Ayurvedic Treatment For Fatty Liver

What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver disease is a disorder in which the liver stores an excess of fat.

It is a clinicopathologic syndrome encompassing a spectrum of symptoms. 

The great majority of persons exhibit no signs or symptoms, and they have no serious issues. 

It can, however, cause liver damage in certain cases. 

The good news is that most fatty liver diseases may be prevented or even cured with lifestyle adjustments.

There are two main classifications:

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a disorder in which fat accumulates in the liver of people who do not drink alcohol.

Alcoholic Steatohepatitis is also known as Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD). 

The initial stage of alcohol-related liver disease is AFLD. 

If no inflammation or other issues exist, the disease is described as a simple alcoholic fatty liver.

The liver does not have pain receptors. 

Usually, pain happens only when the membrane surrounding it is inflamed or injured. 

Atleast 50 per cent tissue damage is needed for liver disease to reflect in blood parameters. 

It stays silent for a long time. 

It is a common and reversible process that may be influenced by lifestyle and dietary changes. 

It may not produce symptoms and has no long-term repercussions.

Fatty liver encompasses a spectrum of diseases, i.e., steatosis with nonspecific inflammation or hepatitis (NASH)-NASH with fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Risk Factors Associated with NAFLD include Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (MS) are the conditions to be associated with NAFLD. 

Polycystic ovarian disease, hypothyroidism, Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypopituitarism, pancreatoduodenal bypass and hypogonadism are the conditions with emerging association with NAFLD. NAFLD is seen as a hepatic manifestation of Metabolic Syndrome. When 3 of 5 of the listed characteristics are present, a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome can be made.

Lean Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver, in the absence of overweight and obesity, high body mass index (BMI), has been designated as lean NASH. While maintaining a close pathophysiological link with MS and IR, the presence of subtle alterations in measures of total body and regional adiposity not exceeding the designed cut-offs are hallmarks of lean NASH.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of NAFLD is poorly understood. 

The prevailing theory is the “two-hit” hypothesis. 

According to this hypothesis, dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism leads to steatosis, which is the first hepatic insult (first hit) in NAFLD. 

Steatosis is associated with several cellular adaptations and altered signalling pathways that render hepatocytes vulnerable to a second insult (second hit). 

The second insult may be one or more genetic alterations that cause hepatocyte inflammation and necrosis and ultimately activate the fibrosis cascade, leading to cirrhosis. NAFLD may be mistaken for alcoholic liver disease.

Clinical Features

Most patients are asymptomatic (48-100%). When symptoms occur, they are nonspecific, including vague right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, and malaise. On examination, obesity is the most common finding. Hepatomegaly may be seen in 75% of cases. In advanced disease, stigmata of chronic liver disease, including spider angioma, palmar erythema, splenomegaly, and ascites, may be noted.

What are the Different stages or types of fatty liver?

Fatty liver can develop in four stages:

Simple, fatty liver:

 Excess fat has accumulated in the liver. If the fatty liver does not improve, it is generally innocuous.

Steatohepatitis:

In addition to excess fat, steatohepatitis promotes liver inflammation

Fibrosis 

Fibrosis is a scarring condition caused by prolonged liver inflammation. On the other hand, the liver can continue to operate normally.

Cirrhosis: 

Scarring in the liver has spread throughout the body, decreasing its ability to function. 

This is the most lethal stage, and it is irreversible.

Grading of fatty liver

Fatty liver is graded 1, 2 or 3 based on subjective assessment of fat accumulation in the liver.   

When there is a 5% weight of liver fat deposit in the liver, the condition is termed fatty liver.    

An 8 % deposit is called Grade 1, 12% Grade 2, and 15% is termed as Grade 3 fatty liver.    

Fatty liver with inflammation is termed steatohepatitis.    

Unchecked inflammation leads to fibrosis. 

There is a 10-20-year window before the inflammation leads to cirrhosis, and this is the window for the Ayurveda to act.

What are the signs of fatty liver?

The symptoms of both AFLD and NAFLD are identical. In contrast, fatty liver is typically associated with no symptoms. 

