Liver Damage Affects the Entire Body! Signs Your Liver Health Is Compromised
The liver is the largest digestive gland in the human body and the central hub of metabolism. It is estimated to facilitate over 500 chemical reactions. When scar tissue accumulates in the liver, its normal structure diminishes, and surrounding tissues become distorted and compressed, leading to systemic dysfunction. Key impacts include:
Metabolic Functions: After digestion, glucose from carbohydrates is stored as glycogen in the liver. The liver also stores and metabolizes vitamins (C, D, E, K, B1, B6) and houses 95% of the body’s vitamin A. It stores more iron than the total blood content and synthesizes most albumin. Chronic liver damage disrupts these processes.
Detoxification: The liver neutralizes toxins from metabolic waste, bacterial byproducts, and drugs, converting them into harmless or excretable substances.
Filtration: Hormones like thyroid hormones, estrogen, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone are metabolized in the liver. Severe liver disease can cause hormonal imbalances.
Immune Function: As the largest reticuloendothelial system, the liver engulfs and eliminates pathogens, regulating immunity.
Coagulation: The liver produces clotting factors and maintains the balance between clotting and anticoagulation. Severe liver damage may lead to bleeding disorders or death.
Bile Production and Excretion: Liver cells produce bile, stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestines to aid fat digestion.
The liver also regulates blood volume, heat production, and water-electrolyte balance. Liver damage can cause fluid retention, edema, or ascites due to electrolyte imbalances.
Signs of Poor Liver Health
Che Junyong, Deputy Chief Physician of Hepatology, Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Premature graying, hair loss, dandruff: Insufficient liver blood fails to nourish hair, causing dryness, breakage, or graying. Excessive liver fire may trigger stubborn dandruff.
Insomnia, restless sleep: According to TCM, the liver governs the "soul" (hun). Poor sleep quality reflects disrupted "soul-spirit" harmony.
Facial pigmentation (liver spots): Symmetrical brownish patches on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, common postpartum but persistent in those with poor liver-gallbladder function.
Dull, sallow, or pale complexion: Indicates reduced detoxification capacity.
Eye issues: Dry eyes, blurred vision, redness, or excessive discharge signal liver blood deficiency or damp-heat.
Brittle nails: Healthy nails rely on liver blood; ridges or brittleness suggest toxicity.
Stiff joints, muscle cramps: Liver blood deficiency weakens tendons.
Menstrual irregularities: Liver blood deficiency delays cycles or reduces flow, while liver fire may cause early periods.
Low libido, erectile dysfunction: Linked to insufficient liver blood in men.
Irritability: Excessive liver qi or yin deficiency triggers anger.
Behaviors That Harm the Liver
Deng Hejun, Director of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing Cancer Hospital:
Overeating, sleep deprivation, alcohol abuse, drug misuse, and viral hepatitis are key liver "killers," leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Preventive measures include avoiding smoking/alcohol, exercising, and regular liver checkups.
Four Liver-Damaging Foods to Avoid
Zhu Liying, Deputy Director of Heilongjiang Hepatology Committee:
High-fat foods: Excess fat overwhelms liver metabolism, causing fatty liver. Avoid fried dishes, processed meats, and fatty cuts.
Moldy foods: Aflatoxins in moldy grains (rice, corn, peanuts) are highly carcinogenic. Discard entire spoiled items—do not salvage partially moldy food.
Alcohol: 90% is metabolized by the liver. Chronic intake causes alcoholic liver disease, worsened by coexisting hepatitis.
Undercooked seafood: Raw shellfish (oysters, shrimp) may harbor bacteria or parasites, risking infections or liver failure. Always cook thoroughly.
