Inflammation of the Liver: Symptoms and Proper Diet

A tea made with milk thistle and dandelion can help treat an inflamed liver.
inflamed liver

Inflammation of the liver is a common problem. It’s known in the medical field as hepatomegaly. This critical organ suddenly grows beyond its normal size.

It can cause pain and require treatment that your doctor will have to consider on a case-by-case basis. But what are the most common symptoms associated with inflammation of the liver? And what diet can you follow at home to complement your doctor’s recommendations? We’ll teach you more in the following article.

Symptoms of an inflamed liver

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Can you indicate where your liver is? It’s easy: the lower edge is positioned just beneath your ribcage on your right-hand side.

If your liver is normal in function and in size, you probably won’t notice it if you press your fingers underneath your ribcage (unless you’re taking a deep breath in, for example). Normally a liver scan will warn your doctor if your liver is inflamed or not. And if it is, you’ll soon start to notice its presence.

But what about outside of the doctor’s office? What symptoms might you notice in your daily life? Most liver problems start without any symptoms, so you wouldn’t even realize it until later. Gradually the following symptoms will become more apparent, though, as this organ grows in size:

1. Pain

Pain resulting from an inflamed liver is usually dull and persistent. It grows little by little but eventually becomes more intense. It will begin to trouble you on the right side, so remember: always pay attention to your upper right part of the abdomen.

Pain can reach your lower back, however, but still on the right side. You might notice a strong fatigue that never goes away. If you try taking painkillers, your relief will only be temporary.

2. Nausea and general malaise

You might lose your appetite. Foods that are high in fat or cured meats are difficult to digest. You’ll notice that after you eat your fatigue is worse, and accompanied by dizziness or nausea.

Doctors often indicate that fatigue and generally feelings of illness are more noticeable in the mornings. Remember that your liver, just like your entire lymphatic system, performs essential cleansing functions during the night.

An inflamed liver cannot perform its necessary functions, so the mornings might become the most difficult time of the day for you.

3. Fever

Having a constant, low-grade fever should be a red flag. It’s a sign that you have an infection – some alteration of the body that needs medical attention. Remember that a fever is the body’s natural response to any foreign invasion.

See your doctor to find out what’s causing your liver to be inflamed.

4. Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, which can also appear in the eyes. It’s one of the most obvious symptoms of a liver problem, or an alteration of its normal function.

But where does that yellow color come from? Bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells, is a clear signal that the liver isn’t cleansing itself like it should. Instead it’s accumulating substances that should be eliminated from the body.

5. Abnormalities in the stool

It’s never fun to pay close attention to those moments when you’re using the bathroom. But it’s always worth pausing to notice the color of your urine and feces. It can say a lot about your health.

If you suddenly notice a lighter color to your stool, you might want to contact your doctor. This could be due to a disease that only they can diagnose. It might be a virus, or something like hepatitis, which could cause liver inflammation. These things are only possibilities, so always consult a medical professional.

Diet to treat an inflamed liver

3 artichoke

  • A tablespoon of olive oil with a little lemon juice in the morning is a great way to promote the healing of your liver. It acts as a cleansing tonic that protects and revitalizes this important organ. Used on a daily basis, it will reduce inflammation.
  • Artichoke water and lemon juice makes for another ideal daily treatment. Cook two artichokes in boiling water, and add lemon juice in the reserved water. This should give you about three or four cups that you can drink all day long.
  • Beet salad with grated carrots. This gives your body a delicious and natural cocktail of vitamins and minerals that are great for treating an inflamed liver.
  • A tea a day: Want to know what the best herbs are for an inflamed liver? Milk thistle and dandelion. You can drink two cups of a tea made with this pair every day, at breakfast and after lunch. Drink it slowly, and add a natural sweetener like honey if desired. Milk thistle is available in natural stores, both as a dried herb and in tablet form. It’s always a great option for treating an inflamed liver.