Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

The Liver is a vital organ and performs various functions like help in digestion and boost immunity. Liver failure is when the liver is not able to perform its function easily. Liver Failure has 4 stages but the symptoms are misunderstood with various other liver diseases due to which the problem increases. We have discussed 4 different stages of liver failure, causes of liver failure, various signs and symptoms, some effective herbal remedies, and some home remedies are also shared which can help in boosting liver functions.

Introduction

The Liver performs various functions like making blood proteins that aid in clotting, transporting oxygen and supporting the immune system. Consumption of Alcohol, genetics, and infections can all result in liver disease or damage. Liver failure happens when the liver is not able to work well to perform its functions properly. Liver failure can be acute or chronic. In the acute liver, failure liver stops working in a few days but in chronic liver failure occurs gradually over time due to some disease. According to the CDC (centers for disease control and preventions) cases of liver failure increased by 31% (from 20.1 per 100,000 to 26.4) between 2000 to 2015 among the age group of 45-64 years. For the age group of 45-64 years is increased by 21% for men (from 29.8 to 36.2) and 57% for women (from 10.8 to 17.0). Among the age group of 25-44 years, is decreased by 10% (from 6.1 to 5.5) for men and increased by 18% (from 2.8 to 3.3). 1

Ayurvedic Aspect of Liver Failure

Ayurveda is a traditional and ancient form of medicine. Ayurveda believes in the balance of body, mind, and soul. This balance depends on the balance of Dosha Vata, Pitta, Kapha. The Balance between these three Dosha is believed to be a healthy state of body but in an imbalance of these dosha leads to various problems like; Liver is a place of Pitta dosha.

Skin inflammations are Pitta-based problems which can be the result of liver imbalance. The liver is made up of five bhutaagnis (digestive fire) that are similar to the five elements of prithvi (earth), water (Jaal), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), Akasha (space), each Agni is specializing in digestion of that particular element in the food and helps in transforming Rasa Dhatu (clear part of plasma) into blood tissue. If digestive fire flame burns too high or low then Rasa Dhatu will not be able to convert into blood tissue, and toxins will start entering the blood.

This all process is governed by Pitta Dosha, if Pitta is not balanced then it can affect the blood and skin which result in inflammatory problems like; acne, cold sores, etc. toxins will start storing in the liver can lead to allergic problems, hypoglycemia, constipation, fatigue, etc. if the imbalance in Pitta dosha continues for longer duration it will lead to serious diseases of liver, like; hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis, or liver failure.

Stages of Liver Failure

There are 4 Different Stages of Liver Failure

1. Inflammation

The first sign of liver failure is inflammation in the liver. When your immune system responds to foreign substances it results in inflammation in the liver. A condition that causes inflammation is fatty liver, hepatitis including autoimmune hepatitis. Sometimes the liver shows some symptoms like pain in the stomach in the liver area or sometimes feels the heat in the area. But in some cases there no such signs. If liver disease is diagnosed at this stage it can be treated successfully and inflammation goes away.

2.  Fibrosis

If the inflamed liver is left untreated it will cause the liver to scar. These scar tissues replace healthy liver tissue. This process is called fibrosis. The liver is not able to work properly because scar tissue is not able to work as healthy tissue. When the liver is not able to work properly then toxins and fat cells start building up in the liver which can block blood flow to the organ. At this stage, the liver can be treated successfully.

3.   Cirrhosis

If the stage of fibrosis is left untreated then the patient is at risk of the next stage called cirrhosis which means severe scarring of the liver. At this stage soft healthy tissue replace by hard scar tissue.Cirrhosis can lead to various complications, including liver cancer.

There are Various Symptoms of Cirrhosis

• Water may build up in your legs or abdomen.
• The skin may become itchy.
• The Patient may bleed or bruise easily
• Skin and eyes may become yellow color, a condition called jaundice
• Toxins can be build up in your brain, causing problems in concentration, sleeping, memory or other mental functions
• Blood vessels leading to liver, blood may back up due to blockage.

Cirrhosis may lead to several complications including liver cancer. In the stage of cirrhosis, the focus is to control the progress of the scarring and treat severe symptoms and complications.

4.  End-stage Liver Disease

If the cirrhosis stage is left untreated it will lead to liver failure. In this stage, the liver lost its ability to function and not able to heal itself. Liver failure can be acute or chronic. Acute liver failure strike just in 48 hours as a reaction of a drug overdose or poison. Chronic liver failure is the result of cirrhosis of years. Liver failure gets worse, it can affect mentally and physically. The Patient may feel confused and disoriented. The Patient may experience diarrhea, weight loss rapidly or loss of appetite these symptoms can cause by various other factors so it is difficult to diagnose liver failure.When the liver failure stage is diagnosed patient should get treated as soon as possible.

