When we think of liver health, we usually picture alcohol, fatty foods, or medication overload. But according to Dr Zankhana Buch, Chief Medical Officer at Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, the silent saboteur is often sitting in our own minds: anger. In Ayurveda, emotions are not just passing moods; they’re active forces that shape our organs, hormones, and immunity. And among them, anger is the one most closely tied to the liver.

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Why the Liver Feels Your Anger

“Ayurveda often associates emotions with specific organs,” explains Dr Buch. “The liver, as the seat of Ranjaka Pitta, is particularly affected by chronic Pitta aggravation.” In simple terms, when anger rises, so does heat, and that heat directly stresses the liver.

She adds that anger increases Rajas (restlessness) and Tamas (inertia) while depleting Satva (clarity). Over time, this mind-body imbalance contributes to chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, metabolic issues like insulin resistance or MASLD, inflammatory skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, and even chronic pain.

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This isn’t just ancient theory. Modern research has linked anger and hostility to increased risks of heart attack and stroke, and a recent randomised clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests anger can impair blood vessel dilation. “Ayurveda sees this as cross-talk between body systems; the liver is at the centre of that regulation,” says Dr Buch.

Anger as “Internal Heat”

Modern medicine frames anger as a neurohormonal surge of cortisol and adrenaline. Ayurveda calls it Agneya, heat-producing. “It accelerates metabolism, disturbs mental and physical balance, and can manifest in different intensities,” says Dr Buch. Classical texts categorise anger into states such as Samtapta Manas (moderate anger with verbal expression), Kshubdha Manas (irritation that distracts from daily tasks), and Samkshubdha Manas (severe anger leading to harsh actions).

Each correlates to stress responses familiar to modern science: elevated heart rate, digestive upset, hormonal imbalances, and, crucially, liver strain.

When Anger Lingers or Is Suppressed

According to Dr Buch, “Chronic or suppressed anger keeps Pitta dosha aggravated, vitiates Rakta dhatu (the blood tissue), and stresses the liver. This creates chronic inflammation and impairs bile metabolism, endocrine regulation, and immune balance.”

She points to patterns she sees in patients: metabolic disorders, autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions, chronic pain, and frequent infections, all tied to long-standing emotional imbalance.

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How Pitta Links Emotions and Metabolism

“Pitta governs metabolism, digestion, intelligence, and emotional intensity,” explains Dr Buch. Balanced Pitta supports clarity and discernment; aggravated Pitta fuels anger, irritability, and intolerance. And because the liver houses Ranjaka Pitta, it becomes the prime casualty of that aggravation, resulting in inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, endocrine imbalance, immune disturbances, and skin flare-ups.

Food as First Medicine for Anger

Diet, lifestyle (Vihara), thoughts (Vichara), ethical conduct (Achara), and virtuous behaviour (Sadvrutta) are all part of regulating Pitta. Dr Buch cautions against spicy, sour, salty, oily, fried, or processed foods, as well as alcohol and smoking, all of which aggravate Pitta, increase Rajas and Tamas, and deplete Satva.

On the other hand, cooling and mildly sweet or bitter foods, such as fresh fruits, leafy greens, and gourds, as well as moderate ghee, pacify Pitta, reduce Rajas and Tamas, and support Satva. “Reflection, journaling, meditation, and mindful, ethical conduct enhance Satva, calm Rajas and Tamas, and stabilise both mind and body,” she says.

Related story: The Art of Mindful Eating: Lessons from Ayurveda

Beyond the Plate: Lifestyle to Protect Your Liver and Mind

Lifestyle routines are just as important. Dr Buch recommends cooling pranayama techniques, such as Sheetali and Chandrabhedana, yoga nidra, forward bends, and relaxation poses, to calm internal heat and relieve liver stress. Structured daily routines, balanced work-rest cycles, and reflective practices prevent chronic Pitta aggravation and reduce inflammation.

She even suggests a simple self-check: “An Ayurveda-inspired checklist on Manas (state of mind), tracked over time, helps people notice their anger triggers and responses, a powerful tool for cultivating forgiveness and self-awareness.”

Real-Life Results

Dr Buch shares that patients with fatty liver or mild metabolic disturbances who adopted anger management, structured routines, and mind-stabilising practices showed measurable improvements in liver function tests, blood sugar, lipids, blood pressure, and systemic inflammation. “Emotional reactivity decreased, Rajas and Tamas decreased, Satva increased, and symptoms like chronic pain and skin inflammation improved,” she notes.

A Daily Ritual for Readers

Here’s the routine Dr Buch recommends to protect your liver and mind from anger’s silent harm:

• Morning: Start with warm water. Practice Anuloma Viloma (alternate-nostril breathing) for 5–10 minutes. Chant Aumkara or sit in quiet meditation. Keep a reflection diary to track anger triggers and responses.
• Evening: Spend 5–10 minutes practising Sheetali pranayama or engaging in quiet reflection. Apply gentle oil (Abhyanga) to the body, especially the head, navel, and joints, to soothe the Pitta dosha.

“Consistency reduces chronic inflammation, supports hepatic endocrine function, and safeguards both mind and liver from long-term effects of anger,” Dr Buch emphasises.

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She concludes with a quote from poet David Whyte: “Anger is the deepest form of compassion… the internal living flame of anger always illuminates what we belong to, what we wish to protect and what we are willing to hazard ourselves for.”

Practical Takeaways

• Notice your triggers: Keep a brief daily reflection log of instances where you experience anger.
• Cool the body, calm the mind: Incorporate Sheetali, Chandrabhedana, or Anuloma Viloma breathing for 5–10 minutes daily.
• Eat to pacify Pitta: Favour cooling, mildly sweet, and bitter foods; limit spicy, sour, oily, and processed foods, as well as alcohol and smoking.
• Structure your day: Balanced routines, yoga nidra, and forward bends reduce Pitta aggravation.
• Oil massage in the evening: Gentle Abhyanga helps soothe Pitta and relax the nervous system.

Related story: Anger Management: 5 Ways To Control Anger

Anger isn’t just an emotion; it’s internal heat that can silently inflame your liver and ripple through your whole system. As Dr Zankhana Buch says, cooling foods, conscious routines, and mind-stabilising practices are simple ways to protect both mind and liver. Calm your anger, and you’re not just easing your mood; you’re also healing your body.

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