The liver does a lot of heavy lifting.
The largest internal organ, it regulates clotting and removes toxins, yet research suggests many of us live with compromised liver function — and don’t even know it.
It’s estimated that more than 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease, a broad term used to describe several conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis and liver cancer.
Referred to as the “silent epidemic,” experts suspect between 80 million and 100 million adults in the U.S. have NAFLD.
As its name implies, NAFLD is marked by the presence of fat in the liver.
The primary cause is weight gain, along with metabolic risk factors such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and obstructive sleep apnea.
The condition is also known as MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), reflecting the association between fatty liver and metabolic syndrome. Fatty liver disease is associated with an increased risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
While preventative measures like diet, exercise and abstaining from alcohol can help stave off liver disease, problems arise because symptoms are subtle or altogether absent.
Dr. Bubu Banini a hepatologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine tells HuffPost, “Signs and symptoms of liver disease do not typically present until there is significant liver damage,” Dr. Bubu Banini, a hepatologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, recently told HuffPost.
Experts like Banini urge people to seek medical attention if they experience the following issues.
Bruising and bleeding easily
The liver produces proteins that the body needs to form blood clots.
When the liver is damaged or otherwise fails to function, people are more prone to bleeding and bruising, a common side effect, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Confusion and brain dysfunction
A medical professional should always address a change in mental state or cognitive function. Still, experts say an unexpected culprit of brain fog and cognitive impairment is late-stage liver failure.
“A person who is otherwise healthy can develop acute liver failure that could manifest as changes in mental state or personality such as disorientation, confusion or sleepiness,” Banini explained to Huff Post.
Specifically, hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction caused by liver issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic, whose experts say it can arise by affecting:
- Mood and personality
- Behavior and impulse control
- Memory, concentration and thinking
- Consciousness, lucidity and sleep patterns
- Coordination and motor functions
- Autonomy and ability to care for yourself
Jaundice
Banini notes that liver disease can manifest as jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes. When the body breaks down red blood cells, it creates the pigment bilirubin, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Typically, the liver processes and removes bilirubin, but an excess of it can cause jaundice and point toward liver issues.
Dark urine
If you’re adequately hydrated but notice that your urine has a persistently dark hue, it could be a sign of a serious liver condition.
Just as an excess of the pigment bilirubin can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, it can turn pee darker hues of orange or amber.
Cirrhosis-fueled swelling
Cirrhosis, or liver scarring, can cause swelling in the ankles, legs and abdomen.
Per the Mayo Clinic, cirrhosis slows blood flow and increases pressure in the portal vein within the liver. This pressure can cause fluid accumulation; when fluid collects in the legs, it’s called edema; in the abdomen, it’s known as ascites.
The swelling may also indicate that the liver is not producing enough blood proteins.
