Tag: Hepatitis B

August 12, 2019

Ayurvedic Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Introduction

The Liver is the second largest organ of the human body whose weight is approximately 1.6 kg.

Some of the main functions of liver are

  • It metabolizes important proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
  • It helps in producing and clearing cholesterol in the body.
  • The liver secretes blood clotting factors which help in stopping the excessive blood flow during a cut or any injury.
  • It also secretes bile. Bile helps in the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
  • It stores iron, copper, and Vitamins such as A, D, E, K and B12.
  • The liver cleanses the blood by eliminating harmful wastes, drugs, and toxic substances from it.

causes of liver diseases

What are the common disorders that affect the liver?

Disorders that affect the liver are Hepatitis (Inflammation of the liver), Cirrhosis (scarring), fatty liver and cancer. Common causes of liver disorders are metabolism, hereditary, virus infection such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, intake of alcohol and drugs.

What is fatty liver?

The normal liver has 5% fat only. When the amount of fat increases by 10%, then healthy liver tissues gets converted into fatty tissues. This disorder is known as fatty liver or steatosis. In other words, this condition can be described as a liver that sucks fat.

What are the causes of fatty liver?

  • Excessive intake of alcohol
  • Overweight
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes Mellitus

causes of fatty liver

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

Fatty liver has two basic types:

  • Persons who have more alcohol intake, the fatty liver reaches the first stage of the disease, which gradually leads to cirrhosis if the alcohol intake is continued.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a term used to describe the fat deposition in those patients who take alcohol in smaller quantities or do not consume alcohol at all.

What is NASH?

Due to the deposition of fats in the Patients Suffering from NAFLD, there is an inflammation and necrosis (death of tissues of the liver). The presence of dead tissues and inflammation lead to a chronic disorder known as Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH). The word Steato means fat and Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Patients who are suffering from NASH are at the risk of developing cirrhosis.

NAFLD and NASH — Facts and Figures

  • In India, the incidence of NAFLD is commonly seen in obese, diabetes or prediabetic people.
  • 80% of patients suffering from NAFLD are obese.
  • It affects 40-70% of the patients suffering from diabetes.
  • In normal children, NAFLD disease has increased up to 3-10% in the last 10 years and increases up to 8-80% in overweight/obese children.
  • Nearly 2-3% thin and 15-20% obese people have NASH.

What are the risk factors associated with NAFLD?

The risk factors associated with NAFLD are:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Age: It mostly occurs in the persons above the age of 50 years. It is most commonly seen in men.
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.

What are the symptoms of NAFLD?

There are no specific Signs and Symptoms of NAFLD. But, when the disease develops, it causes pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen and fatigue.

How NAFLD is diagnosed?

Following are the tests that are used for the diagnosis of NAFLD:

  • LFT: It is a blood test which measures the concentrations of various enzymes and proteins in the blood which are produced by the liver. Patients suffering from NAFLD have elevated levels of liver enzymes.
  • Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the liver to collect a tissue sample. Liver biopsy is done to differentiate between NASH and fatty liver.

What are the disorders and complications associated with NASH?

Patients suffering from NASH have higher risks of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disorders or stroke.

What are the steps to prevent NAFLD?

The change in lifestyle is the first step towards the prevention of NAFLD.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Choose a healthy diet.
  • Be regular with your physical exercises.
  • Don’t take any medicine without a physician’s consultation.
  • Intake of alcohol should be under control.
  • Quit smoking.

Modern treatment for liver disorders include the prescription of drugs but currently available drugs have more systemic toxicity therefore, physicians hesitate to administer these drugs for long term use.

According to modern medicine, liver transplantation is one of the options for chronic liver disorders but this treatment option bears several risks and is unaffordable for most of the patients in many countries, particularly in India. Further, liver transplant is a complex procedure as it requires sophisticated infrastructure, expensive drugs and prolonged stays in ICUs.

What is the Ayurvedic perspective on liver disorders?

In Ayurveda, the liver is considered as a well-known organ. It is known as”Yakrit”. The word “Yakrit” is made from two words: Yat + Krit. “Yat” means conversion and “Krit” means to do. Yakrit is a site of Raktdhatu where blood is stored. In Ayurveda, there are many herbs and their extracts that have been shown to possess hepatoprotective activities.

These herbs have biochemical active components that protect the liver from oxidative stress, promote virus elimination, block fibrogenesis, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, liver generating properties. Traditional Indian Medicinal system known as Ayurveda has generated extensive empirical knowledge and treated various complicated disorders since ages.