You may feel fatigued, uncomfortable, or hurting in your upper right abdomen. 

In certain cases, fatty liver disease might result in problems such as liver scarring. 

Liver fibrosis is an inflammation of the liver. Cirrhosis is a potentially fatal illness that can cause liver failure if there is severe hepatic fibrosis. 

Some people acquire fatty liver disease while having no underlying medical concerns.

The signs and symptoms of fatty liver may vary depending on the severity and stage of the condition.

Common signs include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in the abdomen or legs
• Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests

What are the causes of fatty liver?

• In fatty liver disease, excess fat is deposited in liver cells, causing it to accumulate. 
• A multitude of circumstances can cause fat accumulation.
• Drinking too much alcohol can lead to AFLD. 
• Heavy alcohol use can disrupt several metabolic pathways in the liver.
• In persons who do not use alcohol, the origin of fatty liver disease is uncertain or unclear. 
• These people’s bodies may manufacture too much fat or fail to digest fat adequately.
• The primary causes of fatty liver include:
• Excessive alcohol consumption (AFLD)
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• High blood sugar and triglyceride levels
• Rapid weight loss and malnutrition
• Certain medications and toxins like amiodarone, diltiazem, tamoxifen, or steroids
• Genetic factors
• Being fat or overweight
• Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin resistance, is characterised by unusually high insulin levels in the body
• Suffering from metabolic syndrome

Factors affecting the fatty liver

Various factors can influence the development and progression of fatty liver, including:

• A diet high in refined sugars, carbohydrates, and fats
• A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic stress and poor sleep
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Age, gender, and family history

How to diagnose Fatty liver Scientifically?

Fatty liver disease is difficult to diagnose since it usually produces no symptoms.

Diagnosis of the fatty liver usually involves:

• Liver function tests to assess liver enzymes and proteins
• CBC to check for infection and anaemia
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualise fat accumulation in the liver
• Liver biopsy to examine liver tissue and determine the extent of inflammation and damage

When to seek emergency medical help

It is essential to seek emergency medical help if you experience severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion or altered mental state, or unexplained weight loss.

Ayurvedic Concept on fatty liver

The ayurvedic concept of fatty liver can be seen in a particular spectrum of diseases such as sthoulya (obesity), udavarta (upward movement of vata), gulma (abdominal issues), ama-garavisha (accumulated toxins), udara (ascitis) etc. 

However, sthoulya and udara are the manifestations that most closely resemble fatty liver.

Pachaka Pitta

Ayurveda describes the site of pachaka pitta as between the stomach and intestine and is considered to be the site of the liver. 

Pachaka pitta is considered as the master pitta. 

It is the factor that supports all the other pittas. Wherever ‘pachana’ or transformation happens in the body, it is governed by pitta. 

Hence, the liver, situated at the site of Pachaka pitta, controls all metabolic activities in the body. It also helps in the transformation of the food elements into nutrients.

Agnimandya and Fatty Liver

The main cause of this disease is agnimandya, or low digestive fire. 

The treatment should aim at the root of this disease, not the symptoms. 

Nidanaparivarjana, or avoidance of causative factors, is important. Treating the deranged digestive fire should be the priority. 

An increase in pitta dosha is prominent in agnimandya. 

Just like acid that has been diluted with water, it loses its capability of digestion or transformation. 

The liver is the site where samana vayu and this samana vata is that which drives the digestive fire. 

Hence a diseased liver will create havoc in the body. Vitiated pitta dosha obstructs the free movement of Samana; that is, it obstructs its actions – resulting in the accumulation of waste products. 

The accumulated waste products lead to agnimandya (indigestion) and ama dosha (toxicity) and it follows a vicious circle until it is treated. 

Role of Vitiated Kapha

Kapha, in its normalcy, imparts strength. In its vitiated state, kapha is characterised by the accumulation of fat in places other than adipose tissue. 

This leads to obstruction in various paths leading to raised lipid levels and fatty liver. 

Hence, correcting agni is a delicate process involving the tridoshas.

The liver is the site of Raktavaha srotas (channels carrying blood tissue elements). 

