Changes in how we react to certain foods can often point to various conditions. Loss of taste when infected with the coronavirus is a well-known example of this phenomenon. If you don’t enjoy your meals quite as much as you used to, your loss of appetite can easily point to an underlying issue as well.
You’re probably aware of the crucial role your liver plays in your body’s proper functioning. This large organ performs a myriad of tasks every day: it filters your blood (removing toxins and excess glucose), metabolizes food and drugs, and produces substances that help turn fat into energy. You may be able to live without some organs, but the liver isn’t one of them.
But how is your liver function related to your appetite? Considering that it’s the liver’s job to metabolize nutrients, toxins and improperly digested food will build up in the blood if it can’t complete its task. Naturally, this will make you feel less than stellar and may affect your appetite.
There are several diseases related to the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cancer, etc. Due to their varying symptoms, identifying issues with this organ can sometimes be challenging. However, a loss of appetite is a common symptom with most types of liver disease. Consequently, malnutrition is also prevalent among liver disease patients.
Of course, not feeling up to enjoying your favorite meal doesn’t necessarily mean that your liver is to blame. It can also be a result of less serious conditions. Therefore, watching out for other symptoms of liver troubles is paramount for accurate diagnosis. Weakness, fever, jaundice, certain changes to the condition of your stool and urine, and pain under your ribs where your liver is located are some other signs to watch out for.
