Symptom 3: Yellowing of Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
When the skin and whites of your eyes take on a yellowish hue, it’s a clear and unmissable sign that something significant is happening in your body. Jaundice, as it’s medically known, occurs when there’s an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that’s formed during the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, your liver processes bilirubin, but when it’s failing to do its job due to a fatty infiltration, bilirubin builds up in the system, leading to the yellowish discoloration we associate with jaundice. This visible sign is a loud cry for help and immediate medical attention. It’s a symptom that can’t and shouldn’t be ignored, as it indicates a serious malfunction in the liver’s usual processes.
To truly grasp what’s happening during jaundice, you need to dive a bit deeper into the role of bilirubin. This compound is usually processed by the liver and eventually excreted out of the body. However, when the liver is overwhelmed by fat, this process can get disrupted. The liver’s ability to handle the bilirubin is compromised, leading to a backlog and the subsequent spillover into the bloodstream, resulting in the yellowing of the skin and eyes. It’s a signal that your liver is not just fatty; it’s struggling to perform its basic functions.
Jaundice is a direct reflection of your liver’s health. While it is commonly associated with liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, in the context of NAFLD, it signifies an advanced stage of the disease. When you start to notice the yellowing, it’s imperative to understand that your liver is in a state of distress, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage.
Jaundice is not a condition to be treated at home or to be taken lightly. It demands professional medical attention. Tests and assessments are crucial to determine the extent of liver damage and to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Ignoring jaundice or delaying medical consultation can lead to severe complications, and in extreme cases, it could be fatal.
Once jaundice is identified and the necessary medical interventions are in place, the focus shifts to supporting the liver in its recovery process. This will often involve significant lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet, incorporating regular exercise, and possibly medication as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The yellowing of the skin and eyes may take time to subside, but with consistent effort and medical supervision, recovery and a return to liver health are possible. (3)
