Your liver doesn’t get much love in day-to-day conversations, but it’s a workhorse for your body. It’s quietly filtering out unwanted elements, managing energy production, and keeping your blood flowing smoothly.

When something’s off with your liver, it’s not always obvious. The signs can be subtle, easy to dismiss, or chalked up to other causes. That’s why knowing what to look for can make all the difference in supporting this powerhouse organ.

At Daily Dose, we’re big on making wellness simple and actionable. So, let’s dive into the signs that your liver might need some extra attention, why this organ is so vital, and what you can do to keep it thriving.

What Is the Liver?

The liver is your largest internal organ, located just under your ribcage on the right side of your abdomen. Unlike most organs that focus on one main job, the liver wears a lot of hats — performing over 500 essential tasks that keep your body running smoothly. 

Here’s a quick rundown of its key roles:

• Detoxification: It cleans your blood by removing harmful substances, which includes everything from environmental toxins to metabolic waste.

• Metabolism: It helps to break down nutrients from the food you eat, turning them into energy and essential building blocks for the body.

• Protein Synthesis: It creates important proteins that are crucial for blood clotting.

• Storage: It stores vitamins, iron, and glucose so your body can tap into them when needed.

• Bile Production: It produces bile, a greenish fluid that helps with digestion, especially in breaking down fats.

Needless to say, your liver is pretty important. While it might not get the spotlight like your heart or brain, it’s doing just as much to keep you feeling your best.

What Are the Signs of Liver Problems?

We’ve talked about what the liver is and skimmed the surface of its many roles, but how can you tell if yours might need a little extra attention? The liver doesn’t always make it obvious when it’s under stress, and the signs can be easy to miss or chalk up to something else. 

Everyone’s experience is different, but here are some common indicators that may point to liver problems.

1. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes

Notice a yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes? This is known as jaundice and can happen when bilirubin, a substance your liver helps process, starts building up in your bloodstream. It’s a telltale sign that your liver might not be filtering as effectively as it should.

2. Itchy Skin

Unexplained itching that just won’t quit could be connected to your liver. When bile doesn’t flow properly, it can lead to a buildup that irritates the skin. It might be worth considering your liver if you’ve ruled out the usual suspects, like dry weather or allergies.

3. Loss of Appetite

A loss of appetite can be an early sign that something’s off with your liver. When your liver isn’t functioning as it should, it may not be able to process nutrients efficiently, which can lead to feelings of nausea or a general lack of interest in eating. 

4. Swelling in the Abdomen or Legs (Ascites or Edema)

Fluid retention in your abdomen (ascites) or swelling in your legs and feet (edema) can happen when your liver isn’t working as efficiently. This may be linked to changes in blood flow or protein levels, both of which your liver helps regulate.

5. Changes in Digestive Habits

Your liver plays a key role in digestion, and when it’s not functioning at its best, you might notice things like pale stools or darkened urine. These changes can signal issues with bile production or processing, both of which are central to the liver’s job.

6. Unexplained Weight Changes

Unexpected weight changes — whether it’s a sudden loss or consistent difficulty maintaining a stable weight — could signal that your liver isn’t fully supporting your body’s energy demands. 

Since the liver plays a key role in processing nutrients and managing how your body stores and uses energy, disruptions in its function might lead to these fluctuations.

7. Other Visible Changes

Beyond yellowing skin or swelling, keep an eye out for things like visible veins on your abdomen or changes to your nails or skin texture. While these are less common, they can still signal that your liver might need attention.

How To Support a Healthy Liver

If you've noticed some signs that your liver might need a little TLC, don’t worry — it’s nothing that can’t be turned around with the right habits. The liver’s a tough organ, and there are simple ways you can show it some love every day. 

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Your liver thrives on whole, nutritious foods. Fill your plate with plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are like the fuel your liver needs to stay on top of its many jobs — from filtering to protein production. 

While we’re not saying you have to give up all your favorite treats, it’s a good idea to cut back on processed foods and sugar-laden snacks. These guys can overwork your liver, so aim for balance instead.

