Yellow Eyes, Itchy Skin: Early Warning Signs of Liver Trouble
Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It filters toxins, processes nutrients, and keeps your metabolism running smoothly. But when your liver starts to struggle, your body often gives subtle warning signs before serious damage occurs. Two of the most common early indicators are yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and persistent itching of the skin. Why Yellow Eyes Matter Jaundice occurs when bilirubin - a yellowish pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells - builds up in the blood. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it from the body. When the liver is inflamed, obstructed, or damaged, bilirubin levels rise, causing the whites of the eyes and sometimes the skin to turn yellow. Yellowing of the eyes should never be ignored. While it can be caused by something as simple as a blocked bile duct or viral infection, it may also be a sign of more serious conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or even liver cancer. T...