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5 Early Signs of Liver Damage You Should Look Out For

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If not taken care of early, liver disease can progress quite quickly. Later stages of liver damage have other symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room right away. They are a sign that your liver is failing. These include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Edema (swelling) in the ankles, feet, and legs
  • Itching all over your body, especially at night
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Deep, dull pain in the right upper abdomen
  • Dark-colored urine and pale stools (bowel movements)
  • Confusion, lack of coordination, and difficulty walking

  • How To Prevent Liver Damage

    Sick woman suffering from pain and illustration of unhealthy liver on light blue background. Viral hepatitis
    Credit: Shutterstock

    It’s important to know the signs of liver damage and get treatment as soon as possible. But there are also steps you can take to prevent liver disease from developing in the first place. Here are some ways to protect your liver health:

    • Exercise regularly—you don’t have to be an athlete; even mild exercise like walking a few times per week will help keep your liver healthy.
    • Avoid alcohol consumption, particularly if you have a history of liver disease or heavy drinking.
    • Stop smoking, which is not only unhealthy but also puts you at a higher risk for many liver diseases.
    • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
    • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B—these are the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States.
    • Get tested for hepatitis C, a virus that can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
    • Be careful with over-the-counter pain medications. Many pain medications contain acetaminophen, which is a type of drug called an analgesic. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or for long periods of time. It’s important to follow the instructions on your medication and avoid taking more than one dose at a time.

    The Bottom Line

    Woman, stomach and hand with heart in outdoor for exercise, diet, fitness and closeup. Female tummy, gut health and self love for wellness and training in the summer for healthy workout outside.
    Credit: Shutterstock

    Your health is in your own hands, always. Do your best to live a healthy lifestyle. If you can, know your family disease history and what you might be more genetically predisposed to. Talk to your healthcare practitioner when you notice something that doesn’t seem right.

    Keep Reading: How Does Vitamin A Toxicity Impact The Liver

    Sources

    1. “What are the early signs of liver damage from alcohol?” Healthline. Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.  March 27, 2023.
    2. “Liver disease.” Mayo Clinic
    3. “What are the signs of liver damage?” Medical News Today. Jenna Fletcher. January 31, 2023.
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