A fatty liver is the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. Although the liver cells can store some fat, too much fat can lead to inflammation and damage. Fatty liver disease is a common condition, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and high cholesterol.

The good news is that a fatty liver treatment in Ayurveda can help you to completely cure and remove the fats in the liver. The Liver is the only organ in our body that can regenerate itself, provided it is supported with right diet and lifestyle. In fact, liver can regenerate itself even if it damaged up til 75%.

However, you do not need to wait till that stage. Once you start experiencing the fatty liver symptoms, you should immediately seek treatment to improve your liver health.

In this post, we will look into Fatty Liver Treatment in Ayurveda, covering the best Ayurvedic medicines, liver healthy diet, yoga and Ayurvedic lifestyle tips to restore healthy liver. Let’s begin!

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver. This can lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver, and can eventually lead to cirrhosis, or liver failure. Fatty liver disease is often caused by a faulty diet, lifestyle, medications or due to presence of medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. However, it can also be caused by alcohol abuse.

Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

There are two types of fatty liver disease: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). NAFLD is the more common type, and is often seen in people who are obese or have diabetes. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is seen in people who abuse alcohol.

If left untreated, fatty liver disease can lead to serious health complications, such as cirrhosis or liver failure. With early diagnosis and treatment, however, many people with fatty liver disease can live long and healthy lives.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is generally asymptomatic, but it can sometimes lead to itching, jaundice, and pain in the upper right abdomen. In severe cases, fatty liver can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. Here are some of the common symptoms observed as a result of high fats in the liver:

1. Fatigue

2. Weight loss

3. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

4. Pain in the upper right abdomen

5. Swelling in the legs and ankles

6. Itchy skin

7. Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

8. Impotence

9. Infertility

10. Increased risk of developing liver cancer.

NAFLD is often diagnosed using imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A liver biopsy may also be done to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have fatty liver disease, it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups and to receive treatment early if any complications develop.

Fatty Liver Treatment in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic medicine, fatty liver can be correlated with Yakrutodar roga (diseases of liver and abdomen). The diseases that are manifested in the abdominal cavity (Udararoga) causing the distension of the abdomen.

The liver, in Ayurvedic terminology, is considered the seat of Pitta dosha, responsible for digestion and metabolism. Fatty liver disease, therefore, is often seen as a result of aggravated Pitta, alongside imbalances in Kapha and Vata.

Ayurveda treats fatty liver disease by rebalancing these doshas with a two-pronged approach:

1. Shodhana (Purification): This involves Panchakarma therapies, a series of detoxifying procedures that cleanse the body, expel toxins and stored fat in the liver, and reset the body’s natural healing abilities. Treatments such as Virechana (therapeutic purgation) or Basti (enema) are often recommended.
2. Shamana (Pacification): After detoxification, Ayurveda prescribes a regimen of herbal medications, diet modifications, and lifestyle changes to pacify the doshas and prevent recurrence.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Fatty Liver Disease Treatment

Ayurveda suggests bitter tasting herbs and liver healing Ayurvedic medicines to reverse fatty liver. Provided here is a list of herbal formulations and Ayurvedic medicines that enhance functioning of liver, help to remove deposited fats and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Regular consumption of these Ayurvedic herbs helps to prevent further damage to liver cells. And they also support it for regular functioning. Hence, these herbs prevent both cirrhosis, which primarily results from presence of dead liver cells all around.

Different herbs benefit the liver in different ways. A few of them are listed here:

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Commonly known as “Dudhi” in Ayurveda, Milk Thistle is often considered a frontline treatment for fatty liver disease. The potent antioxidant compound Silymarin in Milk Thistle protects the liver, reduces inflammation, and combats oxidative stress.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

This vibrant yellow spice is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric’s active compound, Curcumin, possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids in liver detoxification and can be particularly beneficial in managing fatty liver disease.

Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba)

Bhringaraj, also known as ‘King of Hair,’ is a potent liver tonic in Ayurveda. This herb supports liver function, aids in detoxification, and is often used in treating liver diseases.

