7 Early Signs of Liver Damage

Summary

This video discusses the often overlooked early signs of liver damage, which can be subtle and misdiagnosed. It emphasizes that liver issues can be severe by the time they're detected, as the liver is a silent organ. The speaker, who experienced liver damage in his 20s, outlines seven symptoms, including pain under the right rib cage and fatigue, and explains how they relate to liver health. The video also delves into the root causes of liver disease, challenging common misconceptions and linking the condition to dietary factors like sugar, starch, and seed oils. It concludes by advocating for a keto diet to combat liver issues, countering the influence of big food and pharmaceutical industries.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Liver damage often has no early signs, and by the time symptoms appear, up to 90% of the liver may be destroyed.
• 🍽️ Alcohol is not the primary cause of liver problems today; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is much more prevalent.
• 🔍 Early signs of liver damage include fullness or pain under the right rib cage, which can radiate to the shoulder or back.
• 💪 Loss of energy and endurance, and feeling weak, are common symptoms of liver issues.
• 👣 Itchiness, particularly in the extremities like the bottom of the feet, can indicate bile salt buildup due to liver problems.
• 🌡️ Red dots or spider veins and changes in skin texture can be signs of liver dysfunction, often related to hormonal imbalances.
• ⚠️ Liver issues can affect thyroid function, leading to symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and dry skin.
• ☀️ Liver damage can exacerbate vitamin D deficiency, impacting calcium regulation and muscle function.
• 💧 Dark urine with a strange smell can be an indicator of liver problems.
• 🍰 The root cause of liver disease is often linked to high sugar, starch, and seed oil consumption, which are normalized in modern diets.

Q & A

What are the early signs of liver damage mentioned in the transcript?

The early signs of liver damage include fullness or pain under the right rib cage, loss of energy, itchiness in the extremities, appearance of red dots or spider veins, thyroid issues, low vitamin D levels, and darker urine with a strange smell.

Why is it crucial to identify early signs of liver damage?

It is crucial to identify early signs of liver damage because by the time liver problems are detected, it might be too late, as the liver can be up to 90% damaged before noticeable symptoms appear.

What is the percentage of alcohol-induced fatty liver disease compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease according to the speaker?

Alcohol-induced fatty liver disease is about 4% compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

How does the liver's condition affect the gallbladder?

The liver controls the gallbladder, which is a small sac that stores and concentrates bile, a fluid made by the liver to help digest fats. When the liver swells, it can put pressure on the tubes leading to the gallbladder, causing pain.

What is the connection between liver issues and the pain in the right shoulder or arm?

The pain in the right shoulder or arm can be a result of liver swelling, which puts pressure on nerves and can cause referred pain through the franic nerve to the right side of the shoulder.

What role does bile play in the body, and how is it related to liver health?

Bile, made by the liver, helps digest fats. When liver function is impaired, bile salts can back up into tissues, causing itchiness, especially in the extremities.

How does liver damage affect the body's estrogen levels and what are the potential consequences?

Liver damage can lead to higher levels of estrogen, which can cause issues like spider veins, softer skin, and in men, gynecomastia. Excess estrogen can also lead to hormonal imbalances and an increased risk of certain cancers.

What is the relationship between liver problems and thyroid function?

The liver is necessary for the activation of thyroid hormone. Liver problems can lead to a lowered functioning thyroid, causing symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and dry skin.

Why does liver damage lead to low vitamin D levels?

The liver is involved in the conversion of vitamin D into its active form. If the liver is damaged, it cannot properly process vitamin D, leading to deficiency and related symptoms like muscle spasms and weak immune function.

What are the root causes of liver disease according to the transcript?

The root causes of liver disease, beyond alcohol, include high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity, which are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The speaker also points to the influence of big food and pharmaceutical industries as contributing factors.

What dietary recommendations does the speaker suggest to improve liver health?

The speaker suggests reducing sugar, starches, and seed oils in the diet, which are common in processed foods, and considering a ketogenic diet to improve liver health.