We often talk of liver health in relation to what we eat or don't eat, and to stay clear of toxins as much as we can.
One area that doesn't get much attention is keeping a positive attitude.
In a test done in 2011 at the University of Illinois, there was clear evidence that people who lived longer and healthier lives kept a happier disposition than their unhappy peers.
There have been numerous tests to support having a positive attitude has a positive effect on health.
So why is this? There seems to be a link between the association of happiness and inflammatory markers in the blood.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are inflammation precursors in the body, are found to be suppressed by increased happiness.
It especially is important to liver function, because these precursors normally trigger the liver tissue inflammation which leads to chronic liver disease.
It is not known if there is a biological cause and effect relationship with depression and liver issues or if there is which may be the cause of the other.
But people with impaired liver function commonly experience depression more often than people with healthy livers.
But based on the statistics that are out there, part of maintaining a healthy liver should be keeping a positive mental outlook.
Some of the strategies that can be used to keep an upbeat attitude, especially if you are afflicted with liver disease, are: 1.
Choose an activity that appeals to you, and then become fully engage in it.
People who become immersed and concentrate on an activity they enjoy will achieve the highest levels of satisfaction.
2.
Actively seek pleasurable emotions and sensations.
The key here obviously is that they must be safe.
Thinking that you are undeserving of doing an activity that makes you feel good will not help you psychologically.
Enjoying the wonders of a beautiful sunset, for instance, is why we are here, and is what we deserve.
3.
Do something for someone who needs help.
When people help each other, it really can come back ten-fold.
There is truly a gift to giving, and there are so many people who need help.
4.
Being grateful.
Dwell on the many things you have, as concentrating on your troubles will only make them grow.
This has been the cornerstone that many spiritual leaders have preached as the path to happiness.
5.
Using creativity and humor.
Interestingly, these two are related resilience.
Creativity gets you to tap into your inner resources, and using that part of your imagination will help you navigate through your troubles.
Finding the humor in things is also a great help to break down barriers.
Learn to laugh.
Stress and depression have always been believed to have an effect on failing health, but it has always been a "what came first, the chicken or the egg" issue.
But it is becoming more apparent with the findings of a physical link between depression and failing health that the former is probably the cause in most cases.
And because blood issues are so important to liver issues, a positive attitude is of the utmost importance for liver health.