So in liver diseases, there is vitiation of rakta dhatu or blood tissue element. 

Skin manifestations like jaundice, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, etc, are very important when examining a patient with liver disease. 

Diagnosis of Fatty Liver in Ayurvedic Way

Ayurveda describes the normality of blood tissue elements “kinchit aseetoshnam” and “asamhatam” meaning those with healthy clotting properties. In liver disease, clotting factors are affected.

Loss of hunger and appetite, delayed digestion, inability to tolerate fullness, loss of strength, breathlessness, constipation, pain in the region of the bladder, feeling of fullness even on taking little or no food, red lines and loss of wrinkles on the stomach. 

These are often the symptoms and signs of liver disease before it makes its presence in a liver function test. 

These symptoms are often seen in a patient with grade I fatty liver disease. 

Treating the root cause at this point prevents the condition from progressing. 

The symptoms of ascites can be seen in this disease where the blockage of water-carrying channels leads to dryness of the mouth and throat.

There is edema in the hands and feet. 

The person loses his hunger and strength. He feels tired by even the slightest activity. 

He becomes emaciated with a swollen and protruding kukshi. He becomes ‘preta roopa’, i.e. a person who has lost all his essence and vitality.

Tongue Examination

The tongue reflects the health of the gut – the health of the liver, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. 

It gives an idea about the status of the ‘agni’.

Dense white coating is the most common sign of a poor agni. 

As we treat the patient, the coating steadily decreases as ama reduces in the patient. 

The lateral edges of the tongue are the sections that correspond to the liver. 

Problems with the liver manifest as greyish colour, blots or cracks in this region. Scalloped edges indicate underactive liver or functional deficiencies. 

If the liver has accumulated toxins, the body of the tongue appears dark.

When there is stagnation of prana or obstruction to the flow of prana, the tongue has a purplish tint to it. 

The symptoms of a fatty liver can be seen pervading the whole body.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver

Ayurveda offers tremendous potential in the treatment of fatty liver disease. 

Agnivikruti, vitiation of Kapha and Meda at the Moola Sthana of Rakta Vaha Srotas, Srotorodha, and vitiation of Vata are all factors to consider while treating fatty liver disease. 

Dietary restriction, physical activity, and weight loss should be the initial line of therapy. 

Agnideepana (stimulating digestive fire), Rookshana (dryness treatment), Srotosodhana (removal of channel obstruction), and pacification of Kapha, Meda, and Vata should come as the first line of therapy for fatty liver. 

Here, the therapeutic principle used is nearly identical to that of Sthaulya. When the fatty liver progresses to the next stage and the dhatus gets involved, treatment should focus on the cleansing of Rasa and Rakta, as well as Yakrit shothahara (which reduces hepatic inflammation).  

Ayurvedic approaches to different types of Fatty liver 

• Doctors recommend decreasing weight to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver. Losing weight can help reduce liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis. 
• If a doctor feels that a certain medicine is the cause of NAFLD, the patient should stop using it. 
• It may be essential to go off the drug and transition to another medicine gently. 
• Studies are being undertaken to determine whether a specific diabetic medicine or Vitamin E will assist. 
• The most crucial part of treating alcoholic fatty liver disease is to avoid consuming alcohol.
• Some other drugs can assist by reducing cravings or making a person feel nauseated when they consume alcohol. 
• Cirrhosis can be caused by both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 
• Cirrhosis-related health issues can be addressed with medication, surgery, and other medical treatments. 
• Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, necessitating a transplant.

The meticulous use of the four therapy limbs, namely Samsodhana, Samshamana, and Ahara, will assist in the correction of fatty liver abnormalities and the prevention of further issues.  

Virechana is the most effective Shodhana Karma for liver disorders.  

Virechana

After receiving Virechana treatment, the patient feels lighter in the body and has an improved appetite.  

It helps to eliminate excess Pitta dosha, as well as Vata and Kapha dosha. Excessive Dosha accumulation and Srotorodha are both indicators. 

It has the same qualities as Agnideepana and Sroto Shodhan.  

