Category: Liver Health

ABSTRACT

The Liver is situated in the right hypochondrium, mid-epigastrium. The adjacent organs of the Liver are theDiaphragm, Stomach, Right Kidney and Intestine. The Hepatic artery provides an oxygenated blood supply to the Liverand the Hepatic Portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood. Mainly the liver regulates chemical levels in the blood, filters all blood in the body, produces bile, converts excess glucose into glycogen storage and many more functions. Besides its normal anatomical structure, when an unwanted and large amount of fat deposition occurs on liver cells, then the condition that occurs is called Fatty Liver disease. As a result of this normal functions of the Liver are affected. In the below text, we are going to take a look at detailed information about Fatty Liver disease, its causes, symptoms, its diagnosis and also about its Ayurvedic overview, management by Ayurvedic herbs and Panchkarma. Also, we are going to study a detail about Yakrit Plihantak churna as your rescuer of Liver made by Planet Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION

Fatty liver disease, also called Hepatic Steatosis in which a large amount of fat builds on liver cells. The term Steatosis is used to describe fat deposition on an organ, hence Hepatic Steatosis is used for fat deposition on Liver cells. It may be due to metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease or may be alcohol-related. Patients with obesity, viral hepatitis and diabetes are at great risk of fatty Liver. The condition of Fatty Liver disease can be reversed by following a healthy lifestyle, controlling weight hence BMI, and strict control of diet. Now let’s have a look at the causes, symptoms, investigation of fatty liver disease and its Ayurvedic Overview. Also we will earn about its management by our traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine and panchkarma for Fatty Liver disease.

CAUSES OF FATTY LIVER

Fatty Liver disease is due to a combination of various factors over a long time period. The following are the main causes responsible for Fatty Liver disease

• Obesity (Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance.
• Alcohol
• High triglycerides
• Complications in late pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome([PCOS)
• Hepatitis

SYMPTOMS OF FATTY LIVER

Patients with Fatty Liver disease usually don’t show symptoms but sometimes they experience the following symptoms

• Tiredness
• Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen.
• Yellow eyes and skin (Jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Swollen belly
• Blood vomiting (Hematemesis)
• Black stools
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss

DIAGNOSIS OF FATTY LIVER

As Fatty Liver disease usually does not show symptoms, there may be an issue to notice it in the beginning. To make a clear diagnosis following tests may be performed

• Blood tests including CBC, LFT
• Ultrasonography Whole Abdomen
• MRI scan for a clearer view

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF FATTY LIVER

Ayurveda is a very ancient way to treat disease with herbs collected from natural resources of the environment. In ayurveda, the basic principle to treat disease is based on Doshas and Dushya. Doshas are the energetic forces of nature that are present in the human body. These are three in number i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Dushyas are the one which get vitiated by Doshas which include Bodily Tissues (Dhatus) and Body Wastes (Malas). In various textbooks of Ayurveda, a description of Udara Rogas is given which is one among the Ashtamahagada (Eight Major Disorders). Udara Roga are 8 in number and their main characteristic feature is Kuskhi aadhmana (Distension of the abdomen). Yakrutodara is one such manifestation of Udara Roga. According to the signs and symptoms, the correlation of Fatty Liver disease is done with Yakrutodara. The cardinal feature of Yakrutodara is Yakrut vridhi (hepatomegaly) which involves many Srotas (multi-system). Progressive Yakrut vridhi is usually seen, the size of Yakrut may vary from time to time. On palpation, a Fatty Liver is hard in nature just like the shell of a tortoise. The Doshas involved in Yakrutodar are Kapha Pradhan tridosha and the Dushyas involved are Rasa, Rakta and Meda.

WHY IS FATTY LIVER DISEASE ID INCREASING NOWADAYS?

As we know, the lifestyle of people is continuously changing day by day. This is due to improved technology, and machinery. Physical work by a person is decreased. Also, there is a major change in their eating habits like spicy food, fast food, or not eating a proper diet. Oily and fast food and sedimentary life are major reasons behind obesity and Diabetes. Alcohol abuse and smoking are key factors that lead to Fatty Liver disease. The Liver helps break down alcohol and remove it from the body, on the breakdown, there is a release of harmful toxins that result in damage to liver cells. Eating excess amounts of calories causes build-up of excess fat on the Liver. Hypercholesterolemia in which there is a high level of fat in the bloodstream, is also a reason behind Fatty Liver disease. As a result, there is an increase in cases of Fatty Liver disease. Now, let’s have a look at the diet and home remedies to control Fatty Liver disease, also role of Panchkarma and an outstanding Herbal medicine by Planet Ayurveda in the management of Fatty Liver disease.

