Your liver plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. As one of the largest organs in the body, it is responsible for crucial metabolic functions, such as converting nutrients from your diet for bodily use and ensuring that toxic substances are eliminated before they can cause harm.

However, when your liver is not in optimal condition and not functioning properly, it sends signals that should not be ignored. Here are 18 warning signs that your liver may be in distress, and paying attention to them is essential for a longer, healthier life:

Anorexia:
The Mayo Clinic notes that a common sign of liver damage is a decreased appetite, which leaves you bothered by non-existent hunger.

Uncontrolled sleep schedules:
Disturbed sleep patterns can be caused by various factors, and a 2012 study suggests that cirrhosis may be one of the causes, making it difficult to get a good night’s rest.

Memory problems:
Significant recent memory deterioration may be a cause for concern, as liver failure can impede the removal of toxins from the blood, which may lead to hepatic encephalopathy.

Constant fatigue:
Chronic fatigue, even with regular exertion, can be linked to liver disease, including changes in neurotransmission within the brain.

Itchy skin:
Itchy skin, especially if it’s persistent, can be an early sign of primary biliary cholangitis or cirrhosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Yellow eyes:
Yellowing of the eyes or skin, known as jaundice, is caused by high bilirubin levels, which indicates various liver problems such as cirrhosis or hepatitis B.

Sudden weight gain or loss:
Unexpected weight gain may indicate cirrhosis, while unexplained weight loss could be a symptom of hepatitis C, warns the Mayo Clinic.

Redness of the palm of the hand:
Palm redness without an obvious cause may be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects those who consume minimal or no alcohol.

Chest enlargement:
Breast enlargement in men may be a surprising sign of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is linked to hormonal imbalances.

Personality changes:
Hepatic encephalopathy, which causes memory loss, can lead to changes in mental function and personality.

Easy bruising:
Unexplained bruising, especially in younger individuals, may be a sign of liver damage.

Swelling in the legs and ankles:
Liver disease, caused by factors such as alcohol abuse or obesity, can appear as unexpected swelling in the legs and ankles.

Confusion and lack of concentration:
Hepatic encephalopathy caused by liver failure can affect cognitive abilities, causing confusion and difficulty concentrating.

More frequent pain:
Increased body aches for no apparent reason can be linked to primary biliary cholangitis, which also causes itchy skin.

Feeling bloated:
Persistent bloating not related to meals may indicate fluid buildup in the abdomen, known as ascites and a warning sign of liver damage.

Urine colour:
Dark urine after showering can be a surprising sign of liver damage, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.

Watching for these warning signs and treating them promptly is crucial to maintaining liver health and overall well-being.