How holding on to anger physiologically affects your liver.
Feeling anger in the moment is one thing, but holding on to anger and resentment has several physiological effects on the liver due to its chronic influence on the nervous system, hormones, and metabolic processes. Here is what happens:
1. Increased Stress Hormones
Chronic anger keeps the body in a fight-or-flight state, increasing cortisol and adrenaline.
High cortisol can lead to fatty liver, insulin resistance, and inflammation, impairing liver function over time.
Adrenaline release redirects blood flow away from digestion and detoxification, reducing the liver’s ability to process toxins efficiently, and facilitating build-up in the gut.
2. Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
Anger promotes chronic inflammation, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6 and TNF-alpha).
The liver must neutralize these inflammatory compounds, increasing its workload and oxidative stress.
This can contribute to liver congestion, sluggish bile flow, and an increased risk of liver damage over time.
3. Impaired Detoxification
The liver has Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification pathways to break down and eliminate toxins.
Chronic anger and stress deplete glutathione, a crucial antioxidant needed for detoxification.
This can lead to toxin buildup, sluggish bile production, and poor digestion.
4. Liver-Qi Stagnation (Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver governs the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and emotions.
Holding onto anger leads to Liver-Qi stagnation, causing symptoms like:
Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, sluggish bile flow).
Tension headaches, irritability, and mood swings.
PMS and hormonal imbalances (as the liver regulates estrogen detoxification).
5. Bile Flow & Gallbladder Function
Anger-induced liver stress can lead to poor bile production and thick, sluggish bile.
This increases the risk of gallstones, indigestion, and fat malabsorption.
Anger activates the "fight-or-flight" response, which can cause erratic gallbladder contractions and spasms.
Emotional stress can over stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to gallbladder contractions or dysfunction.
6. Blood Sugar Dysregulation
The liver helps regulate blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose.
Chronic anger and stress promote insulin resistance, which can lead to fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction.
What to do about it?
Holding onto anger is not just an emotional burden—it has real physiological consequences that impair liver function, increase inflammation, and contribute to toxin buildup. If the liver and gallbladder suffer due to emotional stress, it can lead to bile stasis or gallstone formation over time. Managing anger through emotional release, mindfulness, movement, liver flushing and liver-supporting nutrition can significantly improve liver health and overall well-being.
By incorporating liver flushing and a consistent focus on good gut health, you can allow your body to improve symptoms and reduce the long term impacts of negative emotions.
Please contact Sarah to arrange a 7-day Liver Flush, which will equip you with the skills and confidence to flush efficiently and correctly. A great tool to have in your personal health kit! Hit the button to book or enquire: