5 Reasons Fatty Liver Affects Mental Health | Health

Feeling sluggish, tired and irritable all day long? A fatty liver may be playing a trick. Excessive accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to a variety of mental health symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, and sleep disturbances. It is responsible for the decomposition of toxic substances. When this vital organ does not work well, it can put you at risk for heart complications, diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.People who suffer from fatty liver disease often lead unhealthy lifestyles and (Also read: 10 dietary habits that can help improve fatty liver)

“Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem that has become increasingly common in recent years, affecting more than a third of adults in India. Diabetes, obesity, and/or high blood cholesterol, but can also occur in their absence. The disease may progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. It is usually asymptomatic.

Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Assistant Professor, Department of Liver, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

“Apart from the risk of progressive liver disease, patients with NAFLD are more likely than the general population to have mental health problems. Approximately 13% more patients with NAFLD have a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder, including suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, than patients without NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD also have difficulty adhering to treatment recommendations, including diet and exercise, because of negative coping mechanisms associated with negative health perceptions and self-responsibility. Sleep disorders such as sleep disorders tend to reduce the quality of sleep. This causes fatigue, irritable behavior, and poor concentration throughout the day. Problem-solving difficulties worsen as the severity of liver disease increases,” adds Dr. Mehtani.

Dr Shubham Vatsya, Gastroenterology Consultant at Fortis Escort Hospital, Faridabad, said there is evidence suggesting a positive association between metabolic syndrome and certain mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress. said to be increasing.

“The association between fatty liver and mental health disorders suggests that unhealthy lifestyles that lead to both mental health problems and obesity, as well as fatty liver disease, substance abuse such as alcohol abuse, and mental health problems and fatty liver, It is thought because it leads to both the gut: the intestinal flora, which can lead to both fatty liver and mental health problems, and the hypothalamus, which can cause both fatty liver and mental health problems at the same time. Malfunction of the sub-pituitary axis and obesity leading to multiple problems of mental health and metabolic syndrome, transforming into fatty liver,” says Dr. Vatsya.

Dr. Chetan Kalal, Program Director, Program Director – Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, discusses 5 effects of fatty liver on mental health.

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Fatty liver disrupts the normal functioning of the liver and causes hormonal imbalances. When the liver struggles to regulate hormone levels, it can lead to emotional instability and an increased stress response. These imbalances can cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which can affect an individual’s overall mental health.

2. Cognitive decline

Studies have shown links between fatty liver and cognitive decline, including memory loss, attention deficits, and impaired executive function. The liver maintains brain health by regulating the levels of various chemicals and nutrients, and impaired liver health negatively impacts cognitive abilities and performance.

3. Sleep disturbance

Fatty liver is associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia. A healthy liver helps maintain restorative sleep, so poor sleep quality can exacerbate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, and impair cognitive function.

4. Fatigue

The liver is essential for energy production, and when its function is impaired, it can cause persistent fatigue.People with fatty liver often experience chronic fatigue, which can interfere with daily functioning. It can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, manifesting as depression and anxiety.

5. Social isolation

Physical symptoms and emotional stress associated with fatty liver can lead to social isolation. As a result, individuals may feel disconnected from their support networks, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and exacerbating pre-existing mental health conditions. Addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding fatty liver can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, further impacting mental health.

“In conclusion, fatty liver can severely impact an individual’s mental health through a variety of mechanisms, including hormonal imbalance, cognitive decline, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and social isolation. Get medical attention and adopt lifestyle changes to manage both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition,” says Dr. Kalal.