Hidden Red Flags: Early Warning Signs Your Liver Might Be Under Stress

43. Changes in the Color of Your Nails

Beyond the classic signs in your eyes and skin, your nails can also signal liver problems. A change to a pale, whitish, or completely white nail bed (leukonychia) can be a sign of low albumin, a protein produced by the liver. When liver function declines, albumin levels drop, and this can affect the color of your nails. The whiteness often leaves a thin strip of pink at the tip of the nail. This cosmetic change is a surprising but clear indicator of a systemic issue tied to your liver’s health.

44. Unexplained Loss of Strength

Beyond general fatigue and muscle wasting, a sudden and unexplained loss of physical strength can be a significant red flag for a struggling liver. The liver is a central player in converting nutrients into energy and in protein synthesis, the building blocks of muscle. When its function is compromised, this process becomes inefficient, leading to a noticeable decrease in your physical strength and endurance. You might find yourself struggling with everyday tasks that were once easy. This is your body's way of signaling that its metabolic factory is running on empty and needs support.