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Amalaki, or Indian Gooseberry, is a key component of many Ayurvedic formulations due to its rich antioxidant content. It boosts immunity, aids digestion, and supports overall liver health.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

A common ingredient in coffee substitutes, Chicory is well-known in Ayurveda for its liver-supporting qualities. It aids in detoxification and helps protect the liver from free radical damage.

Triphala

Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation, is a combination of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). This herbal concoction is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and is often used to promote digestive health, which indirectly supports liver function. By aiding digestion and elimination, Triphala helps to prevent accumulation of toxins, reducing the burden on the liver.

Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri)

Bhumi Amla, also known as ‘Country Gooseberry’ or ‘Stonebreaker’, is a potent liver-protective herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its hepatoprotective qualities make it a valuable tool in treating various liver disorders, including fatty liver disease. Bhumi Amla is known to shield the liver from damage, promote healing, and boost liver function.

Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)

Kutki, a potent Ayurvedic herb, is well-regarded for its liver-protective properties. It helps stimulate the liver’s natural ability to regenerate, which is especially beneficial for conditions like fatty liver disease. Moreover, Kutki is known to support bile production, which aids in the digestion of fats and prevents fat accumulation in the liver. This makes Kutki a key Ayurvedic herb in the management and treatment of fatty liver disease.

Yoga Asana for Fatty Liver Treatment

Yoga has been around for a long time. It is calming, soothing, and helps improve focus and mental acuity.

Yoga asanas (or yoga poses) are also applied in Ayurvedic medicine to address health concerns.

Benefits of yoga for NAFLD

So, you might wonder, “What can yoga do about fatty liver?” Well, you do stand a lot to gain from regular practice of yoga:

• Boosts fat metabolism and breaks down tough fats. This helps to get rid of toxic fats that damage the liver.
• Stimulates the pancreas and liver to promote insulin production. This helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels and indirectly affects that level of stored fats.
• Improves the release of liver enzymes that aid in detoxification. This enhances liver function and health.
• Yoga improves hormonal balance and function. This further aids liver function.

Yoga poses to Reverse Fatty Liver

• Cat cow pose: it’s almost like this yoga asana is made precisely for the liver. It squeezes the region of the abdomen where the liver is found. Cat cow pose can help with liver scarring.
• Frog pose: This benefits the digestive system as a whole. It also improves blood circulation around the abdominal area.
• Half Lord of the Fish Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana): It squeezes the abdomen in a way that relaxes the abdominal muscles and the liver. Also, it helps to reduce inflammation in the liver.
• Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This has wide-reaching effects on all body systems. It promotes the storage of nutrients in the cells of the body, taking stress off the liver. That also counteracts the effects of insulin resistance.
• Plow Pose (Halasana): This pose reduces fatigue, improves circulation, enhances metabolism and detoxification.
• Pranayama: It refers to various breathing exercises. Kapalbhati pranayama and Bhastrika pranayama are known to enhance liver health.

Best Diet for Fatty Liver Treatment

Almost everything you eat gets to your liver first. The liver is termed the ‘chemical factory of the body’ for a reason. It is responsible for processing everything you take into your body.

That’s why it is important for you to take in foods that improve liver health and help you to get rid of the accumulated fats inside. At the same time, you should strictly avoid processed foods and bad fats in your diet to protect your liver from further damage. Here are fatty liver diet guidelines that you can follow:

• Eat fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, peas, and foods containing plant stanols and sterols.
• Increase intake of digestive herbs and spices such as cumin, carom seeds, fennel seeds, ginger and lemon.
• Remove extremely salty, stale, and heavily processed foods. Avoid leftovers from the refrigerator or freezer.
• Include a variety of fresh vegetables and make them the major portion of the meal.
• Avoid night time meals. Practice early dinner, which is latest by 7 pm. This will help to provide ample time for proper digestion of the food.
• Alcohol is a liver irritant and a major contributor to fatty liver disease. If you have fatty liver disease, it is important to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation.
• Stay hydrated with natural drinks such as water and coconut water. Stay away from processed juices and sugary beverages.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips to Naturally Cure Fatty Liver

Ayurveda is more than just a system of medicine. It is a lifestyle. Therefore, in Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that your health depends to a large extent on how you live.

