If you have symptoms like rapid weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, or feeling fullness, then it might be Fatty Liver. While it’s normal for the Liver to store some fat and convert it to energy, if the fat accumulation is more than 10% of the Liver’s weight then it could be a problem. If neglected, this condition can deteriorate. However, this damage is reversible and you can opt for Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver to do it naturally.
What is Fatty Liver?
The Liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, filtration, metabolization, etc. Fatty Liver is a disease usually caused by excess consumption of alcohol but it’s not the only cause. The excess build-up of fat in the liver causes inflammation, increases the risk of hepatitis, and in certain cases can also lead to liver damage.
The good news is this liver damage can be reversed by following Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver and making a few adjustments to your daily routine. These natural remedies can be done at home with the ingredients already available in your kitchen.
Types of Fatty Liver
Fatty Liver can be categorized into two types:
Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Alcohol-related Liver Diseases can be treated by limiting alcohol consumption but if left untreated can develop into:
Alcoholic Fatty Liver
It is the first stage of Alcoholic Liver Disease and has no specific symptoms. This is the condition when fat accumulates in the liver as a result of drinking over an extended period or excess intake of alcohol/ heavy drinking for a short period. It is a reversible condition and can be treated by limiting alcohol intake.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
It is the second stage of Alcoholic Liver Disease. The primary reason for this Overconsumption of Alcohol and it totally unrelated to the infectious Hepatitis. It can also progress into severe hepatitis or even Cirrhosis.
Alcohol Cirrhosis
It is the third and last stage of Alcoholic Liver Disease. It is caused by severe scarring of liver cells and is usually non-reversible. However, Life expectancy can be increased if you control alcohol intake.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
This type of Fatty Liver is more common in people who have Obesity, type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterol levels or High Blood pressure and can affect people of all ages including children. It has four stages:
Simple Fatty Liver
It is the first stage of Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease and it simply means that you have fat deposited in your liver. It is the most common disease that most people are diagnosed with and does not damage liver cells or lead to inflammation.
NASH (Non- Alcoholic Steatohepatitis)
It is the second stage of Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease which includes hepatic inflammation and cellular damage. This inflammation may lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis which are the third and fourth stage of Non-Alcoholic Liver Damage. If there is a possibility of such then liver transplant is recommended.
Fibrosis
This third stage of Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease happens if there is persistent scarring in the hepatic tissues and blood vessels surrounding it. The damage is still reversible and further spreading of the disease can be stopped if the cause of inflammation is removed. But if it is no treated at time then the scarred tissues start to replace the normal healthy tissues leading to the fourth stage of the disease.
Cirrhosis
This is the last stage of Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease. You can clearly see symptoms like yellowing of eyes and skin along with dull aches in the abdomen. The damaged or scarred tissues are difficult to cure or remove at this stage. However, Further progression can be stopped by removing the root cause of the inflammation.
Symptoms/ Signs of Fatty Liver
- Fatigue
- Abdominal Pain or discomfort
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Edema (Swelling in Abdomen and legs)
- Weakness
- Elevated Liver enzymes in blood tests
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Mental Confusion
- Associated Hyperlipidaemia
Causes of Fatty Liver
There are several reasons that are responsible for development for Fatty Liver;
- Obesity or being overweight
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor diet
- Insulin resistance and Type2 Diabetes
- High Blood pressure
- Genetic Factors
- High Blood sugar and triglyceride levels
- Rapid weight loss
- Medications like corticosteroids, amiodarone, diltiazem, steroids and tamoxifen.
Fatty Liver and Ayurveda
As per Ayurveda, Liver is the origin of Pitta which is one of the principal energies. When Kapha doshas rises in your body, it supresses the pitta and its functioning in supporting the liver. Ayurvedic Treatment of Fatty Liver focuses on balancing these doshas without the need of any medication. It provides herbal remedies and lifestyle changes that helps to reduce fat accumulation in the liver providing safe and long term solution.
Also Read Ayurvedic Home Remedy for Good Sleep: Effective Solutions for Insomnia
Ayurvedic Treatment of Fatty Liver at Home
- Apple Cider Vinegar is an amazing fat cutter and helps metabolize the fat deposited in Liver. It also reduces inflammation and improve liver function. You can take one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup of lukewarm water daily before meals. You can also add honey to this mix for better taste.
- Triphala for fatty liver is and amazing remedy as it helps in improving digestion, weight loss and also detoxifies the liver. Triphala Churna i.e. a blend of three fruits: Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki is known for its many health benefits.
- Lemon, just like Amla is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It also consists of naringernin which prevents inflammation in liver cells. Drink one glass of Lemon juice everyday for a month. This will not only detoxify your liver but also improve fatty liver.
- Turmeric is famously known for its anti-inflammatory properties which prevents swelling in the liver cells. It contains curcumin which reduces inflammation in liver and also aids in liver detoxification.
- Aloevera juice is an excellent remedy to detoxify your liver. Aloevera is rich in phytonutrients and hydrates your body. It also helps in liver healing and improves functioning of the liver naturally.
- Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a superfood that helps remove toxins from liver and prevents liver damage. It is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and has a high level of quercetin which reduces deposition of fat in liver.
- One of the most underrated fruits is Papaya. If you have fatty liver then you should eat one slice of Papaya every single day. It will help reduce dietary fats and treat fatty liver naturally.
- Ayurveda recommends including certain foods like Whole wheat, brown rice, Garlic, Ginger, Butter Milk, Bitter gourd, Methi leaves, Barley, fresh fruits, etc. in your diet.
- Foods like refined carbohydrates (White Rice, White Bread, Noodles, Pasta), sugar, processed and oily foods, dairy products (butter, cheese, mayonnaise, ice creams, etc) should be avoided.
- Include Yoga exercises like Dhanurasana, Trikonasana, Ardha Matsyendarasana, Bhujangasana, etc and Pranayama techniques like Kapalbharti that are beneficial for fatty liver.
