Some notable functions of the liver include detoxification, bile production to aid digestion, nutrient storage, and regulation of metabolism. Having a healthy liver is essential for overall health and longevity. However, the liver is a non-nerve-sensitive organ but is susceptible to damage from external factors such as alcohol, bacteria, viruses, toxins from food, etc. Therefore, it is important to know if the liver is healthy or not.
If you have all the characteristics of a healthy liver, congratulations!
Healthy and smooth skin
The liver is responsible for filtering and excreting toxins from the body, including substances that can cause skin problems such as acne, dandruff, and eczema. When the liver function is normal, the skin is usually smooth and healthy. If you have any skin issues, it is advisable to seek medical advice as it may indicate that the liver function is affected.
Regular bowel movements
The liver is responsible for processing and eliminating waste from the body. If the urine is dark, such as dark orange or amber, it may be a sign of liver disease. The reason is that the liver cannot process all the bilirubin, causing bilirubin to accumulate in the blood and enter the urine. However, urine that is yellow or dark orange may be a symptom of dehydration. Some types of food or medications can also darken the urine. The normal color of urine is pale yellow.
People with liver disease may also have pale or clay-colored stools due to insufficient bile production or blockage of bile flow from the liver.
No sudden weight gain
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism. A healthy liver helps maintain a reasonable body weight. When liver function is affected, sudden weight gain can occur.
Some liver diseases that can cause sudden weight gain include cirrhosis and fatty liver.
Good appetite and digestion
The liver produces bile to digest fat and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. When the liver is healthy, the process of bile production runs smoothly, ensuring this digestive function. Therefore, if you always have a good appetite and a well-functioning digestive system, it partially shows that your liver health is stable.
Some foods that are beneficial for your liver
Not an herb, but green tea and its main polyphenolic compound, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are often mentioned in literature focusing on evaluating herbal remedies for liver diseases.
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to protect the liver from damage in various animal studies.
Nuts are high in healthy fats and nutrients like vitamin E. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation may help reduce the risk of liver disease.
Research has shown that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in fatty fish, can reduce liver fat and improve liver enzymes.