As a result, a variety of Churna, Taila, Ghrita, and Avaleha concoctions mentioned in classical sources and available in markets are widely used. 

Patoladi, hapushadi, etc., are some of the Churnas that might be employed in fatty liver.

Significance of Virechana

‘Guda nairmalya’ is a very important concept explained in the context of virechana. 

Virechana should bring about anulomana to Vit, Vata, Kapha and Pitta. It is not just bowel-easy bowel evacuation. 

The guda nairmalya or feeling of lightness should be felt by the patient. Considering pitta prakopa, rakthadushti and yakrut sthana samsraya, ‘Virechana karma is the best. 

It is the best sodhana marga to flush out the accumulated toxins in the Yakrut. 

Malaroopa pitta, toxins, venous congestion, and any other accumulated metabolic or degenerative debris, will be expelled easily through virechana; 

Virechana also activates the hepatocellular secretions that aid in digestion and metabolism. 

Teekshna virechanam can be given weekly once or twice.    

Vatanulomana dravya should be given regularly to attain nitya virechana. Gomutra hareetaki, Katuki kashaya, Katuki choorna etc are important yogas for virechana in fatty liver.  

Vamana

The Vamana technique is also effective for lowering weight, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. 

This medication improves liver function by lowering urea and serum creatinine levels. 

Single herbs such as Sharapunkha, Bhoomiamalaki, Katuki, Guduchi, Haritaki, Vasa, and Pippali can be safely used in Shamana Chikitsa for effective management.  

All of these drugs have hepatoprotective properties. 

Kashaya (Vasaguduchyadi, Phalatrikadi, Drakshadi, PatolaKaturohinyadi), Arishta (Sudarshanaarishta, Rohitakarishta, Pippalyasava), Churna (Hinguvachadi, Vaiswanara), and others.

Other Panchakarmas:

Niruha Basti is used in Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver Treatment 

It helps in vata anulomana, especially Samana and Apana vata Anulomana. 

Erandamooladi, Guduchyadi, Patoladi kashayas are useful for niruha vasti. 

Nasya is also advised. Swedana is, however, contraindicated.

Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver in different stages

Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis):

It includes dietary modifications to reduce fat intake and promote weight loss, herbal remedies to improve liver function and reduce fat accumulation and lifestyle changes to enhance metabolism and digestive fire. 

For this, primary detoxification procedures such as “Vamana”(emesis)and mild Virechana (purgation) can be employed. 

It helps to eliminate vitiated Kapha and pitta dosha and accumulated waste materials from the digestive system and liver.

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH):

It involves detoxification therapies (Panchakarma) to cleanse the liver and eliminate toxins, Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective herbs to reduce liver inflammation and damage and stress management techniques to improve overall health and vitality. 

For this, Panchakarma therapies, such as Virechana and (medicated purgation) Basti (medicated enema), are specifically targeted to support liver function. 

Medicated oils or herbal decoctions used in Basti help to cleanse and nourish the liver, promoting its proper functioning and enhancing liver health.

Also other Panchakarma therapies such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and Shirodhara (continuous pouring of herbal oil on the forehead). 

These treatments help to improve digestion, boost metabolism, reduce stress and enhance the overall functioning of the digestive system, including the liver.

Ayurvedic formulations and herbs used in fatty liver treatment

There are many ancient ayurvedic formulations and single drugs that can be employed in the treatment of fatty liver, which include:

• Arogyavardhini Vati 
• Kaidaryadi kashayam 
• Triphala churna 
• Patolakaturohinyadi kashyama
• Tiktakam kashayam 
• Pippali Churna
• Patoladi Churna 
• Maha Sudarshan Churna 
• Rohitaka churna 
• Agnitundi Vati 
• Punarnava mandoor 
• Patolakaturohinyadi Kashayam 
• Rohitakarishta 
• Pippalyasava 
• Kumaryasava 
• Kalameghaasava
• Yakrit-Plihari Loha 
• Aviltholadi bhasma. 

These should be taken strictly under medical guidance.

How to start an Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver

To begin with:

Consult a registered medical practitioner: 

A skilled and registered Ayurvedic physician can assess your health parameters through modern and Ayurvedic diagnostic techniques and can plan the treatment protocol accordingly. 

