Ayurvedic Treatment For Fatty Liver

Causes of Fatty Liver

There are varied causes of fatty liver, such as:

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain metabolic disorders
• Prescription medicines
• Insulin resistance
• Increased fat levels in the body
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Diagnosing Fatty Liver in Ayurveda

Fatty liver rarely causes any symptoms. It is only when someone goes for a health check that he/she sees any readings that point towards the presence of fatty liver in him/her. Some of the tests that are extensively used to diagnose this disease are:

• Blood tests
• Complete blood count
• Liver enzyme and liver function tests
• Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C tests
• Celiac disease screening test
• Fasting blood sugar
• Hemoglobin A1C to check for the level of stability in your blood sugar
• Lipid profile
• Imaging procedures like abdominal ultrasound, MRI, transient elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography
• Liver biopsy

Ayurvedic Medicine for Fatty Liver

As briefly mentioned, Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver utilizes herbs to improve liver health. Some of the herbs are:

• Guggulu: Guggulu is one of the best Ayurvedic medicine for fatty liver. This herb enhances metabolism and helps reduce oxidative stress and liver inflammation, thus resulting in an overall improvement in liver functions.
• Triphala: Triphala means “three fruits,” and it is an herbal concoction of Amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. These three herbs are pretty high in antioxidants. Consuming this herb can detoxify your liver and help you prevent fatty liver.
• Shankhpushpi: Shankhapushpi is another potent medicine for fatty liver in Ayurveda. This herb is thought to enhance liver functions and assist in preventing a buildup of fat in the liver. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of Shankhpushpi play a vital role in preventing further damage to the liver.
• Dandelion Root: Dandelion root helps in the cleansing of the liver and improves the overall functioning of the liver. With a rich content of antioxidants, dandelion roots are pretty good at reducing oxidative damage accumulated in the liver.
• Milk Thistle: Silymarin, a substance found in plenty in milk thistle, has antioxidant and liver-protective qualities. Milk thistle helps with reducing liver damage and strengthening the overall liver functions.
• Burdock Root: Burdock root is frequently utilized in Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver. Regular consumption of this herbal medicine is linked with a decrease in the fat buildup in the liver. However, always have a detailed consultation with your healthcare provider before consuming any medicine, even if it is an herbal medicine.

Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver places a lot of emphasis on diet changes so that your liver damage is reversed as much as possible and you get a healthy liver. Below are the foods to eat and avoid if you are suffering from fatty liver.

• Garlic: Garlic is one of the best bets against fatty liver. Some experiments have found that garlic supplements have a positive relation with the metabolic profile of people suffering from NAFLD.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, sardines, walnuts, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help reduce liver fat, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and BMI in people with NAFLD.
• Coffee: Drinking coffee is positively associated with a decreased risk of liver fibrosis development in people suffering from NAFLD.
• Broccoli: A 2022 animal study published in The Journal of Functional Foods stated that broccoli helped the liver in mice with NAFLD break down fats faster, thus resulting in the reduction of fat buildup.
• Soy or whey protein: Soy protein has antioxidants called isoflavones that have been associated with reduced fat buildup and increased insulin resistance in the body.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

• Sugar and added sugars: People with NAFLD should moderate the consumption of sugar, as high consumption can result in a fat buildup in the liver.
• Alcohol: An unchecked alcohol consumption inflicts irreversible damage to your liver. If you are already suffering from fatty liver, avoid alcohol at all costs.
• Fatty, fried, or salty foods: Regular intake of fatty, fried, or salty foods results in obesity, one of the leading causes of fatty liver.
• Meat: Meat rich in saturated fats such as pork increases fat buildup in the liver. You may include lean meats, fish, tofu, etc. in your diet to compensate for meat with a high percentage of saturated fats.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)