Kapha dosha is the chief of fats and excess growth including weight gain. Therefore, a Kapha dosha balancing lifestyle should be practiced to reduce and remove fats from the liver.

• Maintain a daily routine with fixed times of meals and sufficient sleep. Sleep on time and try to catch on 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
• Physical activity and exercise aid in the metabolism of fat to lean muscle mass and in the removal of toxins from the liver. Exercise is an essential component of maintaining a healthy liver. Engage in regular exercise on daily basis.
• Always consume freshly prepared meals made from wholesome foods. This will provide you with sufficient antioxidants to fight liver inflammation and support digestive fire.
• Avoid malnutrition and starvation. If you starve yourself, you force your liver to do extra work pulling down nutrients from the long-term storage and breaking them down to be used for energy.
• Avoid liver irritants like alcohol, over-the-counter medications, etc.
• Practice mindfulness and stress upon mental wellness by saying no to things/activities that stress you out.
• Engage in Ayurvedic self care practices of daily massage and application of herbs and oils to stay nourished and calm.

Conclusion

Navigating the journey of Fatty Liver Disease can often feel overwhelming and frustrating. It’s a struggle to decipher the myriad of advice and treatment options available, let alone finding one that offers lasting relief. At the heart of your quest for health is the desire for a solution that targets the root cause of your condition, rather than just alleviating the symptoms.

This is where the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda steps in. It takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on restoring the natural balance of your body systems and addressing the underlying cause of disease. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it’s tailored to you. It acknowledges that each of us is unique, and therefore, each person’s path to health should be unique too.

At Medhya Herbals, our team of experienced Ayurvedic doctors are here to guide you on this personalized healing journey. They can help devise a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan that considers your overall health, lifestyle, and the specific needs of your liver. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team to explore how Ayurveda can provide a robust, long-lasting solution to your Fatty Liver Disease. You don’t have to walk this journey alone – we’re here to help you reclaim your health and wellbeing.

FAQ

How can I reverse the effects of a fatty liver?

The first step is to identify the underlying cause and make necessary lifestyle changes. If you are overweight or obese, you will need to lose weight through diet and exercise. If you have diabetes, you will need to control your blood sugar levels. If you have high cholesterol, you will need to lower your cholesterol levels. You may also need to take medication to help reverse the effects of a fatty liver. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, with treatment, a fatty liver can be reversed, and the liver can return to its normal function.

How long is fatty liver treatment?

Fatty liver is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver cells. While it can occur in people of any age, it is most common in those who are overweight or obese. Fatty liver is generally considered to be a benign condition; however, it can lead to other health problems, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. The good news is that fatty liver is reversible. In fact, many people are able to improve their liver health through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. For those who are unable to make these changes on their own, there are Ayurvedic treatments that can help. At our clinic, we often use a combination of diet, herbs, and detoxification therapies to treat fatty liver. We have seen great success in reversing this condition, and our patients typically see improvements within 3-6 months. If you are struggling with fatty liver, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. There are many effective fatty liver treatment available, and we would be happy to discuss your options with you.

Is Triphala good for fatty liver disease?

Triphala is a natural treatment for both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver disease. Triphala is composed of three fruits: haritaki, vibhitaki and amalaki. Haritaki is a detoxifier and helps to remove toxins from the liver. Bibhitaki helps to reduce inflammation in the liver. Amalaki contains antioxidants that help to protect the liver from damage. Taken together, these three fruits make a powerful triphala formula that can help to heal a fatty liver and improve liver function.

Ayurveda recommends taking triphala daily as a preventive measure for maintaining good health and preventing liver disorders. If you have a fatty liver, you can take triphala twice daily until the condition improves, then you can taper down the intake of Triphala.

How can I make my liver strong in Ayurveda?

There are many ways to make your liver healthy in Ayurveda. One of the most popular is through natural treatment. This can include eating certain foods, taking herbs, and performing detoxifying treatments.

