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If someone asked about your heart health, you could probably list off your cholesterol numbers or even your latest A1C reading. But when it comes to your liver, you might not know where to start. Liver damage often flies under the radar until a diagnosis from your doctor that can feel sudden, even though it’s been developing quietly over time. In fact, research in Hepatology Communications found that about 96 percent of adults didn’t know they had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. One of the best ways to change that is by understanding what liver disease is and the symptoms to watch for. Here, experts break it all down so you can feel just as informed about your liver as you do about your other health numbers.
What is liver disease?
“Liver disease refers to any condition which causes ongoing injury or damage to the liver, which in turn can affect critical functions,” says Joseph Lim, MD, director of clinical hepatology and digestive diseases at Yale School of Medicine. “[These include] filtration of toxins, metabolism of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates [and] fats), production of essential proteins (for immune system and clotting of blood), production of bile (which helps process fat and fat-soluble vitamins) and storage of energy (glucose to glycogen).”
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Common types of liver disease
Liver disease is actually an umbrella term that includes several different conditions that affect liver function. Dr. Kim explains there are five main types, each with a different cause:
Alcohol-related liver disease, caused by alcohol damaging the liver
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (also known as fatty liver disease), linked to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic conditions
Viral hepatitis, which occurs when infections like hepatitis B or C damage the liver
Autoimmune liver diseases, which develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver
Genetic liver diseases, caused by inherited mutations that lead to a buildup of substances like iron or copper
6 liver disease symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Although there are several different types of liver disease, many of the most common symptoms overlap, says Ritu Nahar, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Allied Digestive Health. Dr. Nahar explains six of the most common symptoms and why they happen:
Fatigue, linked to the liver’s reduced ability to convert nutrients into energy and clear toxins
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cells, when the liver can’t process it efficiently
Swelling in the abdomen, due to fluid buildup from increased pressure in the liver blood vessels and low protein levels
Nausea and reduced appetite, tied to disruptions in bile flow and toxin removal that affect digestion
Persistent itching, triggered by a buildup of bile components that accumulate in the skin
Easy bruising or bleeding, caused by reduced production of proteins needed for blood clotting
Sneaky liver disease symptoms that are easy to miss
While the above symptoms are some of the most common signs of liver disease, others can be easier to overlook or mistake for something else. Dr. Nahar breaks down a few of these more subtle red flags: :
Brain fog: MASLD can sometimes cause brain fog due to underlying inflammation and metabolic changes, which you might mistake for stress or fatigue
Trouble sleeping: Alcohol-related liver disease can lead to sleep issues as brain chemicals are disrupted, which you might assume are just due to lifestyle habits
Joint pain: Chronic viral hepatitis can trigger joint pain from immune system activity, which you might mistake for arthritis
On-and-off fatigue: Autoimmune diseases of the liver can lead to on-and-off fatigue due to immune system changes, which you might dismiss as burnout or everyday stress
What women over 50 should know
While liver disease can develop at any age, the risk increases over time, says Dr. Kim, noting that in adults 65 and older, the liver naturally shrinks. This can reduce how well it functions and make it more vulnerable to chronic disease, he explains.
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Easy lifestyle changes to support liver health
“The most important steps to support liver health focus on de-stressing the liver,” says Dr. Kim. Just how do you do that?
Switch up your diet
Dr. Kim recommends adopting a low-sugar, low-fat diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes beans, veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean meat and fish.
Get moving
Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise per week and addin resistance training, Dr. Kim suggests.
Rethink your alcohol intake
Limit or avoid alcohol to reduce strain on the liver over time.
Check with your doctor before supplementing
A quick scroll through TikTok and you’ll find users claiming a specific supplement worked wonders, and within minutes it’s in your Amazon cart. But Dr. Kim says certain supplements and herbal remedies can cause liver toxicity, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.
The bottom line on liver disease symptoms
If left untreated, liver problems can be serious and even life-threatening. But staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By knowing which symptoms to watch for and making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can support your liver health for years to come. And if you ever notice any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Catching liver disease early makes all the difference.
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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.