How to tell if liver is functioning properly?

It's something I worry about with our modern lifestyles! If your liver isn't doing well, you might feel very tired, have yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or even swelling in your legs. It's not something you can easily tell yourself, so a routine blood test (liver function test) is the best way to know for sure.

For me, managing diabetes means keeping an eye on my liver too. If it's not functioning well, you might experience unexplained fatigue, nausea, or even dark urine. Sometimes, a dull ache on the upper right side of your abdomen is also a sign. Regular check-ups with LFT (Liver Function Tests) are crucial, especially if you have other conditions like diabetes. Maintaining a healthy diet and controlling sugar are key.

It's hard to tell without tests, especially in kids. But if you notice extreme fatigue, tummy pain in the upper right side, or their skin/eyes turning yellow, it's a big red flag. For adults, unexplained bruising or swelling can also be signs. A simple blood test called a Liver Function Test (LFT) will give you the answer. Please don't ignore these symptoms.

Beta, it's not something you can just 'feel' easily, no. Usually, if your liver is struggling, you'll start feeling very tired all the time, maybe your skin or eyes look a bit yellow, or you lose appetite. My doctor always advises an annual check-up with a liver function test for people of our age. That's the only real way to know for sure.

Just like with thyroid, you often don't have obvious symptoms until things are a bit advanced. But general signs like constant tiredness, unexplained weight loss or gain, itching, or yellowish skin could indicate an issue. Regular blood tests, specifically Liver Function Tests (LFTs), are the best way to monitor your liver health. Always follow up with your doctor on the results.