Natural therapists use the term ‘sluggish liver’ to describe a situation in which your liver and gall bladder are not functioning as well as they could be. Based on this philosophy, indications that your liver function may be sub-optimal and may benefit from therapies designed to support the detoxification and excretion of toxins may include:
- Intolerance of alcohol and/or fatty foods
- Indigestion, constipation and other digestive problems
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Acne and other skin conditions, such as eczema
- High cholesterol and blood lipid levels
Other signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of more serious conditions requiring professional treatment (such as hepatitis or gall stones). These include:
- Jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea , vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion, bloating and wind
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Tenderness or pain, which may be generalised or localised under the right ribs
- Swelling and hardness of the liver (hepatomegaly)
- Dark urine
- Unusually light or dark stools
- Swollen feet, legs and/or abdomen
- Confusion, sleep disturbance, and occasionally mental disturbance
- Generalised itching over the whole body
- Increased sensitivity to medicines and their effects
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, it is essential that you see your health care professional to determine the cause of the problem. Professional treatment and prescription medication are necessary for the treatment of severe liver and gall bladder disease such as gallstones, hepatitis, fatty liver or cirrhosis, and permanent changes to your dietary and lifestyle habits may also be required.