NAFLD can be successfully treated with the help of herbs and herbal remedies.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Fatty LIver

Natural Treatment of Fatty LIver

What is the treatment of NAFLD by Planet Ayurveda?

Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies for the treatment of NAFLD. These remedies are:

  1. Indian Echinacea Capsules
  2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
  3. Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules
  4. Liver Detox Formula

1. Indian Echinacea Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Echinacea Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Andographis paniculata. This herb is known as “King of Bitters”. In Sanskrit, this herb is known by the name “Kalmegh”. This herb has been used for liver disorders, lack of appetite, purification of blood since ages. It reduces vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is useful for the treatment of liver disorders as it stimulates liver, expels out excess Pitta from the body.

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

2.Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Planet Ayurveda’s Yakrit Plihantak Churna is a wonderful combination of unique herbs that are known to improve the functioning of the liver. The herbs used in this formulation influence the functioning of the liver by regenerating liver cells, relieving inflammation, eliminating toxins, etc.

Ingredients used in the preparation of Yakrit Plihantak Churna are:

Sr. No. Ingredient Name Common Name Parts Used Quantity (200 gm)
1. Phyllanthus niruri Bhumi Amla Whole 60 gm
2. Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh Whole 20 gm
3. Eclipta alba Bhringraj Whole 20 gm
4. Tephrosia purpurea Sharpunkha Roots 20 gm
5. Cichorium intybus Kaasni Roots 20 gm
6. Picrorrhiza kurrao Katuki Stem 20 gm
7. Solanum indicum Makoy Whole 20 gm
8. Boerhavia diffusa Punarnava Roots 20 gm

Dose: 1/2-1 teaspoonful of herbal powder with plain water after meals should be taken.

3.Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules

Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Bhumyamalaki. This herb is considered as hepatoprotective. This herb reduces vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is a coolant by nature. Therefore, these capsules are very useful in enhancing the functioning of the diseased liver. Its root, leaves and the whole plant is used as an herbal supplement. This plant has also been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for urinary calculi.

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

4.Liver Detox Formula

Liver Detox Formula by Planet Ayurveda is obtained from the mixture of different herbs that are helpful in the cleansing liver and keeps it healthy and strong. This formulation is designed to revive the damaged liver cells and gives strength to the body.

Ingredients of Liver Detox Formula are:

Sr. No. Ingredient Name Common Name Quantity
1. Picrorrhiza kurrao Kutki 200 mg
2. Boerrhavia diffusa Punarnava 100 mg
3. Andographis paniculata Kalmegh 50 mg
4. Solanum indicum Makoy 25 mg
5. Chicorum intybus Kaasni 25 mg
6. Achillea millefolium Biranjasipha 25 mg
7. Tamarix galluca Jhavuka 25 mg
8. Capparis spinosa Himsra 25 mg
9. Terminalia chebula Haritaki 25 mg

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

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July 12, 2018

Treatment for Severe Liver Diseases with Ayurveda – Signs & Symptoms

Liver Problems – An Overview

As per the latest reports, liver diseases are emerging out to be the next major lifestyle disorder after hypertension and diabetes. In earlier times hepatitis B & hepatitis C served as the most common causes for liver diseases. But in the recent world, this is replaced by alcohol and other obesity related disorders. There is a surprisingly terrific rise of about 10 lakhs of new cirrhosis cases every year in India itself. Think. How huge the count will be, if we consider patients around the globe?

You will be wondered if you come to know about the fact that, hepato cellular carcinoma (liver cancer) is the second most common reason for the death due to malignancy in the world population. Some statistical studies show that liver cirrhosis will grab the 12th place for the leading cause of death in the world by 2020. Have you ever thought why there is an increase in demand for liver transplantation in the recent population?

Liver is a large organ found on the right side of the body, which helps to detoxify the chemicals & helps to metabolize the drugs. Proteins important for blood clotting are also generated by the liver.

Major Liver Problems

1. Hepatitis

Liver inflammations are usually regarded as hepatitis. It is classified as hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, based on the viruses causing the same. But it can also be sourced by other non infectious causes like drugs, allergic reactions, heavy drinking & obesity.

2. Cirrhosis

The dysfunctioning of liver caused by permanent scarring of the liver due to its long term damage is often termed as liver cirrhosis.

3. Liver Cancer

Hepato cellular carcinoma comes first among all types of liver cancer. It is often preceded by liver cirrhosis.

4. Liver Failure

The ceasation of liver function is termed as liver failure. Genetic diseases, drug inducing, infection & alcohol often contribute to this.

