Liver Health

Why Liver Health Matters

Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. Located in the upper right side of your abdomen, the liver is about the size of a football and performs hundreds of important jobs that help keep you healthy.

What Does Your Liver Do?

Think of your liver as your body's processing and filtering center. It helps remove harmful substances from your blood, processes nutrients from the food you eat, and produces bile to help digest fats. It also stores energy and vitamins, helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and makes the proteins your body needs for blood clotting and other essential functions.

Because the liver does so much, keeping it healthy is an important part of your overall health.

What Can Harm Your Liver?

Liver damage can develop for many reasons. Common causes include fatty liver disease, heavy alcohol use, viral hepatitis, certain medications and supplements, and autoimmune or inherited conditions. Some liver diseases can progress for years without causing noticeable symptoms, which is why routine medical care and blood tests can be important.

You can help protect your liver by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, and taking medications only as directed. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B may also be recommended for some people.

Know the Warning Signs

In its early stages, liver disease may cause few or no symptoms. As liver function becomes more seriously impaired, symptoms may include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or ankles
• Dark urine or pale-colored stools
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Persistent itching
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or unusual sleepiness

These symptoms don't always mean you have liver failure, but they should not be ignored. Severe or rapidly developing symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Give Your Liver the Attention It Deserves

You don't have to wait until you have symptoms to think about liver health. Regular checkups can help identify risk factors or signs of liver disease before serious damage occurs.

If you have concerns about your liver, abnormal liver test results, or symptoms that could be related to liver disease, talk with your doctor.