6 Dangerous Symptoms That Indicate Your Liver Might Be Loaded With Toxins

6 Dangerous Symptoms That Indicate Your Liver Might Be Loaded With Toxins
Image showing liver pain on the left and man on the ground with foot pain on the right. (Illustration - Shutterstock)
Epoch Inspired Staff
3/13/2019
Updated:
1/29/2020

Do you experience abdominal pain, have yellow skin, or suffer from chronic nausea? If yes, then these could be symptoms of a diseased liver, not to be taken lightly. Here we have spelled out the most common signs of a toxin-filled liver. If you experience them, it would be best to contact a medical practitioner.

Liver disease is a common cause of death in the contemporary world. Factors like toxins in our environment, improper nutrition, lack of exercise, substance abuse, etc. can lead to the liver’s malfunction and consequently to serious disease and even death.

Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/human-liver-anatomy-256694242?src=1ZxJ01TePTfwn3u7TQAT-Q-1-26">Nerthuz</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | Nerthuz

The liver is a very important organ as it protects all tissues from damage by filtering out toxins from the bloodstream. A well-functioning liver is essential in order to maintain good health.

Following are symptoms of a diseased liver:

1. Abdominal pain

If you experience pain in the upper right abdomen or under the lower right ribs, this may be a sign of cirrhosis. It is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage. The pain may come and go and severity of the pain is intense; that is, it is throbbing or stabbing. If it hurts so much that it is difficult to even be seated, then you should see a doctor.
Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/man-holds-liver-pain-abdomen-cirrhosis-635990573?src=Aslyn8A7DPTem32PlzsfHg-1-12">OBprod</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | OBprod

2. Vomiting

When the liver does not function properly, you feel constantly nauseous and even vomit. An upset stomach is a common early symptom of liver disease, but persistent vomiting could be a sign of an advanced liver problem. When the liver cannot eliminate toxins, digestive problems will follow.
Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-vomiting-woman-near-sink-bathroom-610873403?src=TOvW2Z1iLCoJ_oVagLabUQ-1-3">Africa Studio</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | Africa Studio

3. Yellow skin

Liver damage means that the body cannot effectively get rid of waste. As a consequence, a bile pigment known as bilirubin can build up in the bloodstream, causing jaundice, which makes the skin, and in some cases the eyes, appear yellow. Bilirubin is a brown-yellow pigment found in the bile to aid in the digestion of food.
Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/docto-pressing-jaundice-patient-leg-check-779680690">Casa nayafana</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | Casa nayafana

4. Fatigue

If you experience fatigue constantly, even during activities that don’t require much energy, then it could mean your liver is not functioning well. Severe exhaustion could be a result of low blood oxygen levels and waste accumulation in the body.
Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/stressed-woman-driver-sitting-inside-her-674574616?src=daDltTZePGi5RGmaSj9LJA-2-92">pathdoc</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | pathdoc

5. Muscle problems

If you experience pain in your muscles and joints constantly or get bruised easily, or if your legs and feet are swollen, then this could mean you are having problems with the liver. A damaged liver produces fewer proteins, which are required for efficient clotting of blood. Without this clotting mechanism, your skin may bruise easily.
Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/male-runner-having-problems-knee-joint-195095900?src=piy3Ree2GGEhE5H93H-uqQ-1-4">luckyraccoon</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | luckyraccoon

6. Changes in color of bodily waste

If your urine has a much darker color and your stool has become lighter or off-white, then this could indicate problems with the liver.

If you experience any of these symptoms, then please contact your doctor. Remember, we have only one liver, so it’s of utmost importance to take care of it.

Illustration - Shutterstock | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/beautiful-young-female-doctor-urine-sample-67766599?src=Xw0zDvs_WwHKFiH_glooNw-3-86">Rob Byron</a>
Illustration - Shutterstock | Rob Byron
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