Sluggish Liver Symptoms

The liver is a vital body organ present below the diaphragm in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It performs a wide range of functions like detoxification, protein synthesis and production of biochemicals essential for digestion. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which helps in digestion through the emulsification of lipids. Liver also performs and controls different high-volume biochemical reactions involving highly equipped tissues for synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules. Some other functions performed by the liver are:

• Generation of fats emulsifying substances
• Glucose to glycogen conversion
• Manufacturing of amino acids
• Removal of toxic substances from the blood
• Storage of vitamins and minerals
• Maintaining proper levels of glucose in the blood

Causes for a Sluggish Liver
Causes for a sluggish liver can be due to different types of liver pathologies like:

• Excessive accumulation of fat within the liver cells due to alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, drugs (like corticosteroids, tetracycline and aspirin) or elevated serum triglyceride levels can lead to impeding liver function.
• Another cause is intrahepatic problems which occur due to over exposure to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc.), heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum), and other toxins.
• Viral infections of liver like hepatitis, inherited disorders like Gilbert's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, consumption of anabolic steroids/estrogens/oral contraceptives are some other factors that can restrict the bile flow in the liver and cause impaired liver function.
• Lack of physical activities, poor nutritious diet, aging, etc, are some other common causes for a sluggish liver functioning.

Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver
Here are some signs or indications that may help to identify if the liver is sluggish or not functioning properly.

• For an average person approximately 80% of the cholesterol is generated by the liver. Therefore, if the liver is not functioning well there will be abnormalities in the level of fats in the blood stream like elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol.
• A sluggish liver leads to poor digestion which causes elevated triglycerides (lipids containing three individual fatty acids bounded together in a single large molecule). The person may also experience bloating or gassiness and flatulence (a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal), especially after the meals.
• Since the liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body and maintaining the efficiency of the body's immune system, skin irritation or skin allergies is also considered as the first sign of liver damage. A person can be prone to develop rashes, psoriasis, eczema, boils or acne if the liver is removing the toxins out through the skin.
• The liver also helps regulate blood sugar levels, hence signs that the liver is not maintaining blood sugar levels may include, loss of appetite, weakness or dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
• The liver filters out mutated hormones, therefore the symptoms in women may include heavy or clotted menstruation, irregular periods, fibroids in breast or uterus, hot flashes, cysts on ovaries, mood swings or any menopausal problems.

Chronic fatigue, headaches, fever, constipation, jaundice, gallbladder disease/gallstones, hair loss, etc., are some other common sluggish liver symptoms. However, the best ways to avoid impairment or sluggishness of the liver is to clean it up with a detox, and eating diet low in fat and high in fiber and water. Avoiding alcohol and processed or junk foods and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet along with lean protein foods like fish, tofu, legumes, etc., will surely minimize the risks of having any kind of liver infection/disorder.