Although symptoms can be considered generic and often very specific, knowing how to identify liver problems in advance can prevent certain diseases from getting worse. As many diseases related to this organ are, in a way, silent, attention must be redoubled.
You may not know it, but the liver is the second largest organ in the human body, weighing an average of 1.5 kilos. In addition, it is one of the few organs capable of regeneration and can return to normal size in the event of abnormalities even with limited functions. The liver is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol and detoxifying the body, among other characteristics.
For its importance, at the slightest sign of problems, you should see a doctor. However, what is the most frequent signs? In this article, we’ll talk a little bit about them.
Most common symptoms of liver problems
The list of symptoms that possibly represent a liver problem is extensive, but remember that noticing just one of them does not necessarily mean that this is the affected organ. A more accurate examination done by a doctor and possibly laboratory tests will determine an accurate diagnosis.
Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- Pains in the upper right region of the belly;
- Nausea or dizziness very often;
- Daily headaches ;
- Tiredness for no apparent reason;
- Ease of bruising after light strokes;
- Yellowish color in the eyes or on the skin;
- Dark-colored urine and stronger smell;
- Lack of appetite;
- Stools yellowish, whitish or gray;
- Swollen belly;
- Itching sensation throughout the body.
If you only checked one problem on the list, chances are that your liver has a problem. However, two or more confirmed symptoms can be a sign that something is wrong and it does not hurt to check with a doctor what kind of problem this can represent.
Who is more likely to have liver problems?
Excess fat is a major cause of liver problems. Thus, people with inadequate food, consisting of many fried foods or processed foods, are more susceptible to presenting some of these symptoms. Overweight or non-physical patients are at even greater risk. THE
Another villain of the liver is alcoholic beverages. The organ has the ability to transform this element into other substances. However, when alcohol intake occurs in larger quantities than the liver is able to process this can result in liver cell damage. Alcoholic liver disease is among the most common diseases that affect the liver.
Now let’s talk about how you can keep your liver healthy. Here is a list of the top five foods that will help you keep your liver healthy.
What are the most common liver problems?
In addition to alcoholic liver disease, we can also mention hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) - all caused by viruses - hepatic steatosis, schistosomiasis, autoimmune hepatitis, and drug hepatitis. Diseases caused by the accumulation of iron (hemochromatosis) and copper (Wilson's disease) in the liver are also recurrent, but less common.
Liver steatosis is caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, but the problems need not necessarily be caused by a poor diet. Diabetes and drinking alcohol in excess can also result in this condition. In this case, the symptoms are barely noticeable and only blood tests or ultrasound can accurately identify the disease.
Autoimmune hepatitis is caused by dysfunctions in the immune system. In this scenario, antibodies are produced as capable of destroying liver cells. The big problem with this disease is that there are practically no symptoms in the early stages and by the time the patient discovers the liver it may already be very damaged.
Schistosomiasis, popularly known as "water belly", is caused by a parasite present in snails found in ponds in the Northeast region. The disease has symptoms similar to cirrhosis, but it also manifests itself only in more advanced stages.
Finally, there is still viral hepatitis. Transmission can occur as a result of contact with feces, especially in areas without adequate basic sanitation, through blood transmission, as a result of unprotected sex or sharing of syringes and needles, or from the mother to the child during pregnancy.
Top 5 Foods That Are Good for Your Liver
Garlic, apple, broccoli, lemon, and avocado are some of them; the organ is one of the most important in the human body.
The liver is one of the organs that perform most functions. It is responsible for filtering the blood of harmful substances, such as alcohol and drugs, uses sugar as an energy source when its levels are low and are a source of iron supply to the body.
Below are five foods that can help improve your liver health.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is a food that most people learn to enjoy only after adulthood, but it must be present in food from the beginning of life because it has very valuable nutritional properties. In the liver, broccoli helps to neutralize elements that can cause a malfunction.
Experts say that the importance of broccoli lies in the fact that it helps to reduce cholesterol synthesis.
2. Avocado
Avocado has started to become widely accepted and appreciated by people of different ages from all over the world. It is very versatile and can also be a great ally to keep your liver healthy.
Experts recommend that we consume avocado because of its healthy fats, but be careful not to overdo it, because in excess it can cause the condition known as 'fatty liver'. It happens a high amount of triglycerides accumulates abnormally in the liver cells forming large vesicles.
The condition is reversible, but it is always good to prevent it.
3. Apple
Apples are great for the liver because they have a large amount of vitamin C, powerful antioxidants that protect the brain cells from external damage, and fiber.
At this point, nutritionist adds that this is an aspect that must be taken care of since among other functions, the proteins formed in the liver transport iron, vitamin A and copper to the rest of the body, in which nutrients are needed.
4. Lemon
Like the apple, the lemon is also rich in vitamin C. Nutritionists suggest that the juice of this pilfer has a large amount of concentrated vitamin C and that only a small lemon provides us with a third of the recommended daily amount of the vitamin.
Nutritionists also highlighted a study published by the US National Health Library that found that lemon juice has many "antioxidants that reduce inflammation, eliminate free radicals, and improve the body's ability to process glucose."
5. Garlic
This bulb contributes to the activation of liver enzymes that help the body to eliminate toxins. Garlic is also abundant in allicin and selenium, substances that help to cleanse the liver.
Natural Beverage of Dandelion
An herbal beverage made from all-natural ingredients of dandelion is another effective way of keeping your liver healthy. This natural beverage will detoxify your liver and keep it safe from all kinds of risks
Now you are better prepared to give your liver the special treatment it deserves!
You already knew the benefits of the foods mentioned, would you like to add some information? Let us know by leaving a comment below.