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Dark urine (amber or tea-colored)
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Pale or clay-colored stools
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Greasy stools that float
These changes occur when bile flow is disrupted. While dehydration can also darken urine, persistent changes should be checked by a healthcare professional.
4. Abdominal Fullness or Pain on the Right Side
The liver sits on the right side of the abdomen, under the ribs. When it becomes enlarged or inflamed, you might feel:
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A sense of fullness after eating small amounts
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Pressure under the right rib cage
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Mild discomfort that comes and goes
This type of pain is usually not sharp, which is why many people mistake it for gas or digestive issues.
5. Unexplained Bruising
The liver helps produce proteins that allow your blood to clot properly. If the liver becomes compromised, these proteins decrease and you may bruise more easily—even from small bumps you barely notice.
Bruising can appear on:
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Arms
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Legs
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Abdomen
If new bruises start appearing without a clear reason, it may be worth looking deeper into your liver health.
6. A Strange Taste in the Mouth
Some individuals with early liver issues report a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth, especially in the morning. This may happen when waste products that should be filtered by the liver circulate in the blood.
You might also experience:
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Bad breath
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Reduced appetite
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Nausea
These symptoms can make eating feel less enjoyable and may gradually lead to weight loss.
7. Yellowish Eyes or Skin (Even Slightly)
Jaundice is a well-known sign of liver stress, but many people think it only appears when the skin turns obviously yellow. In reality, the earliest signs often appear in the whites of the eyes, giving them a subtle yellow tint.
This happens due to a buildup of bilirubin, a substance normally processed by the liver. Even a slight change could indicate that your liver is struggling to keep up.