The liver is a vital organ that helps the body store fat-soluble vitamins and regulate cholesterol levels. Some of the other functions it performs are contributing to the synthesis of clotting factors and protein in the body and filtering the blood. Any damage to the organ can disrupt these key functions, resulting in various issues throughout the body that require immediate treatment. So, here are a few signs of liver damage one should not ignore:

1. Yellow skin and eyes
The body produces a substance called bilirubin, which gives bile its yellow color. A healthy liver is able to get rid of excess bilirubin and keep its levels in check. However, with liver damage, the build-up of bilirubin in the blood can give the skin and eyes a yellow tint, which is also called jaundice.

2. Blood in vomit
When dealing with a condition called liver cirrhosis, one may experience symptoms like vomiting blood. The condition initially causes loss of appetite, nausea, and itchy skin, gradually leading to vomiting of blood when left unchecked. This symptom can indicate a liver problem that requires medical intervention.

3. Dark urine
The buildup of bilirubin in the body brought on by liver damage is responsible for another sign, i.e., changes in the color of urine. One may notice dark orange, amber, cola-colored, or brown urine as a possible sign of damage in the liver. This color change indicates that the organ is unable to perform its function and filter out harmful substances from the body.

4. Frequent bruising
When dealing with an injury, the body needs proteins to recover in a timely manner. However, an unhealthy or damaged liver can lead to frequent bruising and bleeding in the body, as the organ is unable to produce the proteins needed for clotting blood. So, after an injury, the blood pools under the skin and causes bruises, which can be blue, black, brown, or purple in color. With time, the bruises might go away on their own; however, frequent bruising without a substantial injury should be examined by a doctor.

5. Back pain
Back pain, especially when not accompanied by other common symptoms, may be dismissed as an outcome of stress or physical exertion. However, a throbbing, stabbing, or a slight dull pain in the upper right back or the abdominal region should prompt one to consult a doctor to rule out liver damage. This is because liver-related conditions can cause dull, throbbing aches in the back, shoulders, and large joints.

6. Abdominal swelling
When the liver is unable to function properly, it may give way to fluid leakage through its surface. The fluid leaks not just from the liver but also the intestine and starts to slowly accumulate in the abdominal cavity of the body. Also called ascites, this symptom can indicate issues like liver cirrhosis or a blocked hepatic vein.

7. Swelling in the feet
Fluid leaks are not limited to the abdomen and can spread to the feet, causing further complications like limiting movement. This symptom, called edema, can be a result of low levels of a protein called albumin. Liver damage can disrupt the synthesis of albumin, resulting in swelling in different parts of the body.

8. Pale stools
This is another tell-tale sign of the liver dysfunction. A healthy liver releases bile salts into the stools, giving the waste a brownish color. When the liver is unable to produce enough bile, or if the flow of these bile salts is blocked and cannot be drained from the liver, then the stool may take on a pale or clay-like color. Noticing light-colored stool once in a while may not be indicative of severe health issues. However, if one observes persistent stool discoloration, they should consult a doctor and seek treatment.

9. Dark marks on the skin
Known as spider angiomas, this symptom manifests as red to purple marks on the skin, resembling the shape of a spider’s legs. They are small spider-shaped arteries that can appear in clusters on the skin. The sign may be common in some people, but when it develops in a large number on the upper half of the body, then it should be examined by a doctor to rule out serious liver conditions.

In addition to these common signs of liver damage, one should keep an eye out for symptoms like changes in sleep, tiredness and fatigue, and nausea. Further, persistently itchy skin can also be a sign of liver damage as it is brought on by obstructive jaundice. Usually, this symptom is not accompanied by rashes or lesions on the skin. Many such issues can go unnoticed. However, any such symptom, when accompanied by one or more liver damage signs, should be examined by a doctor. If left unchecked, liver problems can lead to further complications. So, it is important to watch out for any unusual changes in the body and seek medical intervention for persistent symptoms.

Ways to avoid liver damage
In addition to seeking treatment for liver damage, such conditions can be avoided, managed, and, in some cases, even reversed by making lifestyle changes. Here, one would have to opt for healthy eating habits, like choosing balanced meals, nutrient-rich foods, and skipping highly processed snacks. Clean eating can help the body get all the nutrients it needs while also helping it maintain hormonal balance. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly are crucial steps toward managing overall health and preventing excessive pressure on the body and its vital organs, including the liver. Additionally, getting regular checkups and seeking doctor’s advice before starting any treatment or taking supplements can help one keep health issues at bay.