Daily Mail: liver disease is indicated by four hidden signs

Darkening of urine, fecal discoloration, fatigue and weight loss may indicate the development of liver disease. Experts from the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention told the Daily Mail.

Scientists said that alcoholism is the main cause of liver disease. When breaking down ethyl alcohol, the liver produces harmful substances that damage the cells of the organ and lead to the formation of scar tissue. Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis can also cause inflammation of the liver, which over time leads to liver damage.

However, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes may not always be an indicator of dysfunction of this organ. Sometimes liver disease manifests hidden signs, such as darkening of urine due to increased levels of the pigment bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is a component of bile, which is produced by the liver to digest food. Normally, the liver helps to remove excess bilirubin from the blood, but damage to the organ limits this ability. Also, impaired function of the organ prevents it from producing enough bile, which gives the stools a dark color. This causes the stool masses to become pale or “clay-like”.

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic also pointed to fatigue as a subtle sign of liver problems. They explained that normally, the liver helps process nutrients and chemical compounds that regulate metabolism. However, when scarring occurs, there is a lack of nutrients and a buildup of toxins, which leads to fatigue.

The inflammation caused by liver damage also leads to the production of inflammatory cytokines, proteins that attack the central nervous system and reduce energy levels.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter