What are the functions of the liver? - #12477
I am trying to understand more about my liver because I’ve been feeling kinda off lately. Like, for the past few months I’ve had this ongoing fatigue that just won't quit and sometimes my stomach feels weird, kinda heavy or bloated. My friend said it could be my liver acting up, and now I'm super curious about what are the functions of the liver. I did a little digging online, and I saw some stuff about detoxifying the blood and producing bile, but then I thought, what are the functions of the liver beyond that? I just got some blood tests done and I know they checked liver enzymes, but the doctor didn't really explain much to me. Are there other warning signs that could hint my liver is not working right? Like I've noticed sometimes my skin looks kinda yellowish, which freaks me out. I mean, I've had a couple drinks on the weekends, but I never thought that would mess with my liver. What are the functions of the liver that I should be more aware of? Is there anything specific that I should look into or get checked out? My mind’s racing about this and I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything important. Thanks for any help!
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Doctors’ responses
The liver is a powerhouse organ with a range of critical functions that are essential to keeping your body running smoothly. Here’s a rundown of what the liver does: First, it metabolizes nutrients from your diet, converting carbs, fats, and proteins into useful substances the body can utilize or store. Then there’s the detoxification of blood — the liver processes drugs, alcohol, and other potentially harmful substances, breaking them down into less harmful forms or preparing them for excretion. Moreover, the liver produces bile, which helps digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also regulates blood clotting by producing proteins essential for this process, stores vitamins and iron, and even assists in managing cholesterol levels. If you’re experiencing fatigue, bloating, or even slight jaundice (which might explain the yellowish skin), it can indeed point to a liver problem. Elevated liver enzymes in your blood tests could indicate liver inflammation or damage. Factors like alcohol consumption can certainly affect the liver over time, even if it seems unremarkable without symptoms initially. Other warning signs of liver issues can include dark urine, pale stool, itching, and swelling in the abdomen. Given your symptoms and the yellowish skin, it’s wise to follow up with your doctor to explore these findings further. They might want to investigate more with imaging tests or perhaps a liver biopsy depending on the situation. Consider moderating alcohol intake and maintaining a balanced diet, which may help as well. But definitely, seek to understand what those blood test results show. It’s crucial to address these potential red flags with medical guidance to avert any serious liver problems down the line.
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