The liver is responsible for cleansing the body of toxins, so it’s essential to keep it functioning optimally. The best way to do this is by eating a balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods and sugars, and practicing regular detoxification rituals.

If you’re looking for an added boost, there are a few herbs that can help support liver health. These include turmeric, ginger, dandelion, amla, triphala and guduchi.

Can Liver Damage be Cured with Ayurveda?

Ayurveda’s focus on the root cause rather than the symptom makes it a viable option for managing and potentially reversing liver damage. The promise of Ayurveda lies in its use of natural herbs and spices, like Turmeric, Bhringaraj, and Amla, which are known for their potent hepatoprotective properties.

While Ayurveda alone may not ‘cure’ severe or advanced stages of liver disease, it can significantly aid in managing the condition, slowing its progression, and improving the quality of life. Always remember, the implementation of Ayurvedic treatment should be under the supervision of a certified Ayurvedic practitioner and in conjunction with advice from a medical professional.

By harnessing the power of Ayurveda, it is possible to alleviate symptoms, restore liver function, and pave the way for a healthier and balanced life.

What is the best Ayurvedic medicine for fatty liver?

While Ayurveda offers a variety of herbs and formulations for treating fatty liver, it is important to note that the “best” medicine can vary depending on individual constitution and severity of the condition. However, one of the most commonly recommended herbs for liver health is Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), known as “Dudhi” in Ayurveda. Milk Thistle contains a powerful antioxidant called Silymarin, which is known to protect the liver by reducing inflammation, promoting cell repair, and fighting oxidative stress. Another effective Ayurvedic remedy is Turmeric (Curcuma longa), whose active compound Curcumin holds strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for liver detoxification. Both of these herbs are often key ingredients in Ayurvedic medicines for fatty liver. As always, any Ayurvedic treatment should be undertaken with the guidance of a certified practitioner, tailored to the individual’s needs and overall health.

Impact of eggs, bananas, and chicken on fatty liver?

In terms of diet and fatty liver disease, moderation and balance are key. Eggs, for instance, are high in protein and contain choline, which is beneficial for liver function. However, eggs are also high in cholesterol, so they should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with existing high cholesterol levels. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, and are generally considered beneficial for liver health due to their antioxidant properties. They can help in digestion and removal of toxins, supporting overall liver function. Chicken, particularly lean cuts, provide a high-quality source of protein necessary for liver repair. They are also low in fat compared to red meat, making them a better choice for those with fatty liver disease. However, it’s crucial to cook chicken in a healthy way, avoiding deep frying or pairing with heavy, fatty sauces. A diet for fatty liver disease should be balanced, nutritious, and paired with regular exercise, and these foods can be part of it when consumed as part of an overall healthy diet.

Importance of lemon water in liver health

Lemon water holds a special place in holistic wellness and liver health due to its rich profile of nutrients and antioxidants. High in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, lemon water can combat harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation, both crucial in maintaining liver health. Furthermore, studies suggest that the citrus flavonoids found in lemons can protect the liver against toxins, reduce fat in the liver, and improve enzymatic activity, aiding in the detoxification processes of the liver. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning is a common Ayurvedic practice to stimulate digestion and cleanse the system, including the liver. Nonetheless, while lemon water can support liver function, it should not be considered a standalone treatment for liver diseases but rather a part of a comprehensive approach towards a healthier lifestyle.

References

1. Fighting the Fatty Liver
2. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
3. Cirrhosis of Liver
4. Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-An Ayurvedic Pragmatic Approach with Its Management
5. Efficacy of herbomineral compounds and pathya (Ayurvedic dietary regime and physical exercise) in the management of Yakṛt Roga (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
6. Perceived stress and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in apparently healthy men and women
7. Losing just six hours of sleep could increase diabetes risk, study finds

PS: All the Ayurvedic medicines and formulations that have been shared in this post are for information purpose only. All of these are potent Ayurvedic medicines that should be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor only. Do not indiscriminately use Ayurvedic herbs as it may cause more harm than benefit.