STRAINED LIVER, STRAINED MIND: A HOLISTIC VIEW ON THE STRESS-LIVER CONNECTION
My journey into the complex realm of stress and its profound impact on liver health began during an ordinary doctor's appointment. Those fateful words, “Your liver function is shutting down,” marked a significant turning point in my life. This triggered a whirlwind of emotions, emphasizing the delicate balance between our physical and psychological well-being. The experience of having a needle inserted directly into my liver to restore its function served as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between our physiological responses and mental perceptions, particularly concerning the liver.
I will be delving into the fascinating connection between stress and liver health. I will also explore the underlying mechanisms at play and the potential implications for our overall well-being. Additionally, I’ll take a holistic approach, recognizing the dynamic interplay between inner thoughts and outer biology and how this connection played out in my health journey.
Recognizing the Signs of Liver Dysfunction:
Before we dive deeper, it’s essential to understand the symptoms that may signal liver dysfunction. The Cleveland Clinic (2021) lists several potential signs of liver problems, including abdominal fluid buildup, easy bruising, itchy skin, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, swelling in the legs and ankles, tremors, weakness, fatigue, and confusion. Many of these symptoms resonated with my health journey.
In my case, I first noticed swelling in my legs and ankles, particularly when I traveled. However, this symptom persisted long after the trips had ended, causing concern. I felt constantly bloated, experienced low blood pressure, and had overall physical weakness.
The Intricate Connection Between Stress and Liver Health
One vital link between liver health and stress lies in the activation of the HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) axis. This activation leads to the release of stress hormones called glucocorticoids (Joung et al., 2019). The HPA axis plays a critical role in controlling various liver functions. In my medical journey, I experienced the effects of stress on my hypothalamus, resulting in low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting spells, distrusted sleep patterns, and mood swings. Stress also took its toll on my adrenal glands, causing my toes to swell to the point of bleeding and peculiar marks to appear on my body. Seeking help, a naturopath diagnosed me with adrenal fatigue and prescribed steroids to support my adrenal function. However, my racing mind continued to seek answers beyond conventional medicine.
The Genetic Puzzle and the Liver's Role
During this health journey, I underwent DNA testing, revealing an intriguing genetic aspect of my health. My body struggled to efficiently convert beta-carotene into vitamin A due to a deficiency in the BCMO1 gene (Xcode, 2022). This gene encodes enzymes responsible for converting plant-based carotenes into a usable form of vitamin A for the body. The solution was simple: supplement my diet with vitamin A. As I was always low on iron and required iron infusions from time to time, I learned that vitamin A deficiency can lead to iron deficiency and vice versa. Iron and zinc are required for the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A by the liver.
Stress: A Pervasive Influence on Health
Further exploration into the impacts of stress on the body unveiled a striking revelation: “Stress negatively influences not only the development but also the progression of various disorders, such as cardiovascular, psychiatric, endocrine, and cancerous disorders” (Joung et al., 2019). This connection to liver health lies in the liver's critical role in filtering toxins, synthesizing proteins, regulating blood sugar, and producing bile. In my personal experience, stress manifested in blood sugar irregularities, hormonal imbalances, and exacerbated autoimmune issues.
Seeking the Missing Pieces in the Puzzle
While we find compelling evidence supporting the link between stress and liver health, there’s an intriguing gap. “The psychiatric influence of stress is garnering more attention in medical practice. Clinical cases with elevated liver enzymes without any known causes are the most often observed. Stress response could be a reason that has been overlooked so far” (Chida, Sudo, & Kubo, 2009). This statement emphasizes the need for further research in this area. Though more evidence may be required to establish a direct connection, the potential impact of stress on liver function cannot be dismissed.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Throughout my health journey, I navigated through an array of stressors that significantly impacted my body’s functions. It’s been a challenging few years, marked by symptoms and stress. Throughout my life, I've faced various health challenges, including a significant setback in the form of a stroke. In addition to this, I encountered several other health conditions, including a parotidectomy, a hysterectomy, a challenging hemorrhoid issue with severe bleeding, and colonoscopy procedures. I also faced the challenge of facial fluid retention, which required almost 3 hours of drainage before I could start my day. I used to rely on five pillows for comfort, as laying down on a single pillow was difficult after my stroke.
My Turning Point
My turning point came with the discovery of the Eat Real to Heal program. This program is based on hypernutrification and detoxification, which work to reverse chronic diseases. With this, I transitioned to a whole-food, plant-based, organic diet and embraced new breathing techniques. I incorporated daily physical activity into my routine, sought chiropractic care, received regular massages, and immersed myself in meditation as outlined in the program. I also introduced coffee enemas into my routine, which I was admittedly skeptical about at first.
Photo Credit: Sansoja from PixabayThese changes have yielded overwhelmingly positive outcomes, including increased energy, mental clarity, and reduced body swelling. In my recent follow-up with my doctor, they were surprised to see the improvement in my overall body and liver function. Having this new regimen not only improved the quality of my day-to-day life but also forged a new path towards having a stronger body.
CONCLUSION
The liver, with its multifaceted roles in our health, is closely linked to the impact of stress. While additional research is necessary to establish a direct connection between stress and liver function, there is undeniable evidence that stress can influence the liver's performance and contribute to various health issues. A holistic approach that addresses stress management is a promising avenue for nurturing both our physical and emotional well-being.
Photo Credit: Shahariar Lenin from PixabayREFERENCES:
Chida, Y., Sudo, N. and Kubo, C. (2006), Does stress exacerbate liver diseases?. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 21: 202-208. https://doi-org.ezproxy.kpu.ca:2443/10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04110.x
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, November 23). Liver disease: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17179-liver-disease
Joung JY, Cho JH, Kim YH, Choi SH, Son CG. A literature review for the mechanisms of stress-induced liver injury. Brain Behav. 2019 Mar;9(3):e01235. doi: 10.1002/brb3.1235. Epub 2019 Feb 13. PMID: 30761781; PMCID: PMC6422711.
Richer, N. (2018). Eat real to heal: Using food as medicine to reverse chronic diseases from diabetes, arthritis to cancer, and more. Mango.
Watson, B. (2022, January 16). Know your genes: BCMO1 “Vitamin a gene.” Xcode Life. https://www.xcode.life/dna-and-nutrition/know-genes-bcmo1-vitamin-gene/
WRITTEN BY: LUBNA ZAIDI
I'm a dedicated nutritionist with a deep passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. My journey in the field of nutrition has taken me on a path of exploration and discovery, allowing me to embrace diverse cultures and experience the beauty of different places. Along this journey, I've been accompanied by my loving husband and our four beautiful daughters, who have been a constant source of inspiration and support.
Throughout my life, I've faced various health challenges, including a significant setback in the form of a stroke. Thanks to my knowledge of nutrition and the extraordinary support of a
close-knit group of friends, I not only persevered but fully recovered. This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of nutrition and the importance of a strong support system.
In my leisure time, I find solace in sketching and indulging in the world of books. These hobbies allow me to unwind, reflect, and continue to nurture my passion for learning and creativity.
