07-05-2025
Is Your Liver In Trouble? Ways To Spot Damage At Home
While most assume that liver need lab tests, India's top liver expert, Dr Sarin, says early signs like sudden weight gain and loss of appetite can be spotted at home
Liver-related problems are on the rise, and not just among older adults. More and more people in their 20s and 30s are developing conditions like fatty liver and cirrhosis, often without realising it. While most assume that liver issues can only be detected through lab tests, India's top liver expert, Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, says otherwise. According to him, there are early warning signs that can be spotted at home, if you know what to look for.
Dr Sarin, Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, mentioned in an interview with a YouTube channel that the liver is a unique organ which rarely gets damaged on its own. Unlike other organs, the liver has a natural ability to repair itself. He added that while specific symptoms of liver damage are uncommon, signs such as sudden weight gain, loss of appetite, acidity, frequent burping, and excessive snoring may indicate liver issues.
The doctor explained that when patients with jaundice visit him, he often asks about their appetite. If a person feels hungry despite having jaundice, it indicates that the liver is still functioning properly. Sometimes liver problems begin due to infections. Pain on the right side of the chest could signal gallbladder stones. If liver damage is suspected, everyone should undergo annual health checks to get an accurate picture.
Dr Sarin recommends getting a full body check-up once a year—ideally on your birthday or the day before—as a step towards maintaining good health. Essential tests include blood tests, lipid profile, blood sugar tests, liver ultrasound, SGPT, and ALT tests. These tests are crucial for assessing liver health. If they reveal fat deposits in the liver, it is a sign that the liver is unhealthy and needs attention.
To maintain liver health, it is important to follow a balanced diet, lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid alcohol and smoking, and engage in regular physical activity.
First Published:
May 07, 2025, 17:01 IST
