Fatty Liver Ayurvedic Treatment

This is the condition in which extra fat is deposited in liver and in most cases, there may not be any symptoms. Fatty liver in some people is a very dangerous problem causing liver damage. The amount of fat more than 5-10% of weight of liver is considered as steatosis. The disease may be alcohol induced or non-alcohol induced. Serious cases passes through 3 stages- inflammation of liver tissues, scar tissue formation and cirrhosis of liver.

Fatty Liver Signs and Symptoms

In most cases, the signs and symptoms develop only after the manifestation of cirrhosis which include pain and heaviness over upper right side of abdomen, nausea, edema over legs and abdomen, yellowish discolouration of eyes and skin, general weakness, confusion etc.

Fatty Liver Ayurvedic Analysis

Udara (abdominal disorders) is the condition described in Ayurveda with several sub-types. One among those is yakrt udara (abdominal disease caused by problems in liver). The person often experiences poor appetite, digestive issues, nausea, abdominal fullness, pain and tenderness over the right upper part of abdomen, constipation or diarrhoea, gas trouble etc. chronic cases will develop udakodara (fluid filled abdomen) which is a medical emergency.

Fatty Liver Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Incompatible food, accustomed to heavy/ oily/ spicy food, alcohol, altered food pattern, etc causes agnimandya (decreased power of digestion) due to vitiation of pitta and kapha. Those having medodushti (vitiated fat tissue), sedentary lifestyle etc are prone to develop this condition.

Possible Complications of Fatty Liver Disease

Liver cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer etc are the major complications of fatty liver.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

People with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, insulin resistance, under certain medication (eg: steroids) etc are more susceptible for developing fatty liver.

Fatty Liver Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

The principle of management is improving agni, removing srotorodha and ama, as well as reducing medas, kapha and pitta with the help of internal medications. Virechana (purgation therapy), raktamoksha (blood-letting) and vasthi (enema with suitable drugs) are the major treatment procedures.

Diet

Include more whole grains, green and leafy vegetables, fruits, milk, etc in diet. Avoid the consumption of heavy to digest food items, spicy and very hot food, curd etc.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise is recommended to practice on a regular basis as per the instructions of physician. Yoga, meditation and pranayama are also beneficial.

Fatty Liver Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Maintain healthy body weight.
Eat healthy nutritious food.
Exercise regularly.
Limit the consumption of alcohol, oily and heavy to digest food.

Importance of Diet

Strict dietary restriction is mandatory to get relief from the symptoms as well as regaining normal digestive power. Follow the instructions of the physician during and after treatment.