Jaundice is more than just a yellow tint to your skin and eyes. It suggests something is not right with your body's waste processing process. Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment created by regular breakdown of red blood cells. This build-up may occur for many reasons from liver disorders to blocked bile ducts. In Ayurveda, jaundice is regarded not as a singular illness but as a sign of bigger imbalances within the body. By understanding these signs, Ayurveda seeks to treat the root cause and restore balance to the body's energy systems.
Jaundice is at times noticed by subtle changes which are initially easy to ignore. This is what to watch in its initial stages :
Yellowing of Skin & Eyes: The traditional sign of jaundice is yellowing of skin & eyes due to excess bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells.
Dark Urine: Before your skin starts to yellow clearly, your urine might turn dark (like tea) because of excessive bilirubin being eliminated by the kidneys.
Pale Stools: Stools might be lighter (clay-coloured or gray) because the flow of bile from the liver is blocked or decreased.
Mild Stomach Pain: A dull, vague discomfort in the upper abdomen which could be due to liver swelling and inflammation.
Fatigue: Unexpected tiredness is one of the primary symptoms of jaundice and is a sign of excess bilirubin.
Initially, jaundice might just show up as changes in the body waste colour & mild discomfort. As it progresses, the eyes and skin may become more and more yellow. This may lead to worse signs if the root cause is not addressed, as the liver along with other bodily systems get affected.
With time, Jaundice may get worse and more signs might show up that point to much more serious underlying health conditions. This is what to look for:
Intensified Yellowing: The eyes and skin become more yellow, and this frequently spreads throughout the body.
Severe Itching: High bilirubin levels could cause persistent itching that could become more intensive as the condition worsens.
Abdomen Swelling: Fluid could build up in the abdomen because of liver dysfunction and cause swelling.
Mental Confusion: In this particular condition known as hepatic encephalopathy, confusion and altered mental state are common because toxins in the blood impact brain function.
Bleeding Easily: Liver issues might prevent blood from clotting, causing easy bruising or unusual bleeding like nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
Extreme Fatigue: Because the liver does not function properly, fatigue can increase and impact day to day activities.
In case it is not treated, jaundice could even lead to cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, or liver failure. Constant consumption of alcohol, hepatitis infection and several genetic disorders are some important risk factors.
Recognising when you should seek help is essential in addressing jaundice. If you notice severe yellowing of the skin and eyes, persistent itching or abnormal elevations in mental clarity, this could mean that you require Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurveda doesn't just treat symptoms. It targets the root causes of jaundice for better overall health and wellness.
In case you notice any of these symptoms, consult an Ayurvedic expert for personalised treatment and guidance.
