6 Signs of an Overworked Liver
The liver is a vital organ that filters blood, produces bile for digestion, and stores vitamins and minerals. Think of it as the body’s main filter—cleaning your blood, making bile to help with digestion, and storing vitamins and minerals. When the liver is overworked, it struggles to keep up with its job, and that can lead to some clear signs. Knowing these signs is key to keeping your liver healthy.
Please continue reading to find out the six main signs of an overworked liver and what they mean for your health.
Feeling Tired All the Time Could Mean Liver Problems
If you’re always tired and getting enough sleep doesn’t help, it could be a sign your liver is overworked. The liver plays a big part in keeping your energy levels up. When it’s not working well, toxins start to build up in the blood, which can make you feel very tired. It can feel like your body is always working extra hard to keep you awake.
Constant fatigue is one of the most common signs of liver problems. If you’re feeling tired for no clear reason, it’s important to take it seriously and talk to a doctor.
Yellow Skin or Eyes Is a Warning Sign
Yellow skin or eyes, called jaundice, happens when the liver is too overworked to filter out a yellow pigment called bilirubin. This build-up of bilirubin in the blood causes the yellow color to show up in your skin and eyes. This build-up of bilirubin in the blood shows up in your skin and eyes. It’s a clear sign that your liver is in trouble.
If you see any yellow tint in your skin or eyes, you should contact your doctor right away. It often means something is wrong with the liver or other parts of the digestive system.
Digestive Problems Could Mean Your Liver Needs a Break
One of the liver’s main jobs is to make bile, which helps digest fats. When the liver is overloaded, it may not make enough bile, and that can cause digestive problems like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. You might notice that greasy or fatty foods are harder to digest.
If you have stomach trouble—especially after eating fatty foods—it might mean your liver is struggling. Digestive issues are often early signs that your liver needs some rest.
Skin Problems Could Be a Sign of Liver Stress
Did you know that your skin can show how well your liver is doing? When your liver struggles to remove toxins, those toxins can show up as skin problems like rashes, itching, or acne. When the liver can’t filter out all the bad stuff, your skin tries to help get rid of it, but it’s not as good as the liver.
If you start noticing unusual skin problems without any clear cause, it might mean your liver is having trouble keeping up. Taking care of your liver can often help improve your skin too. Eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol are good ways to support your liver.
Dark Urine Can Be a Sign of an Overworked Liver
Dark urine is another possible sign that your liver is working too hard. When the liver can’t handle all of the toxins, bilirubin levels go up and get excreted in the urine, making it darker. If you’re drinking enough water and still notice dark urine, it’s worth paying attention to.
Of course, dark urine can be caused by many things, like dehydration or certain foods, but if it keeps happening, it could be a liver problem. In that case, it’s best to talk to a doctor.
Swollen Belly Could Mean Liver Stress
Another common sign of an overworked liver is swelling or pain in the belly. When the liver is overworked, fluid can build up in the belly, which is called ascites. This can make your belly feel swollen or tender.
A swollen belly can also cause other problems, like trouble breathing or discomfort when lying down. If you have ongoing belly swelling, it’s important to see a doctor, as it could be a sign of serious liver problems.
The Bottom Line: Take Care of Your Liver
Your liver works all the time to keep your body running well. When it becomes overworked, it sends out signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Feeling tired, yellow skin or eyes, digestive problems, skin issues, dark urine, and a swollen belly are all signs that your liver may need some extra care.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to think about what might be stressing your liver—like a poor diet, alcohol, or toxins—and start making changes. Eating a balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and cutting down on alcohol are all ways to keep your liver healthy. And, of course, talk to your doctor if you have concerns about any of these symptoms.