Types of Liver Failure

Liver failure is a life-threatening emergency. It can be either Acute or Chronic

Acute: The liver stops working within a few days. Most people who get acute liver failure don’t have any disease or problem before this event.

Chronic: The liver failure occurs gradually over time due to some diseases like; hepatitis B and C virus.

Causes of Liver Failure

• Wilson’s Disease: this is a genetic disease prevents the body from removing copper. Copper builds up and damage your liver.
• Septic Shock: shock can impair blood flow to the liver, which causes liver failure.
• Acute fatty liver in pregnancy: it is a rare condition, accumulation of excess fat on the liver it will damage it
• Hepatitis virus: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis E can cause liver failure.
• Toxins: toxins that can cause acute liver failure which include the poisonous wild mushroom Amanita phalloides, which is sometimes mistaken for one that is safe to eat.
• Autoimmune disorders : where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue.
• Buud-Chiari syndrome: this is a rare disease that narrows and blocks the blood vessels of the liver.
• Alcohol : long term consumption of alcohol leads to cirrhosis.

Symptoms of Liver Failure

The early symptoms of liver failure are similar to other liver diseases. The liver failure is difficult to diagnose if can be misunderstood with various other liver problems:

Early Symptoms Are

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bruising
• Itching

As liver failure continues, then these symptoms become more severe. These severe symptoms are:

• Vomiting
• Dark urine color
• Pale stool color
• Yellowing of skin and eyes, jaundice
• Ascites
• Mental confusion
• Vomiting blood

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda believes in treating people according to Ayurvedic principles. These herbal remedies are derived from natural herbs then these herbs are prepared according to Ayurvedic principles without any chemical or preservative use. These remedies are 100% safe and have no side effects on the patient’s health. These remedies help in the balance of Dosha.

Planet Ayurveda provides Liver Care Pack for liver Problems.

 Liver Care Pack Includes the Following Products

1. Echinacea Capsules
2. Yakrit Plihanatak Churna
3. Phyllanthus Niruri
4. Liver Detox Capsules

1.  Echinacea Capsules

This is very effective for the liver. This herb detoxifies the blood which helps in removing toxins from uric acid, urea, and high cholesterol from the blood which helps in improving the liver function. This herb helps in boosting the immune system.

Dosage: 2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2.  Yakrti Plihantak Churna:

This churna is a mixture of various herbs like Makoy, Kalmegh, Sharpunkha, Bhringraj, etc. it helps in clearing toxins from the liver. This churna helps in regenerates the liver cells and helps in preventing liver failure. It helps in the production of bile and improves liver functions.

Dosage:  boil the 1 teaspoonful of churna in 400ml water, keep boiling until it remains 50 ml. Strain it and drink it. Use fresh preparation every time.

3. Phyllanthus Niruri:

It acts as a liver cleansing which helps in reducing some effects of modern medicines. This herbal remedy helps in cleansing the liver and also rejuvenates the liver with protection.

Dosage:  2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Liver Detox Capsules

It is a combination of various herbs like Katuki, Kalmegh, Makoy, Biranjaispha, etc. it helps in balancing Pitta Dosha which helps in relief from liver problems. It helps in detoxifies toxins from the liver which helps to boost liver functioning.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Home Remedies for Liver Failure

Home Remedies that Help in Detoxify the liver and boost its functions are:

1.Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Having ACV right before a meal helps in metabolizing the fat. Use: Add 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water.

2. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is rich in Vitamin C and it helps in detoxifying the liver toxins.

3. Turmeric

It is helpful in preventions the growing virus which leads to hepatitis B and C which affects the liver.

4. Spinach and Carrot Juices

it helps in reducing the symptoms of liver infections.  This juice is very helpful in cirrhosis.

5. Flax Seeds

It helps in balancing hormones from the circulating blood.

6. Avocado

Avocado is rich in healthy fats and rich in fibers. It helps in the removal of harmful toxins.

7. Nut

Consuming nuts helps in improving liver enzymes levels in patients.

Conclusion

The liver is a vital organ and performs various important functions but various lifestyle and diet modifications lead to various liver problems. By taking herbal remedies one can boost liver health.

Reference

1. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/deaths.htm.