Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda once celebrated the liver in his poem “Ode to the Liver,” suggesting it deserves more recognition than the heart or brain due to its complex functions. But could the state of your liver or heart also impact your mental health?
A recent study has uncovered a surprising link between organ health and mental well-being. This research, published in Nature Mental Health, indicates that poor health in organs like the liver and heart might contribute to anxiety and depression.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Melbourne, University College London, and the University of Cambridge, analyzed data from over 18,000 participants in the UK Biobank. The findings revealed that individuals with poorer physical health, especially in the liver, heart, and immune system, experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms.
Link to Brain Structure Changes
The study went further, showing that these physical health issues are connected to changes in brain structure. These changes could be a hidden factor worsening mental health conditions.
“This research is significant because it shows how physical health impacts depression and anxiety, partly through changes in brain structure,” said Professor Andrew Zalesky from the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering.
According to the study, poor health across various organ systems—including the liver, heart, immune system, and musculoskeletal system—can lead to alterations in brain structure. These changes might, in turn, contribute to or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“Our findings highlight the complex relationship between physical and mental health,” said Dr. Ye Ella Tian, the lead author from the University of Melbourne. “Poor organ health can lead to structural changes in the brain, which may aggravate conditions like depression and anxiety.”
Implications for Mental Health Treatment
The study’s results suggest a shift in how we approach mental health. Instead of focusing solely on mental well-being, there is a growing need to consider physical health as an integral part of managing mental health.
“This research provides strong evidence that physical health plays a crucial role in mental well-being,” Professor Zalesky noted. “It challenges us to look beyond traditional treatments and consider how improving physical health can impact mental health.”
Senior doctors are urging a holistic approach to mental health, one that takes into account overall physical health. “If your organs are not functioning well, it’s time to rethink your approach to mental health,” said a senior doctor interviewed by South First.
Emergence of Metabolic Psychiatry
Dr. Alok Kulkarni, a senior consultant psychiatrist at the MANAS Institute of Mental Health in Karnataka, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the growing field of metabolic psychiatry. “Evidence shows a bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health,” he explained.
Dr. Kulkarni highlighted that improved physical and metabolic health often leads to better mental health outcomes. Metabolic psychiatry examines how factors like sleep, diet, and exercise affect mental health. Poor metabolic health, including issues like insulin resistance and inflammation, is linked to various psychiatric disorders.
“It’s essential that our interventions consider factors like sleep, diet, and exercise to achieve better clinical outcomes,” Dr. Kulkarni added.
This interdisciplinary approach is gaining momentum as research shows that metabolic dysfunctions significantly influence brain function and contribute to psychiatric conditions. The study underscores the importance of maintaining good physical health through lifestyle choices as a strategy to address mental health challenges.
