The liver in the human body is the most important detoxification organ, and we need to intake certain nutrients from the outside every day to maintain our body’s energy requirements. In this process, our liver acts as a transit point, where the nutrients we intake daily need to be broken down by the liver to be converted into the energy our body needs. Additionally, the liver helps the body eliminate waste and toxins, breaking down harmful substances within the body. A healthy liver can promote the body’s metabolism; however, due to the lack of pain-sensitive nerves in the liver area, it’s often referred to as the “silent organ” as problems with the liver are difficult to detect. Despite this, the liver is connected to many parts of our body, and although we cannot sense the health of the liver directly, several signs can indicate its health status through observation.
One of the manifestations is red urine.
We urinate normally each day, and the color of our urine can indicate our health status. If the urine appears red or darker than normal, it signals that the liver’s functioning is affected, indicating the presence of metabolic waste and toxins in the body. Ideally, healthy urine appears light yellow or transparent, as urine not only undergoes filtration by the kidneys but also reflects the liver’s functioning due to its connection to the gallbladder. Hence, even in the absence of metabolic waste and toxins, urine appears light yellow. Normal urine, besides being light yellow, should not have any odor after elimination.
Another indication is black stool.
The color of stool can directly reflect liver health. If stool appears black in the morning, it indicates an abnormality. After a night of rest, the liver eliminates metabolic waste and toxins from the body easily. Normally, stool is yellow and well-formed. If the stool is black, poorly formed, and sticky in the toilet bowl, it suggests a possible liver problem. An unhealthy liver can harm the digestive system, affecting normal bowel movements. Therefore, observing the color of stool can aid in determining liver health.
The third sign is the frequency of bowel movements.
Bowel movements in a healthy individual are influenced by lifestyle habits, individual differences, and dietary habits—especially closely linked to dietary habits. In a healthy body, the usual frequency of bowel movements ranges from 1 to 3 times a day. An excessive or insufficient number of bowel movements is abnormal and may signal not just gastrointestinal issues but potentially liver problems. Liver function is tied to the body’s metabolism, maintaining liver health helps prevent constipation, ensuring regular bowel movements. Hence, abnormal bowel movement frequency can indicate the normal function of the liver.
The liver, the largest internal organ in the body, primarily functions in metabolism and plays a significant role within the body. Protecting the liver in daily life is crucial, and the described signs can serve as indicators to assess the liver’s health status if unsure about one’s liver health.