Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body. Not only does it help eliminate waste from your system through the production of bile, but it also helps to flush out potentially harmful bacteria and toxins from the bloodstream, and even converts excess sugar (glucose) to glycogen for energy when you need it.
That’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Hopkins Medicine says “more than 500 vital functions” are associated with the liver, so it makes sense to keep it as healthy as possible. Here are some signs that your liver may not be working optimally, and some advice on how to avoid these symptoms…
Swelling in Your Abdomen/Legs
According to the Cleveland Clinic, fluid retention (that leads to swelling) is the most common sign of liver disease. It’s associated with cirrhosis of the liver, which the source says may not have early symptoms but can have serious health implications.
With cirrhosis, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. The related distension of the abdomen or swollen legs is due to higher blood pressure in the liver veins, or the liver’s inability to produce albumin that prevents leaks from the bloodstream into tissues.
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