7 signs your liver is overworked
Like many other organs of the human body (and even more so because of its importance), the liver has a high margin of safety. Nevertheless, her condition is affected by eating disorders, taking medications, bad habits, frequent stress and unfavorable environmental conditions. Liver dysfunctions can be manifested by external changes, which we will talk about today.
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Forehead wrinkles
Improper liver function affects the entire body. Wrinkles are not only a sign of aging facial skin: in certain cases, they are a marker of liver problems. If the liver is congested, vertical wrinkles appear on the forehead and just below (between the eyebrows). The deeper they are, the higher the likelihood of liver dysfunction.
Source: depositphotos.com
Pigmentation on the face
Many biochemical processes take place in the liver. If they are violated, it affects the exchange of the pigment melanin, which plays a major role in the formation of skin color. Liver diseases are often manifested by improper pigmentation of the facial skin. Greenish or brown spots appear on the forehead or temples. It is usually not possible to get rid of them with the help of brightening agents. In very elderly people, the skin of the face, hands, and then the whole body is covered with chaotically located areas of brownish pigmentation (lentigo). Experts also associate this phenomenon with age-related changes in the liver.
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Increased oily skin
The liver is the body's main filter. It is she who neutralizes and helps to remove toxic and simply unnecessary substances from the human body. If the liver cannot cope with the excess fat, it accumulates in the ducts of the sebaceous glands.
Liver malfunctions are manifested in an increase in the oily skin of the face. Most often, a cosmetic defect occurs on the forehead and wings of the nose. Sometimes the fat content is combined with increased sweating of the same zones. Blockage of the sebaceous glands often leads to their colonization by pathogenic microorganisms; in such cases, acne, pimples and pustules appear.
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Gray hair and baldness
Liver dysfunction interferes with the proper absorption of nutrients that support hair growth. In particular, decreased liver function is considered one of the causes of early gray hair, especially when the loss of natural hair color begins in the parietal part of the head. Rapid baldness can also indicate liver problems - both in men and women.
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Change in eye condition
The liver is responsible for removing the breakdown products of hemoglobin from the body. If it does not work well, one of these substances - bilirubin - accumulates in the upper layers of the skin and mucous membranes, changing their color to yellow.
Many liver diseases manifest as yellowing of the sclera. In advanced cases, other parts of the eyes also change: the pupils become whitish, and the irises become dull. The eyes lose their healthy appearance, the skin under them also turns yellow.
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Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Incorrect liver function significantly affects the condition of the oral mucosa. Dryness and / or discoloration of the tongue and palate, swelling and bleeding of the gums may occur. Often, inflammation of the mouth and throat develops.
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Unusual look and smell of stools
The liver plays a major role in the digestion and utilization of nutrients. If they do not flow properly, it affects the appearance and other qualities of the stool. The following features should be cause for alarm:
- sticky texture;
- strong smell of bitterness;
- liquid consistency;
- hard, dry, ball-shaped stools;
- floating chair;
- light color (feces look like white clay).
Source: depositphotos.com
Many liver diseases in the early stages are almost asymptomatic. Partly, the fact is that the tissue of this organ is devoid of nerve endings, and the violation of its functions does not bring pain to the patient. This is why it is so important to listen to the signals that the body gives. If you notice external signs of liver dysfunction, you should consult a doctor without delay.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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