One of the most hardworking organs we have, the liver is quietly managing a bunch of essential functions every single day. From clearing out harmful substances and processing fats to regulating hormones and storing important nutrients, it plays a critical role in keeping you healthy. However, like any organ under constant pressure, the liver can start to struggle if overburdened. That’s when it needs a detox.
When the liver is overburdened, your body often sends out subtle signals that something may be off. These signs might be easy to overlook or mistake for everyday issues like fatigue, sleeplessness, or just ageing, but it might be your liver’s call for a thorough detox. But first, you have to recognise whether your liver is actually in need of extra support. If certain symptoms persist, it might be time to take a closer look at your liver health. A gastroenterologist shares seven symptoms that your liver might be overloaded and needs to be cleaned soon!
Signs your liver needs a detox
Constant fatigue
Feeling drained throughout the day, even after clocking in a full night’s rest? This fatigue might not be because of poor sleep. According to Dr. Saiprasad Girish Lad, consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Wockhardt Hospital, if you are constantly exhausted, it could indicate that your liver is under strain. When the liver isn’t functioning at its maximum capacity and struggles to eliminate toxins, those waste products can start to accumulate in the body. This toxic buildup may leave you feeling unusually tired and low on energy without an obvious cause. If even caffeine and quick naps fail to recharge you, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at your liver’s health.
Changes in skin
Your skin often reflects what’s happening inside your body, especially when something isn’t right. Dryness, itchiness, sudden breakouts, or a lackluster, pale skin may be a sign that toxins are building up internally, thus pointing to an overburdened liver. One of the more serious indicators is when you get jaundice, which strongly suggests that your liver may be under significant stress and needs attention.
Discomfort in the abdomen
“A feeling of fullness, bloating, gas, or discomfort on the upper right side of your belly, especially after eating, can indicate a dysfunctional liver,” says Dr Saiprasad. Indigestion, acidity, or just discomfort might be a sign of an overburdened liver. The liver produces a chemical called bile, which is used to break down fats. So when that’s not working properly, your digestion is seriously affected.
Bad breath and bad body odour
If you maintain good hygiene habits like brushing and bathing regularly, but still suffer from bad breath or an unusually strong body odour, your liver might be telling you that it’s in distress. A research published in the Journal of Chromatography says that individuals with liver issues often experience a distinctive breath odour, described as sweet or musty. This is because the liver’s essential function is to filter out toxins and waste from the blood. When it’s not doing that, these harmful substances can accumulate and lead to these symptoms, including unpleasant breath and body odour, as explained by Dr. Saiprasad.
Brain fog and constant mood swings
If you are constantly forgetting little things in your daily life, there might be more to it than meets the eye. They could point to a sluggish liver. When the liver isn’t effectively flushing out toxins, those harmful substances can start impacting the brain. The result? Trouble focusing, frequently irritated, unexplained mood shifts, and a persistent mental haze. If you’ve been feeling mentally off balance, it might be time to check how well your liver is functioning.
Headaches
If you’re experiencing headaches more often than usual, particularly after meals or during stressful periods, it might be a sign your liver needs some cleaning. Dr. Saiprasad explains, “When the liver is overloaded and unable to eliminate waste properly, it can disrupt the body’s chemical balance, potentially leading to recurring headaches or even migraines.” While it’s easy to point fingers at screen fatigue or pressure from daily life, persistent headaches could also be your body’s way of signaling that your liver is under strain.
Difficulty losing weight or sudden muscle loss
The liver’s most important task is to manage metabolism, breaking down fats, and absorbing nutrients. These liver functions are essential for maintaining or losing weight. But if you’re struggling to shed extra kilos despite following a healthy lifestyle, your liver might be holding you back. Research published in Springer highlights that long-term liver conditions can lead to weight gain and, in some cases, even obesity. In more advanced cases, poor liver function can even cause the body to lose muscle mass, which makes it complicated to lose weight.