Drink Enough Water

Water is a game-changer when it comes to liver health. Hydration helps your liver filter out unwanted elements more efficiently, and it keeps things flowing smoothly. So, while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a good starting point is to sip on water throughout the day. 

Keep a bottle handy and take a few gulps whenever you feel thirsty. It’s an easy way to help your liver do its thing.

Stay Active

You don’t have to run marathons or hit the gym daily, but staying active definitely benefits your liver. Exercise helps improve blood flow, which means better nutrient delivery to your liver. Plus, it keeps your energy levels up, which can be a big win for your overall wellness. 

Whether it’s a morning stretch, a walk around the block, or a fun dance-off in your living room, moving your body helps your liver do its job.

Watch What You Eat

Processed foods and sugary snacks can take a toll on your liver’s filtration system, as can sugary drinks like soda or soft drinks. 

Opt for home-cooked meals when possible, and get in the habit of checking labels so you know what’s going into your body.

Give Your Liver the Rest It Deserves

Believe it or not, your liver is doing a ton of heavy lifting while you sleep. So, make sure you’re getting enough rest. A solid seven to nine hours of sleep helps your liver stay fresh and ready to filter, produce proteins, and break down nutrients the next day. 

If you’re not getting enough sleep, your liver (and the rest of your body) could start feeling a little sluggish.

Nature’s Got Your Back

There’s a reason people have turned to natural ingredients for centuries to support liver health. Herbs like turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion, and ginger are all known for promoting optimal liver function. They help your liver filter unwanted elements and support your body’s overall wellness.

The good news? You don’t have to hunt them down individually. They’re all conveniently packed into our Dose for Your Liver wellness shot. It’s a simple, effective way to support your liver daily.

Get Regular Check-Ups

Routine health check-ups are a good habit for keeping an eye on how your liver’s doing. Blood tests and liver function tests can give you the lowdown on whether your liver is staying in shape. 

If your doctor recommends a liver biopsy or any imaging tests, it’s just part of the process to make sure everything’s working as it should. Knowledge is power, so take those check-ups seriously.

De-Stress

Stress can be a silent culprit when it comes to your liver. It can mess with your body’s systems and affect liver function indirectly. So, it’s important to find ways to unwind. Whether it’s deep breathing, yoga, or just taking a walk in nature, find what works for you to keep stress in check. Your liver will thank you for it.

Take Care with Medications

Some medications, especially those taken over a long period, can put extra pressure on your liver. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any kind of medication, and never double up on doses. If you’re unsure about the effects of any meds, it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider for advice on how to keep your liver safe.

When To Seek Medical Attention

While making lifestyle changes can significantly support a healthy liver, there are times when it’s important to call in the pros. We’ve discussed some of the signs of liver damage — if these issues persist or you just feel in your gut that something isn’t right, it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider.

These could be early stages of liver distress, often tied to common causes like poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain medications. Left unchecked, liver problems can lead to complications, such as scar tissue forming in liver cells, which can impact how effectively your liver filters and supports your overall health.

Bottom Line? Don’t wait — schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. A liver function test can provide valuable insight into how your liver is performing and whether further steps are needed to address any potential issues. Taking proactive steps now helps ensure your liver stays strong and supports your energy, digestion, and overall well-being for the long haul.

A Final Word

If you’ve noticed things like yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, a lack of energy, or unexplained weight changes, it just might be your liver asking for a little extra care.

Supporting your liver with good habits, proper hydration, and even natural, holistic ingredients like those found in our Daily Doses can help your liver stay on track. Whether it's liver support, skin health, or maintaining immune health, we’ve got a dose for you.

Sources:

What is the largest organ in your body? The human body has 70 organs, here's the biggest | USA Today 

Bile: What It Is, Where It’s Made & What It Does | Cleveland Clinic

Bilirubin - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Higher plain water intake is related to lower newly diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk: a population-based study | PubMed