Fatty Liver and Ayurveda

Excess fat cells accumulating in the liver lead to a fatty liver disorder. Although it’s a curable disease, it may deteriorate over time because of negligence and lack of proper treatment. Fatty liver is ‌associated with overindulgence in alcohol and similar intoxicating substances.

Fatty Liver Disease or FLD occurs when liver cells keep an abnormally exorbitant amount of lipids, leading to liver inflammation and increasing the risk of hepatitis.

FLD impairs the liver’s natural ability to mobilize and eliminate fat from the body, eventually creating a vicious cycle of cause and effect.

Since alcohol consumption is a bigger cause contributing to FLD than all other factors combined, the disease is mainly classified into two types: Alcoholic steatosis and Nonalcoholic steatosis.

While non-alcoholic fatty liver disease impairs the liver’s normal functioning, alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by certain symptoms, including but not limited to jaundice, fever, spider veins, and abnormally high WBC count.

Ayurvedic View on Fatty Liver

According to Ayurveda, the liver is the origin of one of the principal energies known as pitta. Pitta has hot and light characteristics and handles metabolic and biochemical functions that produce energy and heat. Kapha has a cold and stabilized nature. When Kapha dosha rises above normal levels, it suppresses pitta and its function in supporting the liver. Therefore, it can be inferred from this correlation that fatty liver disease results from elevated Kapha dosha.

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

There’s no concrete evidence on why some people are prone to fatty liver diseases and others are not. However, several studies have established a link between underlying health conditions and FLDs. Let’s look at some of the leading causes of fatty liver.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the significant factors for FLD and other health complications. Obesity is more than just putting on extra weight. It also means that your body’s fat-muscle ratio is blowing out of proportion and putting more strain on your bones than they can handle. As a result, the tendency to move and exercise reduces significantly, leading to a slew of health conditions. The risk of FLD further increases with an excess fat build-up in the abdomen.

Type 2 Diabetes

As we all know, diabetes affects natural insulin levels in your body, but it also appears to promote fat accumulation in the liver. This may lead to inflammation or scar tissue build-up in the liver.

Alcohol Consumption

People who consume excessive alcohol are far more likely to develop fatty liver disease than those who don’t. Alcohol affects the normal functioning of the liver, especially its ability to metabolize fat. Failing to eliminate excess fat from liver cells results in fatty liver diseases and other complications that may crop up in the following weeks.

High Triglycerides Levels

High triglycerides circulating in the blood can lead to fat accumulation in the liver. This is one of the significant factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can occur because of multiple reasons. Still, if it persists for days, it could be one of the fatty liver symptoms. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better.

Feeling of fullness

Do you feel your appetite has reduced without apparent reason? Do you feel full despite having fewer servings than usual? If so, you might be suffering from fatty liver disease. In some cases, lack of physical activity can also reduce your appetite, but if you are also feeling nauseous and weak, you should get a proper diagnosis.

Weight loss

When you eat less, it is natural to experience abrupt weight loss and fatigue. However, if you are losing weight without making conscious efforts, it’s a sign you might have a fatty liver. But don’t decide based on any assumptions. Consult a physician to determine the exact reason behind weight loss and get mandatory tests done.

Also read: Ayurveda’s Comprehensive Guide on Weight Management!

Pale skin and yellowish sclera (whites of the eyes)

These are the telltale signs of jaundice, one of the fatty liver diseases that can be fatal if not treated timely and, therefore, must be taken seriously.

Swollen abdomen and legs (edema)

Bloating and edema may have similar symptoms - swollen abdomen. However, if it’s accompanied by swollen legs, fatigue, and abnormal weight loss,gett tested for fatty liver disease.

Fatty Liver Treatment and Home remedies

Fatty Liver Disease can be controlled and cured with lifestyle adjustments and dietary interventions, especially in the initial stage. Here are a few home remedies and lifestyle changes that may get you out of harm’s way.

Aloe Vera Gel

Consuming aloe vera gel is an excellent blood purification hack. Besides, aloe vera enhances liver function and may help treat fatty liver diseases. Aloe vera gel can be consumed raw with lukewarm water or with citrus fruit juice for a better taste.

