic tests include:

• Liver function tests, such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase test), and bilirubin
• Imaging scans, such as ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), to assess liver structure
• Liver biopsy in unclear or advanced cases
   

Timely diagnosis improves treatment outcomes significantly.
 

Can Liver Issues Be Prevented or Treated?

Several liver conditions are treatable or even preventable, especially when detected early. Management depends on the specific cause but may include:

• Medications: for hepatitis or autoimmune liver disease
• Lifestyle changes: (balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, maintaining weight)
• Surgical interventions: in some cases (e.g., liver transplant in advanced failure)
   

What are the preventive measures and care strategies for liver damage?

If diagnosed with liver disease, management may include medications, nutrition guidance, or surgery. Advanced cases may require liver transplantation. Some of the preventive and care strategies include:

• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit exposure to toxins or certain medications.
• Ensure safe sexual practices and avoid sharing needles.