Can poor organ health cause mental health problems? Know what the study revealed
A recent study showed that poor organ health can worsen mental health by altering brain function, leading to increased depression and anxiety. Analyzing data from more than 18,000 participants, researchers found that lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise also significantly affect mental health. Read on to learn more.
Can poor organ health lead to mental health problems? Study reveals (Image courtesy: iStock)
Poor health of organs can have a negative impact Mental Health altering the brain in a way that causes or worsens disease Depression And WorryThat’s according to a study examining the brain-body-lifestyle connection. “By analyzing brain imaging and clinical data from more than 18,000 people, we identified multiple pathways where the brain mediates the link between poor organ health and mental health problems,” explained lead author Ye Ella Tian, a research fellow at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
The study focused on the lungs, heart, liver, and organ systems related to metabolism and immunity.
The analysis, published in the journal Nature Mental Health, used data from the UK Biobank. Of the more than 18,000 participants in the study, more than 10,000 had been diagnosed with a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
“For each of the seven organ systems analyzed, we found that poorer organ health was significantly associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms,” the authors said.
Although the extent to which the brain influences the relationship between physical and mental health varies across different organ systems, the researchers found that, in general, the brain showed a strong mediating effect on organs, with significant direct effects on mental health outcomes, particularly the musculoskeletal and immune systems.
The study also considered lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, alcohol consumption, education and socio-economic status, and how these factors influence mental health through their effects on physical health and the brain.
“We showed that lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep and diet influence mental health by affecting the physiological functions of various organ and brain systems,” the authors said.
They suggested that adopting healthy behaviors related to these factors could significantly improve the mental health of most individuals.
James Cole of University College London highlighted the importance of the study’s findings. “While it is well understood in healthcare that different organs and systems in the body influence each other, this interconnectedness is often underestimated in scientific research. Therefore, it is exciting to see a study that emphasises the importance of integrating measures from different parts of the body,” Cole said.
The study provides insight into how poor organ health can contribute to mental health problems and highlights the importance of considering lifestyle factors in promoting mental health. Research shows that health requires a holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental aspects. Therefore, it is essential to focus on a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your health in check.
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