By: Rosemarie Tamunday Casanova

Is Your Liver Healthy? Here’s How to Spot the Red Flags Early

Your liver works quietly in the background every single day—cleaning your blood, breaking down toxins, supporting your digestion, storing energy, and keeping your whole system balanced. It’s one of the hardest-working organs in your body, but because it’s so good at adapting, many people don’t realize something is wrong until the symptoms become more obvious.

Catching liver issues early matters. When detected early, many liver problems can be managed, slowed down, or even reversed with lifestyle changes and proper medical care. But how do you actually know when your liver is struggling?

In this guide, we’ll break it down in a simple, friendly, and easy-to-understand way—no medical jargon. Just real, practical information you can use for yourself or your loved ones.

Why the Liver Is So Important

Before we dive into the warning signs, it helps to know why the liver plays such a big role in your health.

Your liver:

• Filters toxins from your blood
• Helps digest food by making bile
• Stores vitamins and nutrients
• Controls your blood sugar
• Supports your immune system
• Helps with hormone balance

Because it handles so many functions, when it starts getting unhealthy, the effects can show up all over your body—not just in one place.

Early Signs Your Liver Might Be Unhealthy

Below are the most common, noticeable symptoms that could mean your liver needs attention. These signs don’t automatically mean serious illness, but they are signals you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Constant Fatigue or Low Energy

One of the earliest signs of liver trouble is unusual tiredness. This is not the regular “I didn’t sleep well” fatigue. This is the kind of heavy tiredness that doesn’t go away even after rest.

Why it happens:
When the liver can’t filter toxins effectively, those toxins build up in your blood—which makes you feel drained and sluggish.

If you feel unusually tired almost every day with no clear reason, your liver might be calling for help.

2. Yellowing Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)

Jaundice is one of the clearest signs of liver problems. When the liver can’t properly process bilirubin, a yellow pigment, it begins to build up in the body.

This discoloration shows up:

• In the whites of your eyes
• On your skin
• Sometimes in dark yellow urine

Jaundice is a definite sign to talk to a doctor immediately.

3. Discomfort or Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen

Your liver sits on the upper right side of your belly. When it becomes inflamed or enlarged, you may feel:

• A dull ache
• A feeling of fullness
• Sometimes mild pain

It’s not always severe, but it’s noticeable—especially when you press on the area or after eating a heavy meal.

4. Unexplained Digestive Changes

Since your liver produces bile, which helps break down fats, any problem in this process can affect digestion.

You may notice:

• Frequent nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Pale or gray-colored stools
• Oily or greasy stools

Many people overlook these signs, thinking it’s just indigestion, but frequent episodes can be a clue.

5. Swelling in Your Legs, Ankles, or Stomach

When the liver struggles, it can disrupt blood flow and fluid balance. This may lead to:

• Swollen ankles
• Puffy legs
• A bloated or enlarged stomach (ascites)

This happens because of pressure changes in the blood vessels around the liver.

6. Dark Urine

Even if you drink enough water, your urine may look unusually dark—like tea or cola. This can be caused by rising bilirubin levels when the liver isn’t working properly.

7. Itchy Skin That Doesn’t Go Away

A surprising but very common early sign of liver problems is persistent itching. This happens when bile salts build up under the skin.

If your skin is always itchy without a rash or allergy, your liver could be the reason.

8. Easy Bruising

The liver makes proteins that help your blood clot. When its function slows down, even small bumps might turn into large bruises.

This slow clotting is another red flag that your liver isn’t operating at full strength.

9. Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating

Toxins that the liver can’t filter may begin affecting your brain. You might notice:

• Trouble focusing
• Forgetfulness
• Confusion
• Feeling mentally slow or foggy

This condition is called hepatic encephalopathy, but even mild changes can be a sign of early issues.

10. Weight Loss or Weight Gain Without Trying

Liver problems can cause:

• Unintentional weight loss due to a poor appetite
• Weight gain due to fluid retention

If your weight changes quickly with no changes in your routine, the liver could be part of the explanation.

What Causes Liver Problems?

Understanding the causes helps you take better care of your liver.

Common causes include:

• Alcohol use
• Fatty liver (very common, even in non-drinkers)
• Viral infections such as hepatitis
• Medications or supplements taken in excess
• Poor diet
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Exposure to chemicals or toxins

The liver is resilient, but consistent pressure over time can weaken it.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some people are more likely to develop liver conditions, including those who:

• Eat a high-fat or high-sugar diet
• Are overweight
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Have diabetes
• Take multiple medications
• Have a family history of liver disease
• Have viral hepatitis exposure

If you fit into any of these categories, watching for early symptoms is even more important.

How Liver Problems Are Diagnosed

If you notice any symptoms listed above, a doctor may recommend:

• Blood tests (liver function tests)
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• FibroScan (tests liver stiffness)
• A liver biopsy in some cases

These tests help determine what’s happening and the next steps.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Liver Healthy

Even simple daily habits can support your liver.

Here are practical steps:

• Eat more fiber, fruits, and vegetables
• Avoid too much sugar and processed food
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be mindful of medications and supplements
• Stay active
• Get regular checkups

Taking care of your liver today helps prevent bigger problems in the future.

When to Seek Help Right Away

Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you or a loved one notices:

• Yellowing skin or eyes
• Severe abdominal swelling
• Vomiting blood
• Very dark urine
• Extreme fatigue
• Confusion or sudden memory issues

These can be signs of advanced liver problems.

Your Liver Speaks—You Just Need to Listen

Your liver doesn’t complain loudly. It whispers through small changes—your energy, your digestion, your skin, your mood. Paying attention to these subtle signs can help you detect problems early and protect your long-term health.

If you or someone you know is showing several symptoms listed above, it’s worth having a conversation with a doctor. Early detection makes a difference. And when your liver is healthy, your whole body feels the benefit.

If you’re caring for a loved one who may be experiencing health changes or early signs of liver or chronic conditions, the team at RIGHT ACCORD is here to help. Our compassionate caregivers support seniors across Sarasota, Venice, Manatee, Lee, and Charlotte Counties with personal care, daily living assistance, and wellness monitoring.

📞 Call us at 941-366-0801
🌐 Visit: www.rightaccordhealth.com

Let’s make health and safety a priority for the people you love.