Fatty Liver is a condition that leads to build up of excess fat in your liver. It generally happens when fat accounts for more than 10% of your liver weight. The condition can affect anyone, however the risk of developing this condition is especially higher for individuals who are diabetic or obese and those who consume processed and sweetened foods and beverages.
Your liver processes all the food and drink you consume and filters harmful toxins from your system. But too much fat restricts your liver from working well. This usually doesn't hurt or have any obvious symptoms, so you may not even know that you have it. However, with time, Fatty Liver could become more serious, resulting in inflammation, liver scarring and even liver failure, if untreated.
The good news is the fact that Fatty Liver can usually be improved or even reversed by eating better, working out and managing weight. It’s important to catch it early, which is why regular check-ups with an Ayurvedic physician is important.
Fatty Liver occurs when your body stores excess fat or does not burn fat fast enough. With nowhere else to go, this excess fat is stored in your liver cells and causes problems. There are many reasons that might tip the balance and cause this condition.
The most common causes of Fatty Liver are:
Overweight/Obesity: Extra weight around the belly generally increases the risk of Fatty Liver. This excess fat does not just lie there; it affects the way your liver functions.
Poor Diet: Eating lots of sweets, fast foods, and meals with a very high saturated fat content can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
Lack of Exercise: Physical activity burns triglycerides, a kind of fat in your blood. In case you do not exercise enough, fat could accumulate in the liver.
Alcohol Consumption: Excess and frequent intake of alcohol can damage liver cells and cause fat accumulation.
Type 2 Diabetes: This particular condition impacts how your body makes use of insulin and manages blood sugar, increasing the risk of fat build-up in the liver.
High Cholesterol: Fatty Liver can be exacerbated by high levels of fat, including triglycerides in the blood.
Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight too quickly can also result in Fatty Liver as the liver can not process the fat released from the tissues.
Medications: Some drugs such as corticosteroids and some cancer drugs, encourage fat buildup in the liver.
Predisposition to Genetics: Genetics may also play a role in Fatty Liver. If your family members have had Fatty Liver, you might be more susceptible too.
Metabolic Syndrome: This cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol, could raise the risk of Fatty Liver.
Other Health Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism and sleep apnea also raise the risk of Fatty Liver.
Fatty Liver is often called a 'silent' disease because it usually has no obvious symptoms until liver damage gets worse. But there are signs and symptoms that could suggest your liver isn't processing fat well.
The following are most noticeable indicators and symptoms of Fatty Liver:
Unusual fatigue and/or weakness may be early symptoms of Fatty Liver.
You may feel a dull or aching pain in your top right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
Fatty Liver may cause unexpected weight loss.
Not feeling hungry may be related to liver problems.
A queasy stomach or nausea may be symptoms of a dysfunctional liver.
This can happen when the liver becomes inflamed and the body retains fluid.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes signals serious liver trouble, meaning it is not breaking down bilirubin properly.
This less common symptom may be caused by bile products deposited in the skin.
If your liver is not healthy, clotting factors may be affected and you may experience easy bruising.
This is caused by liver dysfunction and is characterised by cognitive problems, called hepatic encephalopathy.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic treatment for Fatty Liver using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and promote emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness-Practices: Calming practices that promote mental health and overall wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and various therapeutic massages that cleanse the body and help support emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert guidance to modify your lifestyle and eating habits to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Ayurveda offers several herbal medicines for liver problems, including Fatty Liver. These herbs help detoxify the liver, improve its functioning and control fat accumulation. Given below are some Ayurvedic herbs suggested for managing and treating Fatty Liver:
Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri): Bhumyamalaki is a hepatoprotective agent that cleanses and rejuvenates the liver.
Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa): This acts as a liver tonic and supports bile secretion, which is necessary for fat metabolism.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava is a diuretic and detoxifying herb that helps in reducing water retention and restoring liver function.
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): Kalmegh is also called the "King of Bitters", known for its strong liver-protective actions and for promoting liver health.
Amla (Emblica officinalis): Amla is high in vitamin C and antioxidants and helps balance the doshas and support liver function.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): The active substance in turmeric, i.e., curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties and protects the liver from inflammation and damage.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): This rejuvenative herb promotes liver function and boosts the immune system for better liver health.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Haritaki is part of the Ayurvedic blend Triphala and helps in detoxifying and supporting digestive health, which is linked to liver function.
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Bhringraj is used in Ayurvedic treatment for liver ailments and improving liver and gallbladder health.
Ayurveda treatments can manage and reverse Fatty Liver by improving liver function and reducing fat deposits through the use of natural remedies and therapies.
Improvement can be seen in a few months of regular treatment but the complete benefits may take longer depending on individual health status, lifestyle and diet compliance.
Yes, regular physical exercise is suggested to reduce liver fat and improve liver function.
You should follow a diet comprising vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains to prevent Fatty Liver. Also stay away from processed foods, artificial sugars and saturated fats.
Yes, untreated Fatty Liver can progress to more severe ailments like cirrhosis, fibrosis, and steatohepatitis.
Gentle yoga poses that aid with digestion and support liver function, such as Kapalbhati and Ardha Matsyendrasana, may help with Fatty Liver.
Excessive stress can damage liver health and increase the accumulation of fat in the liver. Stress can be managed using calming activities like meditation and relaxation.
Yes, children who are overweight and unhealthy eaters can also develop Fatty Liver.
Herbs like Neem and Methi are used for detoxifying the body as per Ayurveda.
Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and liver function, which may help manage Fatty Liver effectively.
Yes, in diabetic patients, Fatty Liver can be reversed with proper management of diabetes and lifestyle adjustments recommended by Ayurveda.
