Always Exhausted? Your Liver Could Be the Culprit!
29 July 2024
Feeling tired all the time is a common experience for many adults. We often face dips in energy, crave extra sleep in the mornings, and feel exhausted at work, while doing household chores, or during social gatherings. Typically, we don’t think much of it and accept it as a normal part of adult life. However, did you know that if this happens too often, it could be a sign of poor liver health? Surprising, right? Let’s explore the connection between fatigue and liver health.
Liver Diseases
You might be wondering why your liver would cause such fatigue. Persistent tiredness is a common symptom in 65% to 85% of patients with cholestatic liver disease. Cholestatic liver disease is typically caused by primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis, or liver disease related to drug use.
Liver and Fatigue
Now, here’s a confession: the exact causes of fatigue are still not well understood. Fatigue isn’t a straightforward biological process; it’s a complex issue affecting nearly 20% of the population. The main challenge is defining and treating fatigue, which often leads to symptoms being overlooked or ignored by physicians who care for liver disease patients.
Does the Brain Play a Role in This?
Absolutely! Fatigue is linked to changes in neurotransmission in the brain. Don’t be intimidated by the term “neurotransmission”—it simply refers to the way our brain and nerves communicate through various pathways.
Liver disease can disrupt the neurotransmitter pathways involved in behaviour, arousal, and movement. Key neurotransmitters affected include corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), serotonin, and noradrenaline. This disruption often leads to fatigue accompanied by anxiety or depression.
The Significance of Diet and Proper Nutrition
To be honest, there’s no magic pill to eliminate fatigue. However, by maintaining a balanced diet that supports proper liver function, you can better manage fatigue. Scientific evidence shows that a well-rounded diet is the most effective way to stay healthy and energized.
Diet for the Liver
Enough about your brain—let’s shift our focus to maintaining liver health.
It’s simple: just eat liver-friendly foods. Let’s explore which foods to include and avoid for optimal liver health.
Liver-Healthy Foods
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- Cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and mustard greens)
- Beets
- Eggs
- Green tea
- Broccoli
- Oatmeal
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Blueberries
- Herbs and spices in moderate amount
- Citrus fruits (lemon, lime)
- Garlic
- Fatty fish
Foods Harmful to the Liver
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- Sugar
- Bakery items
- Aerated fizzy drinks
- Alcohol
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Fatty fast foods
- High-salt foods
- Red meat
In Conclusion
To effectively support liver health, it’s crucial to incorporate nutritious foods into your diet to combat fatigue and promote overall wellness.
Liver disease and fatigue are frequently connected, so it’s important not to overlook ongoing tiredness. Fortunately, you can manage these issues by avoiding harmful foods and including beneficial ones, as detailed above.
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