If Your Body Does This, Don't Ignore! - Your Liver May Be Dying

Summary

Ben Azadi discusses possible warning signs of liver disease, emphasizing that the liver may be significantly affected without causing pain. He says these signs are not a diagnosis and encourages viewers to seek medical evaluation rather than relying on symptoms alone.

Six signs highlighted

1. Personality or cognitive changes: Irritability, repeating stories, trouble finding words, confusion, disorientation, or slowed reactions may be associated with advanced liver problems. The speaker also mentions hand-flapping or twitching when the arms are held out.
2. Dark urine and yellow eyes: Bilirubin buildup may darken urine and cause jaundice; pale or clay-colored stools can also occur. The speaker advises prompt medical assessment for yellowing of the eyes.
3. A rapidly enlarging, tense abdomen: The video distinguishes possible abdominal fluid buildup (ascites) from gradual, soft belly fat. Rapid weight gain, ankle swelling, and thinning arms or legs are described as reasons for concern.
4. Easy bruising or bleeding: The speaker links this to changes in clotting factors and platelet levels that can occur with liver disease.
5. Persistent itching without a rash: It may be especially noticeable on the palms or soles and worse at night. The video notes that the exact biological cause is not settled.
6. Fatigue with disrupted sleep: The speaker describes daytime tiredness and waking alert during the night. He presents a possible relationship between sleep and liver health, while noting that the cited study was observational.

Practical steps and wellness suggestions discussed

• Talk with a healthcare professional about symptoms and appropriate testing. Tests suggested in the video include:
  • Blood tests for ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, albumin, and platelet count.
  • A liver ultrasound, if clinically appropriate.
  • The FIB-4 index, calculated using age, AST, ALT, and platelet count.
• Don’t rely on ALT alone: The speaker cautions that a normal ALT result does not necessarily rule out liver scarring.
• Avoid alcohol if liver disease is confirmed, and discuss any suspected liver problem with a clinician.
• Limit high-fructose corn syrup and excessive fructose, including from packaged foods, juices, and smoothies.
• Reduce processed fats such as processed soybean or canola oils. The speaker suggests alternatives including olive, avocado, or coconut oil and animal fats.
• Build and maintain muscle and protect sleep, which the speaker presents as supportive of metabolic health.
• Prioritize whole foods, sleep, movement, and testing before considering supplements.
• The video promotes NAC and vitamin D/K2 supplements, but also says these are nutrients, not treatments for liver disease, and advises consulting a doctor before taking supplements.

The video cites population research on fatty liver and sleep, but notes limitations in some of the evidence. Anyone experiencing jaundice, confusion, hand-flapping, or other concerning symptoms should seek medical care promptly.

Presenters and sources

• Presenter: Ben Azadi
• Sources and research mentioned: A review of 92 population-based studies on fatty liver; a UK Biobank study of 364,000 adults on sleep and liver outcomes; a review of 118 studies on cirrhosis outcomes; and research on itching in cholestatic liver disease.
• Commercial source mentioned: MyoScience, sponsor of the video.