Liver infection and Mental health: Explained

Mental health is often impacted by liver disease and vice versa. However, this connection is frequently overlooked. Toxic substances from the liver can build up in the bloodstream and travel throughout the body during acute or chronic liver infection. When these substances make their way to the brain, they can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a neurological condition that significantly influences the mood and activity level of the brain.

Now, our mood influences our behaviours, emotions, and cognition, ultimately shaping our interpersonal relationships, daily decisions, and stress management abilities. So, facing mood-related complications like mood swings, irritation, and short temperament, due to Hepatic encephalopathy will affect all the above-mentioned aspects that are influenced by mood. Otherwise, some generalised emotional health-related challenges like stress, anxiety, and over-worrying are also observed in a person with liver issues.

It becomes important for a person with liver disease to be accountable for their mental well-being. A strong and positive state of mind will support you in leading a healthy lifestyle and staying committed to your treatment plan.

In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of hepatic encephalopathy and its effects on the brain, as well as seven crucial factors to manage stress for better liver health and overall well-being.
Understanding how liver health is related to mental health
Understanding how liver health is related to mental health

Understanding how liver health is related to mental health

The relationship between liver health and mental health connection is two-sided. From addressing this, we want to drive your attention towards the fact that a person with any kind of liver issues may experience mental challenges such as hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, and stress. However, people already facing issues like depression, anxiety, and consistent stress may develop unhealthy habits like alcoholism, obesity, and hypertension, which increases the risk of facing liver-related health challenges.

How does Liver disease affect Mental health?

People with liver difficulties are three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Below, we have mentioned a range of changes that a person with liver disease may experience if the condition is affecting their mental health. If anyone is likely to observe these changes in their behavioural pattern, they may seek help from a qualified medical professional.

Lack of energy

1.A noticeable shift in personality
2.Difficulties with writing and precise hand movements
3.Reversed sleep and wake cycle
4.Unintentional limb twitching
5.Memory lapses
6.Feeling easily annoyed


How does Mental health affect liver disease?

Mental health challenges do not directly affect liver challenges. Instead, it leads to the development of certain habits and addictions that negatively impact the healing process and worsen the condition of liver issues. Such habits include;

1.Consuming too much alcohol because of excessive stress
2.Unhealthy eating patterns
3.Gastrointestinal problems
4.Feeling easily annoyed, nervous, or overburdened
5.Shifts in mood or conduct
6.Headaches or severe headaches
7.Trouble falling asleep

Certain habits and lifestyles promote liver diseases and impact us mentally, too. Similarly, certain habits and lifestyles can help us achieve fast recovery from the disease and take care of our mental well-being. We will mention them later in the blog.

How To Manage Stress For Better Liver Health?

Stress leads to the unnecessary production of cortisol, which can cause inflammation and an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the liver, leading to permanent damage. It’s important to manage the signs of liver stress.

Sleep

Getting a reasonable amount of sleep is necessary for maintaining overall health and well-being. While we sleep, our bodies undergo crucial processes such as repairing and renewing tissues, which is vital for the detoxification of the liver. Insufficient sleep can have negative effects on our health, including heightened stress levels and impaired liver function. To promote a healthy lifestyle, it is recommended to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and avoiding the consumption of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime can further support a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

Say no to Alcohol

Consuming alcohol excessively can have detrimental effects on various parts of the body, including the liver and the brain. Long-term alcohol abuse can result in mental health problems such as addiction, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and a decline in cognitive function. Adhering to recommended alcohol consumption guidelines and abstaining from drinking when necessary can help protect the brain, liver, and other organs from the damaging effects of alcohol.

Take care of yourself.

If you’re feeling low and finding everything challenging, attempt to engage in activities that bring you joy, even if you’re not currently inclined to do so. This could involve doing things that usually bring you happiness, such as listening to music, playing some sports, or watching your favourite TV show. It doesn’t have to be something major, just something that uplifts you.

Deep Breathing

Engaging in deep breathing exercises involves taking slow, deep breaths to maintain the calm and composed state of the body. This helps the body relax and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. Deep breathing also improves blood circulation and increases oxygen levels in our cells, which can have positive effects on liver health. By practising deep breathing regularly, you can help support your liver’s well-being and overall health.

Choosing the right treatment procedure

Allopathic treatment procedures involve the dosage of very high-power steroids that may slow down the functioning of your brain, make you feel tired all the time, and cause a lot of side effects. Opting for Homeopathic treatment procedures can be a great decision here. Homoeopathy offers a non-invasive, highly personalised, made with natural resources, and side-effect-free treatment plan for various liver difficulties.

Allocate a specific “worry time”

If worries frequently occupy your thoughts, it can be beneficial to allocate 15 minutes every day to specifically focus on them. Select a designated time, not too close to your bedtime, to contemplate the things that have been causing you concern. Try to keep the rest of the day free from worries. When worries arise at other times, jot them down and address them during your allocated worry time. This step helps in developing a positive connection between liver health and mental health.

Eating right and Exercising

Consume meals with high nutritional value and reasonable amounts of proteins. It is recommended to prefer home-cooked meals. Try to include fruits, leafy vegetables, and fish such as Salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout in your liver diet. Even simple physical activities such as cycling, walking, yoga, and jogging, if done on a regular basis, can have a good impact on your liver and mental health. Developing these two habits will help you maintain a healthy weight and energy level.

Final Thoughts

Due to the increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease in the population, an expanding number of individuals will encounter the physical and mental implications of this condition each year. Consult your healthcare provider about liver function assessments during medical appointments, and bear in mind the significant role this essential organ plays in preserving your health and overall welfare. However, opting for the right treatment procedures is also a crucial step. Homeopathic treatment procedures offer an exclusive, non-invasive method for curing the disease without any side effects, along with proper guidance towards stress management during the treatment plan. So, homeopathic treatment for fatty liver must be the right choice for you.