Take Low-Fat Diet

As part of the Ayurvedic diet plan for fatty liver, it is recommended to cut down on your fat intake for the time being. Doing so will reduce the strain on your liver and enable it to metabolize fat deposits naturally. Taking out fat from your diet may also support your ongoing treatment, and you shall see positive results sooner than expected.

Avoid Sugar

You may think otherwise, but sugar is your worst enemy. A shocking scientific revelation states that sugar is more harmful than fat, and thus, it should be avoided. If it helps, jaggery and honey are a healthier substitute for sugar – which explains why they are used in various herbal formulations to improve the taste.

Increase fiber in your diet

Fiber has a cleansing action on the gut and other internal organs. Increasing fiber in your diet may help boost metabolism and promote liver function. It also regulates your body weight and thus prevents fatty liver diseases from occurring.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol abuse is one of the biggest causes of fatty liver diseases. FLDs are common among people who consume alcohol regularly. However, the symptoms may even surface among people who indulge in a short-term drinking spree despite remaining sober for the rest of the year. So, end your drinking streak for good and allow your liver to get rid of fat cells while it can on its own.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is an excellent fat cutter often used in weight loss regimes. Interestingly, it can help metabolize fat deposits in the liver, reduce inflammation and promote liver function to help you find quick relief. ACV can be taken with lukewarm water twice daily. You can even add honey to the mix to improve the taste. Add one tbsp of ACV to one cup of water and have it before meals.

Papaya

Papaya is one of the most underrated fruits in Indian households. However, the fruit is known for its many benefits and is held in high regard in the books of Ayurveda. Eating a slice of papaya daily can help reduce dietary fats and treat fatty liver diseases naturally.

Ayurvedic Medicines and its Usages

Each person has a unique body constitution and responds differently to home remedies. Home remedies may be as good as thoughts and prayers for some people. And for that reason alone, Ayurvedic medicines exist.

Kerala Ayurveda Ltd is one of the oldest Ayurveda institutions in India, providing a wide range of herbal formulations for treating physiological and psychological health concerns among individuals of all ages and genders.

Here are some effective medicines offered by Kerala Ayurveda for treating fatty liver diseases.

Heposem Tablet

Manufactured and distributed by Kerala Ayurveda, the Heposem Tablet is an Ayurvedic medicine for liver that helps regulate and enhance liver function. If you are grappling with fatty liver disease, taking these tablets may help reduce symptoms and get you on the road to recovery.

A fatty liver disorder can lead to other concerns, like indigestion and constipation. Heposem Tablet promotes a healthy metabolism, supports digestion, and improves appetite.

Fortified with antioxidants, Heposem Tablet may also eliminate toxins and ensure pitta dosha is at its optimum level. No wonder it’s a highly regarded medicine for fatty liver in Ayurveda.

Heposem Tablet

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Heposem Syrup

People who struggle to swallow tablets can benefit from Heposem syrup as Heposem tablets. Heposem syrup and tablets share the same ingredients and are considered the best medication for fatty liver.

Bhringrajasava

Bhringarajasava is formulated with natural ingredients possessing restorative properties that help improve liver function. Bhringarajasava can help maintain a healthy metabolism and manage the symptoms of fatty liver diseases.

Bhringarajasava

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Key Takeaways

• Fatty liver diseases occur when excess fat accumulates in the liver because of alcohol abuse or other reasons.
• According to Ayurveda, FLDs are caused by an imbalance between Kapha and pitta dosha or elevated Kapha dosha in pitta-dominant regions. There’s also an evidence-based fatty liver cure in Ayurveda.
• Several home remedies can help treat FLDs and promote liver function. These include aloe vera gel, a fiber-rich diet, a low-sugar diet, papaya, apple cider vinegar, and more.
• If you want fast relief from fatty liver disease, you can consider taking Ayurvedic medicine for fatty liver, such as Heposem syrup and tablets and Bhringarajasava.