Ayurveda has specific diagnostic techniques, such as Nadee paksha, and Jihwa paksha, which are specifically beneficial in finding the underlying causes of fatty liver and customising a treatment plan appropriately.

Lifestyle modification:

 Weight loss is the key to a fatty liver. 

Shedding extra calories can benefit you immensely and ease the success rates of the treatment course. 

Planning a healthy diet and lifestyle by including pitta pacifying low-calorie diet along with yoga asanas and aerobic exercises helps enhance the outcome of treatment.

Herbal Medicines and Panchakarma Therapies: 

A qualified practitioner can prescribe internal and external medications according to the stage of the disease and condition of the patient.

How long does it take to treat fatty liver in Ayurveda?

The duration of Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver varies depending on the individual’s constitution, the severity of the condition, and adherence to the treatment plan. 

Generally, significant improvements can be observed within a few weeks to a few months of starting the Ayurvedic treatment. 

However, long-term commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes is essential for sustained improvement and prevention of recurrence.

Lifestyle recommendations for fatty liver treatment

Maintain a Healthy Weight: 

Shedding extra pounds can help control fatty liver. High-intensity workouts 

Avoid Alcohol Consumption: 

You must stay more careful if your fatty liver results from excess alcohol consumption, as it can progress to further liver damages such as cirrhosis. 

Stay Hydrated: 

Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to support liver detoxification and improve overall health.

Manage Stress: 

Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to reduce stress and promote liver health.

Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Toxins: 

Quit smoking and minimise exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals that can harm the liver.

Practice yoga asanas: 

Yoga asanas such as Trikonasana, Dhanurasana, Bhujangasana, Ardha matsyendarasana are beneficial in fatty liver. 

Also, pranayama techniques such as Kapalbhati aid in liver stimulation and treat a variety of liver problems effectively.

Diet recommendations for Fatty liver

The pathya ahara for fatty liver patients strengthens agni. 

It should be light, easy to digest, in moderate quantities, rich in fibre content and alkaline in nature. 

Seeta-rooksha gunas should be prominent.

• Medicated Kanji preparations are very significant, such as Indukantham kanji is made using Indukantham oushadha choorna and millets or whole wheat grains. It works on the agni and is easy to digest.
• Aviltholadi bhasma added to Kanji is advised for its kshara guna
• Bhrishtatandula is advised as pathya in jwara. The same is adopted here for its laghutwa
• Millets are preferred for its laghutwa and rookshatwa. It has excellent medohara property
• How food is taken is also a very important part of pathyacharana. This is especially important in the context of lifestyle disorders.
• Food should be warm and unctuous in the right quantity.
• Food should be taken only after the previous meal has been digested.
• Virudhaahara should be avoided.
• Food should be taken in a favourable place, not too fast, not too slow.
• Food should not be taken in an anxious or excited state of mind; the person should be mindful of the process of eating.
• The food taken should be conducive to the prakruthi of the individual.
• They should listen to the body, its needs and limitations while choosing their food.

Avoid

• Apathya aahara is that which is heavy or guru, madhura snigdha guna bhooyishta, difficult to digest and vi-dahi in nature. Apathya vihara are basically activities that cause vitiation of vata in the body.
• Containing natural urges should be avoided.
• Sleeping during the day time and staying awake during night time is equally detrimental as it causes kapha and vata vitiation.
• Sitting for long periods vitiates the Apana Vata  

Dos and Don’ts 

Dos:

• Follow a balanced diet rich in whole foods
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress effectively
• Get adequate sleep
• Frequent checkups and monitoring of oneself
• Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised treatment

Don’ts:

• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Limit intake of processed and fatty foods
• Avoid smoking and exposure to toxins
• Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms of fatty liver
• Avoid self-medication without consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner

Read more about Ayurvedic diet plan for fatty liver

Eight Ayurvedic home remedies for fatty liver

These are some of the effective home remedies for fatty liver that you can incorporate as a supportive therapy.

