Types of Liver Diseases and Its Treatment in Ayurveda
One of the most important organs of our body without which, survival is not possible. The weight of the liver is 3 pounds, and it is normally the size of a football. As living with one kidney is possible, but without the proper functioning of the liver is never possible.
The main role of liver in our body is to filter the impure blood or detoxification of blood and its part to play role in the digestive system and in metabolism cannot be ignored, as metabolic processes of the body is handled by the liver, like breaking down of the substances during digestion, it removes the toxins from the body, extracting chemical energy from the body and converting it into mechanical energy.
It is the storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and proteins when our body needs these vitamins and minerals it releases them according to the need.The liver when receives blood from the digestive organs, it then converts blood into purifying form.
All these liver functions (purification and storing) is done by liver cells known as “hepatocytes”. Hepatocyte filter and accepts this blood. The Liver receives the blood means which part of nutrients should remain and how much waste should be discarded via stool. What should be stored in the liver like glycogen form of Breakdown of fats is the handiwork of liver, as the liver breaks them down for proper utilization of fats and it stores them as well for releasing of energy.
Bile, which plays an important role in our digestive system is also the product of the liver, which produces 800 to 1000 milliliters of bile per day. Bile duct, which is part of our digestive system, which helps in breaking down of fats is transported through the bile duct to the small intestine for a further breakdown of fats.
Liver when breaks down the proteins, the by product which remains is called ammonia. The Liver turns this toxic ammonia into a substance called urea. The liver releases this into the blood where the kidneys excrete it via urine.
Liver also helps in breaking down of many others in organic things like synthetic medications, alcohol. The liver has many jobs to do for us to remain healthy as enhancing the immunity and helps the immune system to fight against infections, creating proteins that help in the clotting of the blood.
Blood cells, which are not in use are also broken down by the liver. It also works as a storehouse for the storage of unused blood sugar in the form of glycogen.
It is a regenerator for itself; means it regenerates as it has the capacity to grow into itself, as after surgery or injury the removal of tissue from liver starts growing back to a certain extent. The existing cells make the liver grow back and new liver cells start to multiply. It is amazing fact that in duration, just within 7 days, even after removing 2 third of the liver, the liver regain to its original position.
The diseases which affects the liver
Billary Atresia
This is a condition which targets infants, it should be treated timely if it is not treated, the condition can cause liver scarring and it can affect liver tissue.
Hepatitis A
Viral hepatitis is a viral infection due to which inflammation occurs in the liver. The reason for this disease is the lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation conditions. This condition prevails in unhygienic conditions. Cleanliness is the only key to getting out of this situation.
Hepatitis B
This is the disease which can affect liver badly; the reason for this disease is sexual contact. Contaminated needles, when exchanged with an infected person, or accidentally injecting themselves with a contaminated needle, who is already suffering from this problem can also be the reason of this disease breakout. It is a dangerous disease as it can cause the failure of liver and cancer.
Auto Immune Hepatitis
This condition causes the body’s immune system to attack itself and it starts destroying healthy liver tissues.
Cirrhosis
It is a condition where scar tissues replace healthy liver tissues. Many conditions can cause cirrhosis like consuming alcohol for a long period of time in excess and genetic disorder like Wilson`s disease can also be the reason for this disease to occur.
Symptoms of liver conditions
There are many liver diseases; they have just begin with flu kind of signs and symptoms, but progress to more sever signs of liver damages, like dark color urine and jaundice.
These are the liver disease symptoms
- Nose bleeding
- Vomiting
- Pain in joints
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Itchiness in the skin
- Stomach discomfort or pain
- Blood vessels on the skin which become abnormal
Ayurvedic treatment for liver diseases
Agni (Digestive Fire)
It is the fire which is metabolic fire to digest the food. When it is disturbed, a digestion process also gets disturbed. Pitta dosha when gets aggravated, it creates problems in digestion.
Cleansing Liver Foods
To draw toxins from the body and excess of 3 doshas like Vata,Pitta and Kappha out of the tissues and into the digestive tract so that they can be eliminated from the body. Ayurvedic employs diets and lifestyle therapies for their cleansing.
Herbal remedies
There are various herbal remedies that help improve liver functioning and prevent liver disease which are the following
Turmeric
Studies show that usage of turmeric is the best herbal usage for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Burdock
It’s a root known as burdock root. Its antioxidants lessen the harmful effects of toxic substances formed from acetaminophen or other chemical-based medicines, which have many side effects.
Milk thistle
It is also very beneficial in people, especially those who are affected with cirrhosis of the liver. The use of milk thistle helps in reduction of liver-related diseases like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Its usage can prevent the inflammation associated with hepatitis C and can protect against the damage to liver cells.