5. Ascites

Leakage of liver fluid to the belly causing distension & heaviness is called as Ascites. Cirrhosis is the main contributing factor.

6. Gall Stones

Deposition of calcium stones in the gall bladder resulting in liver draining, cholangitis (bile duct infection) and hepatitis.

7. Hemochromatosis

Iron deposition in the liver is termed as hemochromatosis. This may even leads to multiple organ failure in later stages.

8. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Permanent liver scarring in the biliary process, which causes its destruction, is known to be as primary biliary cirrhosis. This disorder is comparatively rare.

9. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Inflammation & scarring of bile ducts in liver is termed as primary sclerosing cholangitis. This condition is also rare with an unknown etiology.

Signs & Symptoms

The common signs & symptoms of liver diseases include :-

  • Jaundice
  • Pale, bloody or tar colored stools
  • Abdominal swelling & pain
  • Dark color urine
  • Swelling in ankles & legs
  • Itchy skin
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Tendency to bruise easily

Herbal Remedies to Improve Liver Function

Ayurveda gives liver an eminent place and considered it as the seat of metabolism. Liver is the base for pitta & raktha. Considering the fact that the country is battling with one of the major health concern, Planet Ayurveda put forwards some excellent herbal remedies to improve the liver functions.

1. Indian Echinacea

Kalamegh (Andrographis Paniculata) ‘King of Bitters’ – which is indigenous to India, is used widely to treat infections. It is well known for its immune boosting powers. The anti inflammatory property of kalamegh is used in the treatment of PFIC. The fruits, flowers and leaves are all packed with the essentials to fight against diseases. It is best used in respiratory tract infections & liver cirrhosis.

Dosage :- 2 capsules twice or thrice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

Treatment-of-liver-diseases

2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It is a magical mixture of drugs which is excellent for liver and spleen function. Yakrit plihantak churna is a liver cleanser and helps to regenerate the liver cells. Hence it helps to avoid liver failure. The capability of the choorna to increase the bile production in turn enhances the liver function. The ingredients of yakrit plihantak churna includes :-

  • Bhumi Amla – Phyllanthus Niruri
  • Katuki – Piccorrhiza Kurrao
  • Makoy – Solanum Indicum
  • Punarnava – Boerhavia Diffusa
  • Kalmegha – Andrographis Paniculata
  • Kaasni – Cichorium Intybus
  • Sharapunkha – Tephrosia Purpurea
  • Bringaraj – Eclipta Alba

Yakrit plihantak churna is best in alcoholic liver diseases, fatty liver and in enlarged spleen.

Dosage :- ½ to 1 tsp full twice a day, with lukewarm water or fruit juice after meals.

3. Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules

The potent liver cleanser, phyllanthus niruri tablets is manufactured out from the standardized herbal extracts of the herb, bhumi amalaki (phyllanthus niruri). The antioxidant property and the antimicrobial activity of the drug enhance the liver function. The proven statistical study on phyllanthus niruri shows decrease in insulin resistance and reduction of fatty liver symptoms. It is considered to be the best drug for enlarged liver.

Dosage :- 2 capsules twice a day after food with lukewarm water.

4. Liver Detox Formula

As the name indicates, liver detox formula helps in liver detoxification. It helps to boost the natural defense system of the body. An enhancement of liver function heals poor digestion, bloating, hormonal irregularities & fatigue, as there is an increase in bile secretion. Besides the therapeutic effect, it also has liver failure preventive action if taken daily. The major ingredients of liver detox formula includes

  • Katuki – Iccorrhiza Kurrao
  • Punarnava – Boerhavia Diffusa
  • Kalamegh – Andrographis Paniculata
  • Makoy – Solanum Indicum
  • Kaasni – Chichorium Intybus
  • Biranjasipha – Achillea Millefolium – Yarrow
  • Jhavuka – Tamarix Galluca
  • Himsra – Capparis Spinosa
  • Haritaki – Terminalia Chebula

Hepatitis,cirrhosis, jaundice and all other liver disorders are well managed using liver detox formula. It is a guaranteed product of Planet Ayurveda, which will certainly improve your liver function. SGPT & SGOT are well balanced using liver detox formula.

Dosage :- 1 to 2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water either half hour before food or half hour after the food.

After years of research, it is proved that phyllanthus niruri has hepato protective property and it helps to clear out the hepatitis virus. Also andrographis paniculata is enriched with power to reduce the elevated SGOT & SGPT levels.

The live care pack can be taken by any liver patient to improve its function, after consulting with your doctor. Regular alcoholics can also have this to improve the overall health & immunity.

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