1. Buttermilk: Nothing can be as effective as buttermilk in fatty liver. Buttermilk processed with curry leaves is considered to be the best home remedy and medicine for fatty liver.
2. Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin that helps reduce inflammation and support liver detoxification. 
3. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera is known to act on liver cells by its detoxifying properties. Aloe vera with its tikta rasa pacifies pitta dosha and sids in proper functioning of the liver and aids in healing.
4. Triphala Churna: Triphala is a super detox formula that aids in digestion, detoxifies the liver, and promotes weight loss. 
5. Keezharnelly or Bhumi Amalaki: Consuming 900 mg of keezharnelli twice a day can help cure fatty liver. It also helps increase glutathione production in the liver.
6. Milk thistle extract: Silymarin or milk thistle was used hundreds of years ago for enhancing liver health as it may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair.
7. Dandelion Tea: Dandelion root tea could help detoxify the liver, and relieve symptoms of liver disease.
8. Ginger Tea: Ginger is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, improve digestion, and support liver health.

Lifestyle tips to prevent fatty liver

Fatty liver, being a lifestyle disease, requires strict lifestyle modifications for better outcomes. These are some tips for preventing fatty liver.

1. Regular physical exercises: Exercise that elevates the heart rate to some extent helps enhance metabolism and reduce the risk for metabolic disorders.
2. Practice yoga asanas and pranayama: Yoga and meditation techniques are great for reducing stress levels, which in turn contribute to better health as stress is one of the major causes of developing metabolic disorders.
3. Limit or cut alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol use can result in both direct liver damage and fatty liver disease. It is always crucial to prevent excessive alcohol consumption at all times.
4. Control blood sugar spikes: Start your morning with low Glycemic index foods instead of heavy carbs, as high blood sugar spikes in the morning can affect liver health and damage liver cells.
5. Reduce trans fat intake: The high content of trans fat in Vanaspati ghee, fried foods, and baked goods such as crackers, biscuits, etc. causes fat deposits in the liver and can induce tumours
6. Prevent metabolic diseases: NAFLD is a lifestyle-related condition that is frequently connected with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. The most effective strategy to avoid it is to eat a nutritious diet and exercise frequently. The Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and white meat, is one healthy alteration that can help avoid the start of fatty liver disease.

Importance of weight management in fatty liver treatment

Weight reduction is the most effective therapy for NASH in overweight or obese adults. Excess body weight, especially abdominal obesity, is a significant risk factor for developing fatty liver. 

A research study found that decreasing 10% of one’s body weight can reduce liver fat, cure inflammation, and perhaps alleviate scarring. Research has established that weight loss by behavioural programs, drugs, or surgery can effectively cure NASH. 

Diet and exercise are the initial lines of therapy. 

A minimum of 150 minutes of heart-pumping exercise each week is advised. 

While it is unclear which diet is ideal, those that prioritise vegetables and whole foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, are viable possibilities. Regardless of the specific strategy, lifestyle modifications should be sustainable, and it is normally preferable to lose weight gradually over time. 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help in reducing body weight and fat accumulation in the liver, thereby improving liver function and overall health.

Ayurvedic recommendations for liver health

A healthy liver is the key to a healthy metabolism. 

Ayurveda highlights the importance of maintaining liver health through dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and detoxification therapies. 

These are some recommendations to be followed for a healthy liver:

Periodic Detoxification

Start the day with a glass of warm water for daily detox. 

Also periodic detoxification at the end of every season through mild purgation is necessary for sustained liver health.

Avoid toxins in your meals.

Toxins literally means unhealthy food substances such as eating foods high in preservatives, chemicals, pesticides and also viruddha ahara or incompatible food combinations. 

This puts extra pressure on the liver to detoxify the foods and convert them accordingly. 

Abstaining from following certain rules, such as eating too fast or too slow, watching TV, or using mobile phones, can also result in liver dysfunction.

Avoid addictions

Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or other drug use can detriment the liver’s health. 

This causes fat buildup in the liver and possible progression to more serious liver inflammation, finally leading to cirrhosis or cancer.

Maintain the Pitta dosha in equilibrium.

