The liver is the body's largest gland, which helps digestion, removes toxins from the body, fights infections, and controls cholesterol. Any disease affecting the liver's regular function is known as liver disease. There are various liver diseases, such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. If left untreated, these liver diseases can lead to liver failure.
Fatty liver is a disease in which excess fat is accumulated in the liver. Usually, small amounts of fat are always present in the liver, but too much fat can become a health problem. Excessive fat in the liver can lead to liver inflammation, also known as steatohepatitis, which may cause liver damage and create scarring leading to liver failure. Fatty liver may be of two types, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver. When fatty liver develops in someone who drinks a lot of alcohol, it is known as alcoholic fatty liver disease, whereas, in non-alcoholics, it is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is seen in every age group but occurs more in individuals in their 40s and 50s. According to a CCRAS report, 1 in 5 people in India have too much fat in their liver, and 1 in 10 people have fatty liver disease. In the general Indian population, the prevalence of the disease is estimated to be around 9-32%, with a higher incidence rate amongst obese and diabetic patients. Fatty liver generally does not have any symptoms until it progresses further. Sometimes there may be a heaviness in the upper right side of the abdomen, enlarged liver, tiredness, anorexia, etc.
Ayurveda and Natural Treatment for Fatty Liver
Modern medicine has very little to offer despite the consistent effort and drug discovery. One can reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with the help of Ayurveda and by inculcating healthy habits. In the Ayurvedic context, fatty liver can be correlated with 'Yakrutodar roga.' According to Ayurveda, balancing liver function ensures overall health, enhances liver detoxification, and helps protect against further liver damage. A healthy lifestyle, diet management, and the use of some herbs in day-to-day life are highly effective in managing fatty liver.Diet Recommendations for Healthy Liver
One should choose a healthy plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats. Green leafy vegetables, beetroot, carrot, and apple are also good for the liver. One should use an adequate high-quality protein diet. All oils and fats should be avoided. One should avoid refined, processed, canned foods and all meats rich in fat. The use of salt should be restricted. It is proven that alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, hot spicy food, chemicals in packed foods, and environmental pollutants are not suitable for the liver. There should be complete abstinence from alcohol. Alcohol needs to be avoided even in small doses as it is well-proven to be the cause of cirrhosis. Cigarette smoking is capable of damaging the health of the liver. Air pollution and exposure to chemicals and other toxic substances are harmful to liver health. One should drink plenty of pure water to flush out toxins. One should also maintain a healthy weight. An overweight or obese person should reduce the number of calories and do more exercise. A healthy weight person should maintain it by choosing a healthy diet and exercising.Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Liver
Breathing and other exercises should be done regularly. Lack of sleep disturbs glucose metabolism, leading to weight gain and increasing anger. Both weight gain and anger indicate liver imbalance due to insomnia, and negative emotions create hormones that increase liver toxins. One should take proper care to balance liver function, which helps in generating more energy and maintaining stronger immunity.Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Diseases
However, besides following healthy habits to maintain a healthy liver, Ayurveda has been known to help manage fatty liver. In Ayurveda, bitter-tasting and cooling herbs like aloe vera, neem, kutki, karela, amala, turmeric, bhumi-amala, punarnava, and many other herbs are used for both protection as well as boosting liver health. Some of these herbs are mentioned below:- Pipali (Piper longum), a traditional medicinal plant in Ayurveda, has the main active ingredient, piperine. Studies show that due to its hepatoprotective properties, it exerts significant protection against hepatotoxicity.
- Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) contains cucurbitacin glycosides isolated from the root of Kutki that exhibit liver protective and anti-inflammatory activities. Kutkin, a bitter glycosidic component of kutki, shows hepatoprotective activity in alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity.
- Rohitak (Amoora rohituka) is found to have significant antioxidant, cytoprotective, antihepatotoxic, and thrombolytic activity. The extract also has partial antimicrobial effects. It protects the membranes of the liver cells, thus, maintaining their integrity. This herb is used traditionally in the treatment of liver enlargement and jaundice. It also shows antibacterial and antiviral properties. Rohitak is used in various clinical conditions, including jaundice, cirrhosis, and cholestasis.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is another medicinal plant in this context that exhibits anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties and therefore can be considered an option in the treatment of Hepatitis.
- Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is widely used in Ayurveda to treat inflammation of the spleen and liver. Its powdered aerial parts prevent an elevation of GOT, GPT, and bilirubin levels. Sharpunkha effectively controlled the cirrhotic and nodular changes, showing that it might be acting by stabilizing cell membranes. It also protects against the progress of hepatic fibrosis.
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) holds a prominent position in treating hepatitis and spleen enlargements and is a good liver tonic. Bhringraj protects against acute liver damage.
- Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) contains Andrographolide, the active constituent that is a standard hepatoprotective agent. Kalmegh shows significant protective activity against hepatotoxicity and increases the viability of the hepatocytes. It completely antagonises the toxic effects on certain enzymes such as SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphates in serum.
- Bhumyamlaki (Phyllanthus niruri) Bhumyamlaki is useful in viral infection of the liver, specifically Hepatitis B.
Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.