One of the essential organs in the body, the liver, filters blood, metabolizes nutrition, detoxifies toxic compounds, and produces bile, among other necessary tasks. Monitoring liver health is, therefore, essential to preserving general health. There are a few strategies to assess liver function at home despite the need for routine medical examinations and tests.

Keep an eye out for changes in the skin and eyes – Jaundice, a disorder that causes the skin and eye whites to become yellow, is one of the most apparent indicators of liver impairment. If you see any discolouration, your liver may malfunction.

Check for abdominal swelling: The condition known as ascites, caused by liver illnesses like cirrhosis, is abdominal swelling that should be looked for. A liver issue may be present if you notice that your abdomen has enlarged.

Monitor stool and urine colour: The liver generates bile, which gives faeces its brown colour. Therefore, pay attention to the colour of your seat and urine. If the colour of your faeces significantly changes, your liver may malfunction. Similar to how urine might turn dark brown or tea-coloured, this could also indicate a liver issue.

Keep track of symptoms – Fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea are signs of possible liver issues. It is essential to get medical advice if you encounter any of these symptoms.

Think about blood tests – The liver enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) may be measured at home using test kits. Elevated levels of these enzymes may be a sign of liver damage, but these tests are inconclusive, so a trip to the doctor is recommended.

There are a few techniques to evaluate the health of your liver at home, but these checks are not conclusive; for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment, a doctor’s visit is needed. In addition, maintaining the liver’s health requires establishing good lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and moderate alcohol usage.