What Are Signs That Your Liver Is Not Functioning Properly?
At Daily Dose, we know your liver works hard. When your liver isn't functioning as it should, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Fortunately, your body has ways of letting you know when something’s up.
Read on to find out what signs to look out for when your liver needs a little extra love — and what you can do about it.
What’s the Liver, and Why Is Liver Health Important?
The liver is your body’s super-powered filter, working 24/7 to keep everything running smoothly. Located on the right side of your abdomen, just under your ribcage, this organ is the largest internal organ and performs hundreds of essential tasks.
One of the liver's main jobs is filtering unwanted elements from your blood, ensuring that harmful substances don’t make it into your bloodstream — but that’s just the start.
The liver also plays a huge role in energy production, converting nutrients from your food into energy your body can use. It’s also responsible for producing proteins necessary for blood clotting, which helps your body heal when injured. If that’s not enough, the liver also regulates blood sugar levels, making sure you have a steady supply of energy throughout the day.
A healthy liver is key to keeping everything in balance. From digestion to energy production, your liver helps keep your body functioning at its best. When your liver is doing its job well, you feel it — more energy, better digestion, and overall vitality.
What Are the Signs Your Liver Isn’t Functioning Properly?
When the liver is struggling, your body sends signals. These can start subtly but grow more noticeable as the liver's function declines.
Here are the most common signs that your liver may not be working at its best:
Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
A build-up of bilirubin in the body can lead to yellowish skin and the whites of the eyes taking on a yellow hue.
Exhaustion
Feeling completely drained even after a good night’s rest? That constant sluggishness could be a sign your liver is having trouble maintaining energy production.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Discomfort or bloating in the abdominal area might be caused by liver enlargement or a fluid build-up (known as ascites).
Itchy Skin
If your liver isn’t filtering bile properly, it can end up in your bloodstream, leading to persistent itchy skin.
Dark Urine or Pale Stools
Changes in the color of urine or stools may indicate that your liver’s filtration process is off balance.
Loss of Appetite and Unexplained Weight Loss
Struggling to eat or noticing sudden weight loss? This could signal your liver is having trouble processing nutrients and producing necessary proteins.
What Are the Common Causes of Liver Problems?
Now that we've unpacked the liver’s essential functions and the red flags signaling trouble, you might be curious about what really throws this vital organ off balance. What are the usual suspects when it comes to liver problems?
Unbalanced Diet
A diet loaded with processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars can seriously weigh down your liver. It's like asking it to filter through endless junk. Over time, this can lead to fat build-up in the liver, throwing off its filtration process and energy production.
Medication Overuse
Your liver handles the breakdown of most medications you take. While it’s more than capable of doing the job, overuse or combining too many medications at once can overload it. Certain over-the-counter pain relievers, when used excessively, can also add strain.
Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
The world is full of unwanted elements — chemicals, pollutants, and other nasties that can sneak into your system. Your liver works hard to filter them out, but constant exposure can make it tough to keep up, leading to liver stress over time.
Chronic Stress
Stress can interfere with your liver, too. Chronic stress can throw off bodily systems that interact with liver function, like digestion and your body’s ability to process energy. When your stress levels are high, your liver might struggle to keep up.
Poor Physical Activity Levels
When your body stays active, it supports better circulation and energy use, both of which help keep your liver functioning smoothly. Too little movement? It can contribute to liver sluggishness.
How Can You Support a Healthy Liver?
Now that you’re clued into what can throw your liver off track, it’s time to flip the script and talk about how to support a healthy liver. What can you do to keep this powerhouse organ working like a champ? Let’s dive into practical steps and lifestyle changes that’ll help your liver function at its best.
Eat Foods That Support Liver Health
Your liver loves foods that are packed with nutrients and easy to process. Incorporating more fiber-rich veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help promote optimal liver function. Foods rich in antioxidants can also support your liver’s filtration process, keeping unwanted elements from building up over time.
Stay on Top of Regular Check-Ups
Blood tests, specifically liver function tests, are a great way to monitor how well your liver is performing.
Early detection of liver problems through routine check-ups can prevent more serious issues. If you notice signs like yellowing of the skin or changes in energy, it’s time to consult with a healthcare provider.
Vaccinate Against Viral Hepatitis
Viral infections can severely affect liver function. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated, especially if you're in a higher-risk category. Vaccines can help your immune system fend off these viral attacks, reducing your chances of long-term liver damage.
Manage Stress Like a Pro
High levels of chronic stress can disrupt the liver's ability to filter and regulate properly. Managing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, or simply unplugging for a while can help support overall liver function.
Stay Hydrated
Water plays a key role in helping your liver do its job. Proper hydration aids in the body’s filtration process, helping your liver effectively manage what’s coming in and going out. Drinking enough water daily supports everything from digestion to energy production, keeping your liver happy.
Support with Herbs
Certain herbs, like turmeric, milk thistle, and dandelion, support liver function by aiding in filtration and bile production. Our Dose for Your Liver packs these herbs into a convenient wellness shot, offering clinically-backed ingredients like bioavailable turmeric and milk thistle to promote optimal liver health — clean, effective, and easy to incorporate into your routine.
Prioritize Sleep
Quality shut-eye is essential for liver health. During rest, your liver ramps up its filtration process, removing unwanted elements from your bloodstream. Lack of sleep can disrupt these vital functions, leading to an overworked liver. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep to help your liver function at its best.
So, How Do I Know If My Liver Is Okay?
Wondering if your liver is crushing it? When your liver is in top form, you’ll feel the difference. Here are a few signs that your liver is doing its job and keeping things in balance:
Consistent Energy
If you’re powering through your day without feeling constantly fatigued, that’s a great sign. Your liver is converting nutrients into energy efficiently, fueling your body like a pro.
Clear, Vibrant Skin
Healthy, clear skin means your liver is filtering out unwanted elements without a hitch. No signs of dullness or breakouts? That’s your liver working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.
Smooth Digestion
Regular, comfortable digestion is a strong indicator that your liver is producing bile properly, helping break down fats and supporting nutrient absorption. If things feel "normal" after you eat, your liver is on point.
Steady Weight
Maintaining a stable weight without sudden, unexplained fluctuations suggests your liver is processing nutrients and managing energy efficiently. If your weight feels balanced, so does your liver.
Feeling Good Overall
When your liver is happy, your overall wellness is on point. Feeling healthy, balanced, and free of discomfort? That’s a clear sign your liver is functioning as it should.
Keep an eye on these positive signals as reassurance that your liver is in great shape!
What Should You Do If Your Liver Health Isn’t Improving?
If you’ve made lifestyle changes but aren’t seeing improvements in your liver health, it’s essential to take further steps.
First, consult a healthcare provider for comprehensive liver function tests. They can assess your liver’s condition and recommend next steps, whether that’s further lifestyle adjustments, medications, or more in-depth evaluations like imaging or a biopsy.
The Bottom Line
So, what are the signs your liver isn’t functioning properly? It’s all about listening to your body. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, changes in skin color (hello, jaundice), or weird digestive issues, it’s probably time to give your liver some love.
At Daily Dose, we get it — your liver works overtime, and supporting its function should be easy. Our wellness shots are crafted with potent, clinically-backed ingredients designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Whether you’re supporting your liver or just looking to maintain overall balance, our shots have you covered.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey? Let Daily Dose be your daily boost toward better health.
Sources:
Liver: Anatomy and Functions | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Liver problems - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic