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If someone asked about your heart health, you could probably list off your cholesterol numbers<\/a> or even your latest A1C reading<\/a>. 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\u2019s been developing quietly over time. In fact, research in Hepatology Communications found that about 96 percent of adults didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n What is liver disease?<\/p>\n \u201cLiver disease refers to any condition which causes ongoing injury or damage to the liver, which in turn can affect critical functions,\u201d says Joseph Lim, MD<\/a>, director of clinical hepatology and digestive diseases at Yale School of Medicine. \u201c[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).\u201d<\/p>\n New Blood Test Can Predict Liver Disease Risk Years Before Symptoms Start<\/a><\/p>\n Common types of liver disease\u00a0<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Alcohol-related liver disease, caused by alcohol damaging the liver<\/p>\n Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (also known as fatty liver disease), linked to obesity, diabetes and other metabolic conditions<\/p>\n Viral hepatitis, which occurs when infections like hepatitis B or C damage the liver<\/p>\n Autoimmune liver diseases, which develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver<\/p>\n Genetic liver diseases, caused by inherited mutations that lead to a buildup of substances like iron or copper<\/p>\n 6 liver disease symptoms you shouldn\u2019t ignore<\/p>\n Although there are several different types of liver disease, many of the most common symptoms overlap, says Ritu Nahar, MD<\/a>, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Allied Digestive Health. Dr. Nahar explains six of the most common symptoms and why they happen:<\/p>\n Fatigue, linked to the liver\u2019s reduced ability to convert nutrients into energy and clear toxins<\/p>\n Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cells, when the liver can\u2019t process it efficiently<\/p>\n Swelling in the abdomen, due to fluid buildup from increased pressure in the liver blood vessels and low protein levels<\/p>\n Nausea and reduced appetite, tied to disruptions in bile flow and toxin removal that affect digestion<\/p>\n Persistent itching, triggered by a buildup of bile components that accumulate in the skin<\/p>\n Easy bruising or bleeding, caused by reduced production of proteins needed for blood clotting<\/p>\n Sneaky liver disease symptoms that are easy to miss\u00a0<\/p>\n 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: :<\/p>\n Brain fog: MASLD can sometimes cause brain fog<\/a> due to underlying inflammation and metabolic changes, which you might mistake for stress or fatigue<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n Joint pain: Chronic viral hepatitis can trigger joint pain from immune system activity, which you might mistake for arthritis<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n What women over 50 should know<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Doctor + Nutritionist: 10 Easy Ways to Heal a Fatty Liver Fast to Boost Fat Burn by 400%<\/a><\/p>\n Easy lifestyle changes to support liver health<\/p>\n \u201cThe most important steps to support liver health focus on de-stressing the liver,\u201d says Dr. Kim. Just how do you do that?\u00a0<\/p>\n Switch up your diet<\/p>\n Dr. Kim recommends adopting a low-sugar, low-fat diet, such as the Mediterranean diet<\/a>, which prioritizes beans, veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean meat and fish.<\/p>\n Get moving<\/p>\n Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise per week and addin resistance training, Dr. Kim suggests.<\/p>\n Rethink your alcohol intake<\/p>\n Limit or avoid alcohol to reduce strain on the liver over time.<\/p>\n Check with your doctor before supplementing<\/p>\n A quick scroll through TikTok and you\u2019ll find users claiming a specific supplement worked wonders, and within minutes it\u2019s in your Amazon cart. But Dr. Kim says certain supplements<\/a> and herbal remedies can cause liver toxicity, so it\u2019s best to check with your doctor first.<\/p>\n The bottom line on liver disease symptoms<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel<\/a> for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.<\/p>\n Keep scrolling for more health stories!<\/p>\n A Sweet Treat That Melts Liver Fat? Doctors Say Collagen Could Be the Key!<\/a><\/p>\n A Doctor Reveals Which Castor Oil Benefits Are Real and Which Are Wishful Thinking<\/a><\/p>\n