Is Your Liver Healthy?
By Sara Butler
Your liver does a lot for you. It's your body's natural filter. It assists your body in processing fats, it secretes bile to aid in digestion, it produces components of your blood to help it clot, aids in immune system functioning and it helps store carbohydrates as glycogen to help provide energy to your body in the form of glucose. To say it's important to your continued health and wellness is a bit of an understatement. There are some very subtle signs your liver may not be as healthy as it could be. If you notice any of these signs, then it may be time to have the health of your liver evaluated.
Your Skin is Itchy
Itchy skin probably doesn't alarm you if there's no rash to go with it. Itchy is, after all, a bit of an innocuous symptom. But if you experience itchy skin on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, it may mean something is wrong with your liver.
When bile cannot flow freely through the ducts in your liver, then it gets backed up. Bile will accumulate under the skin and cause itchiness. If you notice this issue, get it checked out.
Spider Veins
If you have capillaries visible under the skin that look a little bit like a spider, then it may mean you have higher levels of estrogen in your system. This may be an indication that your liver isn't working as it should and that your hormones are not being metabolized appropriately. You may notice these capillaries on your legs and face mostly. If you see them, then have them checked out by a medical professional.
You Bruise Easily
Since your liver plays a part in blood clotting, when it's not working correctly you may notice you bruise more easily or bleed more after you're injured. This can be an indication that your liver isn't producing the proteins your blood needs to clot properly and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Bad Breath
Your bad breath may mean more than simply overindulging in garlic at lunch. Bad breath is often an indication that something else is going on such as gum disease or sinus issues, but it's also a sign that your liver may be damaged.
If you notice that your breath has a musky, fruity quality to it, then it may be because your liver function is compromised.
If you're worried about your liver, then make sure to see a medical professional to have it checked out.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.