Ayurvedic Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty Liver is a condition in which the liver cells accumulate abnormally increased amounts of fat. According to Ayurveda, fatty liver is a disorder related to the imbalance of the Pitta and Kapha dosha. Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver focuses on balancing and pacifying Pitta and Kapha doshas, improving digestion, and detoxifying the liver.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

  • If there is just fat but no damage to your liver, the disease is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
  • If there is fat in your liver plus signs of inflammation and liver cell damage, the disease is called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

  • Alcoholism
  • Viral hepatitis
  • Obesity
  • Hereditary factors
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Poisons or excess intake of prescription medicines.

Ayurveda and Fatty Liver Disease

In Ayurveda, Yakrit dalyudara refers to an increase in the size of the liver (Yakrit vridhi). Kaphaja Yakrit dalyudara occurs when Kapha dosha increases, resulting in a rise in the size of the liver. The Meda inside the Yakrit is then increased, resulting in Medaja Yakrit dalyudara. NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), also known as hepatic steatosis and Kaphaja yakrit dalyudara in Ayurveda, is characterized by fat deposition in the liver in the absence of heavy alcohol consumption.

Clinical signs and symptoms

  • Patients with fatty liver disease manifest with abdominal heaviness and distention, increased or reduced hunger, constipation or diarrhea, lethargy, and burp in the early stages. This situation is certainly comparable to Ajirna.
  • The presentation in obese people is quite similar to that of Sthaulya. When fatty liver progresses to the next stage, which resembles Amlapitta (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), in which patients experience sour eructation, chest and abdominal burning, abdominal distention, tastelessness, and loose stools.
  • Systemic characteristics suggestive of more significant liver illnesses such as Pandu (Anemia, Fatigue, Altered Sensorium), Kamala (yellowish sclera, skin, and urine), and Raktapitta (haematemesis) will become increasingly visible as the condition develops to Fibrosis and Cirrhosis.
  • Finally, it manifests as one of the Ashtamahagada's eight primary ailments, namely Udara (Ascites); Yakriddalyudara is more prominent.

Management of Fatty Liver Disease

  • Dietary restriction, physical exercise and weight reduction form the first line of treatment.
  • Ayurveda has immense potential in the management of fatty liver disease. Things to keep in mind while treating fatty liver are Agnivikruti, vitiation of Kapha and Meda at the MulaSthana of Rakta Vaha Srotas, Srotorodha and vitiation of Vata.
  • Agni Deepana (stimulation of digestive fire), Rookshana (dryness therapy), Srotosodhana (removal of blockage of channels), pacification of Kapha, Meda and Vata should be the first line of treatment in the management of Fatty Liver.

Role of Virechana therapy in Fatty Liver

In cases of liver problems, Virechana is the best Shodhana Karma. After undergoing Virechana therapy, the patient experiences lightness in the body and improves the appetite. It is helpful in eliminating excessive Pitta dosha alongwith Vata and Kapha dosha. Excessive Dosha buildup and Srotorodha are both indications. It has the properties of Agni Deepana and Sroto Shodhan.

Samanoushadhis or pacifying drugs

Herbs

  • Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum): Milk thistle is a well-known herb that has been extensively studied for its liver-protective properties.
  • Dandelion Root (Taraxacum Officinale): Dandelion root is commonly used in herbal medicine to support liver health. It may help stimulate liver function, promote bile production, and aid in the detoxification process.
  • Curcumin (Curcuma longa): Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce liver inflammation and support liver health. Turmeric can be consumed as a spice in cooking or taken as a supplement.
  • Yasthi madhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine to support liver health. It may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help protect liver cells.
  • Kutki (Picrorhiza Kurroa): Kutki is an herb used in Ayurveda to support liver health. It has hepatoprotective properties and may help reduce liver inflammation, improve liver function, and support detoxification.
  • Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri)-is a commonly used herb in Ayurveda for liver health. It is believed to have hepatoprotective, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Bhumi Amla may help protect liver cells, reduce liver inflammation, and support liver detoxification.

Lifestyle modification

Healthy lifestyle should be strictly followed. Easily digestible light food at regular intervals and regular exercise is very useful.
  • Yoga: Yoga postures which give stretching and increase blood flow around the abdomen area give good results. Gomukhasana (Cow pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose) , Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) are useful for fatty liver.
  • Jogging or Brisk Walking: Jogging or walking briskly helps stimulate all internal organs including the liver.
To deal with Fatty Liver condition, the Ayushvi program is designed by Ayurvedic Doctors, to meet your unique needs and support your journey towards optimal health and well-being. By choosing Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease at Ayushvi, you are investing in a holistic and personalized program to reach your health goals.
Register for your free first consultation for ayurvedic fatty liver treatment at Ayushvi today.
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