What Affects Liver Function?

The liver is an organ in the body under a person's rib cage on the right side. Acute and chronic conditions may affect this organ's ability to function. Tests can be administered by a physician to determine if a liver is functioning properly.

Function

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the liver assists the body with digesting food, absorbing nutrients and also eliminating certain toxins from the body. The liver also has the ability to regenerate itself. As a result, symptoms of decreased liver function may not appear until damage is serious.

Effects

• Some of the diseases that affect liver function are hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver); cirrhosis (caused by the liver deteriorating and scar tissue replacing healthy tissue); cysts; cancer; and bile duct obstructions. Alcohol consumption can affect the liver, particularly if alcohol is consumed along with acetaminophen (more commonly known as Tylenol).

Symptoms

• Symptoms of liver disease and decreased liver function include the whites of the eyes taking on a yellowish cast, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, skin that has a chronic itch, dark-colored urine, blood in the stool and chronic fatigue.

Types of Testing

• Various tests are performed to check liver function. These include albumin testing, which analyzes protein levels in the blood, and Alpha-1 antitrypsin, which tests the blood for cirrhosis. Tests that measure blood levels of the protein alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT), and the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) also help to determine if liver damage exists.

Expert Insight

• According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals can protect their liver and prevent disease by consuming alcohol only in moderation and avoiding illicit drug use and high-risk sexual activity. Vaccinations against certain forms of hepatitis, such as A and B, are also helpful. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a plant-based diet are beneficial.