Stress and Liver Diseases

Do you know - high stress levels could directly or indirectly lead to liver diseases?

Today stress levels are usually high among the middle-aged and even in the younger generation and, consequently, incidences of liver diseases are also on the rise. Stress is known to be connected with liver damage and can also cause fatal liver diseases if not treated in time.

It is, therefore, crucial that stress management is done properly to keep a check on stress levels. At the same time, you should be aware of the early symptoms of liver malfunction and get liver check and other tests done with the advice of your Specialist Doctor. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Here’s how STRESS impacts LIVER condition

Regular fear and anxiety can reduce blood flow to liver. Stress impacts the part of the brain that controls the liver; it also impacts blood flow to the liver.

In peoplewith persistent condition of Hepatitis B, there is a relation between depression and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels that indicate whether you have a liver disease or injury.

Liver transplant patients who have a submissivepersonality and get stress-triggered mood swings are more likely to reject the transplanted liver.

Stress is connected to high levels of cortisol, which, in turn, is connected to liver damage.

NKT (Natural Killer Cells) expand in the liver during periods of stress and these kill liver cells, making liver conditions worse.

Common Symptoms of Weak Liver

• Regular indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Eating disorders, feeling full with little food or feeling too hungry often at odd hours, loss of appetite
• Yellowish skin and whitish or yellowish eyes
• Skin problems
• Pain in abdomen area
• Low on energy and unexplained fatigue
• Dark coloured urine
• Pale coloured stool, dark or tar like stool
• Swelling in leg and ankles

STRESS Management for Healthy LIVER

• Have a healthy and balanced diet
• Sleep for not less than 7 hours and not more than 8 hours
• Work out regularly; yogasans, breathing exercises (pranayam), mind control techniques (like mediation) help to a great extent
• Take proper medication, as prescribed by your doctor, in case you are seeking medical attention
• Try and socialize; talking to people might help release stress and make you feel better