Pitta dosha is responsible for maintaining healthy liver functions. 

Add sweet, bitter, and astringent flavours into your diet and practise cooling techniques in your body, such as chandra namaskara, sitali pranayama, etc. 

Avoid sour or fermented foods as well as spicy foods like chillies and salt. If you have a Pitta prakriti (body constitution), follow this diet all year. Start your day with a glass of water to improve metabolism and cleanse the liver.

Avoid skipping or delaying meals

Avoid Skipping Meals especially if you’re attempting to balance Pitta or have a strong appetite.

In the evening, go to bed before 10:00 p.m. so that you may sleep before the Pitta time of the evening (from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.). 

If you remain up at this time, you may raise Pitta dosha, which may inhibit the liver from executing its cleansing and sleeping duties at night.

Furthermore, a lack of sleep has been shown to affect glucose metabolism, which may lead to weight gain. 

Inadequate sleep can be linked to increased stress levels. 

Both of these symptoms point to a liver imbalance caused by a lack of sleep.

Avoid circumstances that lead to increased stress levels.

Avoid stressful circumstances on the job. 

Meditation should be practised on a regular basis to minimise mental ama and to keep the stress and pressure of daily life from affecting your liver. After all, unpleasant emotions produce strong hormones that overwhelm your liver with pollutants.

Liver Friendly Diet

Include liver-friendly foods such as bitter vegetables and cereals (Horse Gram, Green Gram, Barley, Buttermilk, Garlic, Ginger, Drum stick, Bitter gourd, Aloe vera, Jamun, Methi leaves, and Curry leaves) in your diet to support liver function and detoxification.

 Contraindications

• Refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, white bread, noodles, and spaghetti, should be eliminated from the diet
• Processed junk meals include extra fatty fats and should be avoided
• Breakfast cereals available in the market are heavily processed and should be avoided
• Cakes, biscuits, puff pastry, and other baked foods necessitate the use of excessive fats and should be avoided entirely
• The person should also avoid deep-fried sweets and savoury dishes
• Meat, particularly red meats such as lamb, hog, and beef, and meat products containing animal fats should be avoided
• Dairy-rich foods such as cheese, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, ice cream, and fruit yogurt should be avoided.

FAQ

Can Ayurveda cure fatty liver?

Ayurveda can offer better management of lifestyle disorders such as fatty liver, where dietary and lifestyle modification plays a key role. 

Unlike conventional treatment protocols, ayurveda offers a personalised approach towards every disease. 

With proper shodhana and shamana techniques along with proper lifestyle modification, ayurveda provides promising changes in the disease pathology.

Is fatty liver reversible?

Yes, fatty liver can be reversible if diagnosed and treated at the primary stage. 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and toxins, can help in reducing fat accumulation in the liver and promoting liver health.

Is Ayurvedic medicine safe for fatty liver?

Yes, Ayurvedic medicine is safe and effective for fatty liver if prescribed by a registered and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. 

Unlike modern medicines, ayurvedic medicines offer fewer side effects. Ayurvedic treatments aid in balancing the doshas, detoxifying the liver, and promoting overall well-being without causing any adverse side effects.

Can I reverse fatty liver in a month?

After beginning the Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver, one can observe slight improvements in liver health and function within a month; however, the complete reversal of fatty liver might require patience, as it requires more time depending upon the stage of the disease. 

Regular monitoring, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, and consistent adherence to the treatment plan are the keys to successful management and reversal.

What You Can Expect from Saatwika Ayurveda for Fatty Liver

Fatty liver is becoming more prevalent even among non-drinkers, as people consume more fat and junk food. 

Fatty liver symptoms are modest and may go missed until they worsen.

Saatwika Ayurveda Treatment Centre offers a personalised and holistic approach towards fatty liver management by reversing and managing fatty liver by addressing the root cause of the condition and promoting liver health through natural remedies, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and detoxification therapies. 

 A healthy lifestyle and dietary changes, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques, and seeking guidance from Saatwika Ayurveda’s qualified Ayurvedic practitioner at regular intervals, individuals can effectively manage and reverse fatty liver and promote overall health and well-being.