9 Warning Signs for Toxin Buildup in Your Liver
Do you want to know why the accumulation of toxins in the liver causes serious health problems? In that case, the first thing you have to remember is the role that said organ plays.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It’s the second-biggest organ after the skin and is responsible for fulfilling multiple basic health functions. For example, it’s responsible for filtering the blood to remove toxins and cells that the body doesn’t need. In addition, it’s in charge of synthesizing carbohydrates and lipids. It also stores vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for energy.
Despite being an excretory organ capable of functioning perfectly if you have a healthy lifestyle, when it doesn’t, it accumulates an excess of harmful substances, commonly called “toxins”, which is detrimental to health.
Below, you’ll discover nine signs that may indicate an accumulation of toxins in your liver.
1. Change in color in urine and feces
Changes in color and smell of urine and feces are indicators for several internal health problems.
Although they could be due to a urinary or intestinal condition, they’re also a key symptom for detecting liver problems in time.
Urine generally is a light yellow in color when the body is well hydrated. B ut jaundice can manifest with a darker color. Also, if there are too many toxins in your liver, your feces may be lighter or even black.
2. Cramps and stomach inflammation
Although it’s hard to tell if cramps and abdominal inflammation are a symptom of liver problems, you shouldn’t rule it out. In fact, it’s said that persistent cramps indicate that the liver isn’t working properly . It’s also common to experience constant inflammation, almost always accompanied by gas.
3. Skin sensitivities
When there are liver problems, other bodily organs and systems may be affected, such as the skin, for example. The experts at Correo Farmacéutico indicate the following: “Hepatitis produces symptoms that worsen the patient’s general health. It can also highly affect skin health”.
4. Acid reflux
Acid (or gastroesophageal) reflux is related to diseases that affect the digestive and liver systems. Although it’s usually caused by poor eating habits, the consumption of alcohol, carbonated and caffeinated beverages, and certain drugs sometimes lead to toxin buildup.
According to Dr. Kristin Lee Lynch: “Acid reflux causes the stomach contents (including gastric acid and bile) to go up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and lower chest pain”.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a symptom of multiple conditions, including those that affect the liver and gallbladder. When it occurs continuously and for no apparent reason, the liver may need a detox.
Discover: Clostridium Difficile-Associated Diarrhea
6. Feeling fatigued
When an organ or body system isn’t working properly, a person may experience mental fatigue and physical exhaustion. This is a common symptom, as the body is making an extra effort to maintain itself.
It’s said that, when the liver is overworked due to an excessive toxin buildup, its ability to clean the blood decreases and this hinders correct cell oxygenation. As a consequence, physical and mental performance decreases.
7. Sudden loss of appetite
Although it’s normal to lose your appetite under some circumstances, it’s worth paying special attention to this symptom, especially when this becomes commonplace.
For some people, it’s better to not feel the urge to eat. After a few days, however, this could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other undesirable reactions.
8. Fluid retention
Fluid retention is more common in people with kidney diseases, but liver problems may also be the cause behind it. Inflammation generally manifests in the feet, legs and other parts of the body. You’re retaining fluids if, when you press your finger into your skin, an imprint is left for a few seconds.
9. Yellow skin
Jaundice, or yellow skin is the result of the accumulation of a substance called bilirubin. This is the pigment in bile. It can be a sign of a bile duct obstruction or a buildup of toxins in the liver.
When the liver has difficulties filtering toxins from the blood, bilirubin accumulates in the blood stream, causing skin discoloration.
Do you have any of these symptoms? Consult your doctor
If you’re suffering from several of the symptoms we mentioned here, it’s best to get a check-up so your doctor can see what’s happening. Remember that a timely diagnosis can go a long way towards treating the problem.
While you’re following the treatment prescribed by your doctor, it doesn’t hurt to improve your lifestyle habits and try to maintain them over time.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Buey, L. García, F. González Mateos, and R. Moreno-Otero. “Cirrosis hepática.” Medicine-Programa de formación médica continuada acreditado 11.11 (2012): 625-633.
- García-Cortés, M., et al. “Hepatotoxicidad secundaria a” productos naturales”: análisis de los casos notificados al Registro Español de Hepatotoxicidad.” Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas 100.11 (2008): 688-695.
- Martínez Álvarez, J. R., et al. “Recomendaciones de alimentación para la población española.” Nutrición Clínica y dietética hospitalaria 30.1 (2010): 4-14.