Fatty liver, a condition where excess fat accumulates in liver cells, is considered a growing health concern. Generally, poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle, with excessive alcoholism, induce fatty liver disorder. Fortunately, Ayurveda-India's ancient holistic medicinal science that not only proposes natural but sustainable remedies can checkmate such ailments with their methodology to heal the body system, emphasising detoxification, maintaining an equilibrium of the human body, and good digestive health.
Fatty Liver through Ayurveda: Fatty liver, in Ayurveda, is caused by an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas. While pitta controls metabolism and digestion, kapha deals with the stability and structure of the body. Disruption of these doshas, brought about by unhealthy diets, stress, or lack of exercise, leads to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) and fat in the liver. Ayurvedic treatments aim to detoxify the liver, stimulate the digestive fire (Agni), and restore harmony between the doshas to support liver health.
Ayurvedic Foods and Remedies for Liver Health: Diet plays a central role in the approach of Ayurveda to the management of fatty liver. Incorporation of nutrient-rich foods, herbs, and spices into daily meals can significantly enhance liver function.
Herbs like Turmeric, which contain curcumin, are known to reduce fat accumulation in the liver due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from that, Kutki, Bhuiamla, Punernava, Bhringraj, Triphala, Makoi and Kansi help in fatty liver, as they detoxify the liver and improve digestion.
Healing foods like Amla or Indian Gooseberry help to fortify liver cells with Vitamin C, accelerating natural detoxification. Bitter gourd and greens like spinach and fenugreek reduce oxidative stress, further helping the liver clean up. Whole grains, such as barley and millet, aid digestion, prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and ease the liver's workload.
Triphala tea, a combination of three fruits, is highly effective in cleansing the liver and improving digestion. Liver detox water prepared with cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds help to flush out toxins and improve liver function.
The Role of Lifestyle in Ayurvedic Liver Care: Lifestyle plays a major role in the Ayurvedic care of the liver. Lifestyle activities, including physical exercise such as practicing Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), stimulate liver function and increase blood flow.
Dietary discipline is equally important. Processed and fried foods, excessive sugar, and alcohol must be avoided to not add more burden to the liver. Ayurveda advocates conscious eating home-cooked food, chewing food properly, and maintaining regular meal timings to improve digestion.
Ayurvedic Herbal Formulations for Fatty Liver: Besides dietetic and lifestyle measures specifically designed formulations for liver health in the form of Ayurvedic herbal drugs are gaining popularity. These often contain powerful herbs like Turmeric, Guduchi, and Kalmegh that help with detoxification and promoting liver health.
Such formulations provide a convenient way to incorporate Ayurveda into daily routines, providing a natural and effective solution for managing fatty liver. Consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting these remedies ensures their safe and proper use.
A Holistic Path to Recovery: Ayurveda's approach to fatty liver focuses on the root cause of the condition rather than just its symptoms. Through detoxification of the liver, enhancement of bile production, and re-establishment of metabolic balance, Ayurveda brings about holistic health and well-being. Unlike conventional treatments that focus on medication alone, Ayurveda uses natural remedies with personalised dietary and lifestyle changes for sustainable health benefits.
Ayurveda proves to be an excellent additional therapy for patients with liver conditions, helping them undergo a more comprehensive and efficient recovery process with the proper guidance of conventional medicine.
— The author is the COO of Sheopal’s
