Experimental studies and clinical observations have shown that stress can damage hepatic tissue both directly and indirectly. Many studies have partially revealed the contributors of stress‐induced liver injury; however, the whole process has not yet been uncovered.
A stressed liver impacts the overall body functions – it may cause ringing in the ears, insomnia, dizziness, blurry vision, allergies, no sex drive, internal or intestinal bleeding, sensitivities to chemicals, PMS, drastic weight loss and spider veins.
During stress, natural killer cells (NKT) are expanded in the liver and, in some of these cases, contributed to liver cell death and worsening of liver disease. In the part of the brain that controls the liver, stress was found to impair blood flow and may lead to or trigger liver damage.
Additionally, stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including alcohol intake, tobacco use, and poor diet, which are also associated with fatty liver8,10.
The short answer is yes — stress and anxiety can possibly cause elevated levels of liver-produced enzymes. There's some evidence of liver injury in times of stress, so it's important to understand how liver enzymes work.
Much can be said about the effects of trauma on our health. Trauma increases anxiety levels and keeps the body and brain constantly in a fight or flight mode. This raises the levels of stress hormones which negatively impacts organs including the brain and liver.
At first, you probably won't notice liver problems. But as it gets worse, your skin can feel itchy and bruise easily. Your eyes and skin may look yellowish, which doctors call jaundice. Your belly might hurt, and you could lose your appetite or feel sick to your stomach.
Healing can begin as early as a few days to weeks after you stop drinking, but if the damage is severe, healing can take several months. In some cases, “if the damage to the liver has been long-term, it may not be reversible,” warns Dr. Stein.
The liver also has a lot to do with stress and anger. Physically, an imbalanced liver can create tight tendons, necks and shoulders, and emotionally it can lead to a tightness of the spirit. The key emotions of the liver are anger and frustration.
The liver is responsible for balancing and getting rid of adrenaline. If it cannot keep up with the levels of stress hormones being produced, it is forced to store them. The presence of stored adrenaline in the liver may lead to emotional instability.
The strong association between fatty liver disease and obesity means that irregular eating patterns can destroy your liver if interventions are not taken. Eating too late at night, skipping breakfast, and eating too fast are some of the dietary habits that can lead to obesity; and, by extension, liver damage.
Acute liver failure can develop quickly in an otherwise healthy person, and it is life-threatening. If you or someone you know suddenly develops a yellowing of the eyes or skin; tenderness in the upper abdomen; or any unusual changes in mental state, personality or behavior, seek medical attention right away.
Acute liver failure can happen in as little as 48 hours. It's important to seek medical treatment at the first signs of trouble. These signs may include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and discomfort in your right side, just below your ribs.
Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
The liver has a unique capacity among organs to regenerate itself after damage. A liver can regrow to a normal size even after up to 90% of it has been removed. But the liver isn't invincible. Many diseases and exposures can harm it beyond the point of repair.
You likely won't notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly, or an ache in your upper right abdomen, where your liver is. It's more likely your healthcare provider will discover it during an exam.
feeling very tired and weak all the time. loss of appetite – which may lead to weight loss. loss of sex drive (libido) yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Most people with liver disease report abdominal pain. Pain in your liver itself can feel like a dull throbbing pain or a stabbing sensation in your right upper abdomen just under your ribs.
The liver controls dispersion and regulates the emotions, and pathological changes in this process are associated with psychological stress. Therefore, research on the biological mechanisms by which the liver regulates emotion usually focus on psychological stress.
Anxiety, either about a current situation or forthcoming event is a normal bodily reaction to stress. This reaction begins in the Amygdala - an area in the brain which sends distress signals to the hypothalamus. These signals are then communicated to the rest of the body to evoke a 'fight or flight' response.