Liver cirrhosis and Ayurveda

Table of content:
1) What is Liver cirrhosis
2) Causes
3) Diagnosis
4) Treatment in Ayurveda
5) Guidelines 

Healthy Liver & cirrhosis Liver

 

Liver cirrhosis and Ayurveda
Liver is the largest and one of the most important organs in the human body. It is seat of all metabolism and all the toxins, hormones, drugs, alcohol, preservatives, chemicals, body toxins are metabolized.
Any disease of the Liver may lead to serious problems and Cirrhosis being one among them.In this disease, there is a blockage of blood through the Liver and unhealthy or scar tissues replace the normal tissues of the Liver.
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic and last stage of chronic liver disease; it is mainly caused by portal hypertension and leads to ascitis or fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity. Every time the liver is affected and damaged by harmful toxins, the liver tries to heal itself. And in this process, scar formation occurs in cells of the liver. As the liver’s cirrhosis progresses, more and more cells and tissues get scared and affect the liver’s function.
Fibrosis describes encapsulation or replacement of injured tissue by a collagenous scar. Fibrosis progresses at variable rates depending on the cause of liver disease, environmental and host factors. Cirrhosis is an advanced stage of liver fibrosis .It is a progressive disease, developing slowly over many years. If it is allowed to continue, the buildup of scar tissue can eventually stop liver function. 
Cirrhosis is the twelfth leading cause of death by disease, accounting for 27,000 deaths each year. The condition affects men slightly more often than women.

 

Causes of Liver Cirrhosis:
Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease, but has many other possible causes such as
*Obesity is becoming a common cause of cirrhosis
*Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
*Scarring of bile duct
*Cystic fibrosis
 *Excessive iron build up in the body/ Accumulation of copper in liver
*Genetic digestive disorders
*Overuse of Drugs, toxins, and infections
*Chronic constipation
In the early stage of liver cirrhosis problem you may not feel any symptoms, but as the time goes on the progression of diseases occurs, and you may notice some symptoms like,

• Loss of appetite
• Lack of energy
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight loss or sudden weight gain
• Bruises
• jaundice
• Itchy skin
• edema in the ankles, legs, and abdomen (often an early sign)
• abdominal pain and bloating
• A brownish or orange tint to the urine
• Light colored stools
• Confusion, disorientation, personality changes
• Blood in the stool
• Fever

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Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis
Liver and kidney function test,Hepatitis B and C tests,Imaging tests like MRI, CT and ultrasound images of the liver and Biopsy of liver

 

Liver cirrhosis treatment in ayurveda
The liver is called Yakrit in Ayurveda. Pitta is the predominant humor of the liver. Most liver disorders are aggravated conditions of Pitta. Excessive bile production or a blockage in the flow of bile usually indicates high pitta, which in turn affects the agni or enzyme activities responsible for absorption, digestion and metabolism.Kumbha Kamala is the classical description of cirrhosis of liver in Ayurveda.
It is a neglected or untreated stage of jaundice or hepatitis, when becomes chronic, produces dry or roughness to the Liver . It can become incurable if not attended immediately.
Detoxification of the body is an essential step to keep your liver healthy and functional. Natural antioxidants helps to excrete the hazardous chemicals and toxins from the body and improve the liver’s function and prevent tissue scarring.Proper Digestion plays a significant role in the health of the liver. Ayurvedic remedies help to boost your immunity against various bacteria and viruses and protect your liver from chronic hepatitis viral infections.

 

Ayurveda guidelines to  save your liver from liver cirrhosis.
Make a good habit of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid alcohol consumption.
Avoid dairy products and non-vegetarian food in your diet.
Do yoga and meditation to keep your body, mind, and spirit healthy.
To keep your liver cell healthy and functional, detoxify your body.
Increase the intake of antioxidants rich food.
Keep your body always hydrated by drinking 2 to 2.5 litres of water.
Eat a low sodium diet, and avoid the overuse of allopathic medicines.
Some of useful herbs in Liver diseases kalamegha ,punarnava,guduchi,bringaraja .Treatment involves Shodhana chikitsa (Panchakarma procedures), Shamana chikitsa (Ayurvedic medicines), de-addiction and various dietary advises along with life style modifications. Ayurvedic  treatment is useful in improving the Liver heath and preventing further damage.