DIET FOR FATTY LIVER

• Beetroot Juice
• Aloe vera juice
• Fruits such as Apples, Pears, Pomegranate, Papaya, melons, etc
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Split Lentils
• Avoid Alcohol intake and Red Meat
• Avoid Dairy products

HOME REMEDIES FOR FATTY LIVER

• Regular consumption of 2gm of long pepper (Piper longum) powder along with a teaspoon of honey once or twice a day for a month.
• Decoction of Triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia billerica and Emblica officinalis) twice a day.
• Giloy Decoction once in a day.
• 2gm of each Guduchi churna and Musta churna with lukewarm water taken once in a day.
• Bhumiamla Juice (Phyllanthus niruri) twice a day.

PANCHKARMA FOR FATTY LIVER

• Vamana : Therapeutic emesis.
• Teekshna ushna samshodhana : Intense, vigorous cleansing of the body by administering Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) and virechana (Therapeutic Purgation).
• Utsadana : Application of Kapha reducing pastes on the body and rubbing them.
• Dhoomapana : Smoking (with Kapha alleviating drugs).
• Upavasa : Fasting.
• Pipasa : Withholding the urge of thirst (not drinking too much water).
• Atapa : Exposure to sun.
• Pachana : Medicines which have Katu (Pungent) and Tikta (bitter) rasa (taste), hot and intense
  in action to improve digestion and to digest the Ama (endotoxins) and get rid of excessive fluid/ moisture/ toxins from the cells.
• Udwartana : Massaging with medicated powders and pastes in the reverse direction of the hairs.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR FATTY LIVER

Planet Ayurveda is a global brand that offers a wide range of herbal medicines. Planet Ayurveda is dedicated to promoting natural herbs by selection of the right type of raw materials and by manufacturing high-quality medicines. Yakrit plihantak churna is one of the best products of Planet Ayurveda which is very useful in all liver diseases. Let’s read what are the ingredients of Yakrit Plihantak Churna and what properties of this herbal powder makes it effective in managing various Liver Conditions!

• Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Product Description

YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

Yakrita plihantak churna is the best ayurvedic remedy for fatty liver by Planet Ayurveda. It contains Bhumi amla (Phyllnathus Niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia Perpurea) Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa) and various others. This Polyherbal powder contains Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) rasa (taste) which helps in balancing Kapha and Pitta Doshas in our body. All these herbs help in sustaining good health of the Hepatic system. This is very useful in all liver diseases like fatty liver and hepatitis. According to Ayurveda texts, these herbs are Pitta Sarak (expels excessive Pitta) and Yakrituttejak (Stimulates Liver functions).

Properties of ingredients

• Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri) is Rochaka (Appetizer), Pittashamak (Pitta Pacifier), and balances kapha dosha. It works as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral and protects the Liver from diseases like jaundice, and swelling.
• Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba) is Amahar (Alleviates Toxins from the body) and yakrituttejaka (liver stimulant). It is the best Liver tonic that enhances its functions. It balances Pitta and also helps in promoting the bile flow.
• Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) is also Yakrituttejaka (Liver stimulant), pittasarak (expels excessive pitta), and Krimighan (wormicidal). It induces Liver detoxification which further helps in cleansing Liver cells by eliminating toxins and fat accumulation.
• Kaasni (Cichorium Intybus) is diuretic in nature and balances kapha and pitta. It helps in the regulation of bilirubin. It has lipolytic properties which help in Fatty Liver disease by eliminating fat accumulation.
• Kutki (Picrorhiza Kurrooa) pacifies kapha and Pitta and detoxifies the Liver, reduces Liver toxicity caused by alcohol, and helps in the regulation of bile.
• Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa) supports liver function and is best for the detoxification process. It has a property of rejuvenation, it helps in the rejuvenation of hepatic cells which get damaged by Fat accumulation or alcohol intake.
• Makoy (Solanum Nigrum) is also a great Liver Stimulant and its detoxifying properties help in the elimination of accumulated fat and improve Liver functions. Makoy herb is also well known for its Diuretic Properties, thus also useful in advanced stages of liver disease such as liver cirrhosis.
• Sharpunkha (Tephrosia Purpurea) has antioxidant properties that help in reducing Hepatotoxicity. It helps in Liver detoxification, useful in the treatment of Fatty liver disease. It is a well-known herb used for the treatment of liver cirrhosis as well (a complication of the Fatty Liver).

Dosage : ½ to 1 tablespoon twice daily with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

The liver is a major metabolic organ of the body which plays an important role in the detoxification process and synthesis of proteins and helps in the digestion process and decomposition of red blood cells. In the above texts, we discussed fatty liver disease which is a common condition that can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated. It can cause liver inflammation, which can lead to scarring (fibrosis) of the liver and may also lead to more serious chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, fatty liver disease is often reversible with proper lifestyle modifications, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco and losing weight. There are many ways to cure fatty liver disease in Ayurveda either by diet, herbal medication or by panchkarma.