ABSTRACT
Fatty liver is one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide which usually originates due to fat accumulation. When the intake of fatty acids from the blood exceeds the capacity for metabolism, it leads to fat deposition in the liver. When left untreated, the condition can worsen and progress towards fibrosis. Ayurveda has immense potential in the management of liver diseases. Apart from medicines, one can also employ various natural remedies for fatty liver management.
INTRODUCTION
Liver is the heaviest organ of the body. It weighs about 1500 g in adults. It is situated on the right side of the upper part of the abdomen. It is an extremely vascular organ where metabolism of all the nutritional substances takes place. Liver plays a major role in fat metabolism thereby making it the most common site for fat accumulation. When fat content surpasses 5% of total weight of liver or more than 30% of liver cells in a liver lobule have fat deposits, this condition is called Fatty Liver. Lifestyle associated with alcohol abuse and a diet rich in fat content are the two main reasons for fatty liver disease. Alcohol inhibits fatty acid oxidation and promotes fat synthesis and deposition. Excess calories are not efficiently metabolism thus accumulate as fat. Therefore, fatty liver can be alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic.
Causes of Fatty Liver
- Diet rich in junk food and carbonated drinks.
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Alcohol abuse
- Insulin resistance
- Increased triglycerides in blood
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hepatitis
Signs and Symptoms of Fatty Liver
- Heaviness and distention of abdomen
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Disturbed appetite
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Belching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Decreased concentration
In severe stages it can cause
- Itchy skin
- Swelling in legs
- Breathlessness
- Jaundice
- Splenomegaly
Complications of Fatty Liver
If left untreated or continued with similar unhealthy lifestyle, it can lead to:
- Ascites
- Esophageal varices
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Liver carcinoma
IS THERE A NATURAL WAY TO MANAGE FATTY LIVER?
Fatty liver is a reversible condition. With a few corrections in diet and lifestyle one can be rid of this troublesome disease. Along with a solid regime here are a few ayurvedic remedies for fatty liver management
- One may consume 50 ml of bitter gourd juice empty stomach in the morning on a regular basis. It is a powerful liver stimulant. The bitter taste of this vegetable stimulates detoxification of the liver.
- Equal quantities of shunthi (Zingiber officinale), maricha (Piper nigrum) and pippali (Piper longum) in powdered form should be consumed in a dose of ¼ teaspoon twice a day 20 mins before food. This powder will increase metabolism and encourage fat breakdown.
- Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) in powdered form can be consumed with water or buttermilk in the dose of ½ teaspoon. Along with liver detoxification it also functions as a diuretic and laxative. These properties will help in swelling of body and in digestive issues.
- Intake of ¼ teaspoon of pippali (Piper longum) powder along with honey will help scrape off excess fat from the liver.
- Take 1½ glasses of water, boil 10-12 leaves of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and reduce it to ½ glass. Strain and drink this decoction lukewarm empty stomach daily.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR PREVENTION OF FATTY LIVER
- Avoid excess use of pharmacological drugs like NSAIDs and antibiotics. These chemicals exert a negative impact on the liver.
- Avoid unnecessary consumption of supplements especially iron supplements. They can damage the liver when taken in large amounts. Many ayurvedic medicines like punarnava mandoor, lohasava, saptamrit lauh etc. are also rich in iron. Hence, expert guidance is necessary before consumption.
- Establish an active routine that comprises any kind of physical activity whether it is yoga, hiking, playing a sport, dancing, swimming or going to a gym.
CONCLUSION
Fatty liver is an increasingly recognized condition that can progress to end stage liver disease, i.e., liver failure. Without delaying further, this disease should be treated in its acute stage when easy reversal is possible. Ayurvedic treatment modalities have immense potential in the management of this condition. Along with treatment, natural remedies for fatty liver play a significant role and act as supportive treatment for the patient. This ensures better prognosis and overall health improvement. Above mentioned home remedies are extremely effective in tackling fat deposition in liver cells. Regular practice of just one of these remedies may show surprising results.
