The liver is one of the largest glands in the human body mainly responsible for digestion, filtration, and detoxification. It is the center for the production of ‘Bile- for metabolism, production of Albumin- for carrying hormones, vitamins, and enzymes in the body, blood purification, removal of toxins, maintaining amino acid levels, controlling blood glucose, and absorption of all nutrients in food. 

The powerhouse of the human body performs more than 500 crucial body functions. A weak or imbalanced liver function can lead to various health issues. Read on to understand fatty liver- types, causes and symptoms, and top ayurvedic treatments of fatty liver disease. 

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Since the liver is the center of fat metabolism, it is also a common site for fat accumulation. Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, or Yakrit Roga is when excess fat accumulates in the liver. 

While a certain amount of fat in the liver is normal, when fat makes up more than 5-10% of the liver’s weight, it can lead to inflammation, liver damage, and other serious health issues. 

Recently, a huge surge has been seen in cases of fatty liver diseases among young adults largely due to lifestyle changes and dietary habits. Almost 25% of the world’s population today is affected by this health issue. 

Although it is not a life-threatening condition itself, it increases the chances of other chronic illnesses. So it’s vital to cure Fatty liver disease as soon as it’s diagnosed. Ayurveda offers holistic approaches to prevent and treat fatty liver without any complications or side effects with 100% natural approaches, herbs, and ayurvedic supplements. 

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is mainly two types-

1. Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Liver Disease–

Commonly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is often caused due to obesity or diabetes. The first stage – Simply fatty liver, has only fat cells accumulated in the liver without any inflammation or liver damage. 

On the other hand, the advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. It causes inflammation and liver cell damage that can lead to complications – fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are types of liver scarring, and liver cancer. These problems can lead to liver failure and require a liver transplant.

2. Alcohol-related fatty liver disease-

This type of fatty liver disease is caused due to excessive alcohol consumption. Since the liver is responsible for the breaking down of alcohol, it can be affected by alcohol’s ill effects. Alcohol-related fatty liver can lead to serious health issues-

• Enlarged Liver- swollen or enlarged liver that can cause constant pain in the abdomen and impair liver function.
• Alcoholic hepatitis- This is swelling in the liver that can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and jaundice. 
• Alcoholic cirrhosis– This is a buildup of scar tissue in the liver. It can cause the same symptoms as alcoholic hepatitis, plus fluid buildup in the liver, swelling, high blood pressure in the liver, internal bleeding, and liver failure.

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

The most common causes of fatty liver disease are: 

Excessive Alcohol Consumption- digestion of alcohol produces harmful substances that damage liver cells and promote inflammation and fat accumulation. 

Poor Diet and Obesity- A diet high in refined sugars, trans fats, and processed foods contributes to obesity, which is a significant risk factor for fatty liver.

Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes- Insulin resistance leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The liver converts excess sugar into fat, leading to fatty liver disease.

High Cholesterol and Triglycerides- High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can overwhelm the liver’s capacity, leading to fatty liver.

Sedentary Lifestyle- A sedentary lifestyle, combined with poor dietary choices, can accelerate the progression of fatty liver disease.

The combination of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol is called metabolic syndrome. These conditions together contribute to slowing down fat processing and excretion ultimately leading to excess fat accumulation in Liver cells. Ayurvedic treatment of fatty liver works on understanding and curing the root causes of fatty liver disease. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Fatty Liver Disease

Although fatty liver disease has no fixed symptoms until it develops into more serious health issues, some people may have signs such as tiredness or pain in the upper right side of the belly where the liver is. Typical symptoms that can indicate liver issues are: 

• Swollen belly with dull but persistent pain on the side of the liver
• The feeling of fullness especially after every meal
• Weakness, loss of appetite, and fluid retention
• Low metabolism
• Enlarged blood vessels underneath your skin
• Larger-than-normal breasts in men
• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish, due to a condition called jaundice
• Tiredness or mental confusion
• Swollen legs and abdomen (edema)
• Associated symptoms of PCOS, insulin resistance, or hormonal imbalance in women

Complications caused by Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease doesn’t cause major problems for most people. It can weaken your metabolism and cause nutrition deficiency. However, if not diagnosed and treated on time, it can turn into a more serious problem. It can progress into cirrhosis of the liver. Untreated cirrhosis of the liver eventually leads to liver failure or liver cancer.

The common problems that occur when you have fatty liver are:

• Obesity
• High cholesterol levels, 
• High BP 
• PCOS or hormonal imbalance
• Diabetes
• Chronic Liver failure
• Slow metabolism
• Week immune system

Ayurvedic Treatments for Fatty Liver Disease

According to Ayurveda, the liver function is associated with the Pitta dosh- which represents fire and lightness. It is responsible for the metabolism and production of heat and energy in the human body. On the other hand, Kapha dosha is known for its cold and heavy qualities. Increased Kpaha can reduce the efficiency of Pitta and cause fatty liver. 

Many Ayurvedic herbs and supplements are available in Ayurveda megastore to treat various stages of fatty liver disease. Ayurvedic treatments for fatty liver include dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications to balance kapha at pitta dosha. 

Lifestyle Modifications- Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle in maintaining liver health. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the primary causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver. Practicing yoga, indulging in physical activity, and destressing with meditation can promote liver regeneration and overall health.

Ayurvedic Diet for Fatty Liver– A diet to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas is recommended to manage and cure fatty liver disease. Reduce intake of fried foods, red meat, and full-fat dairy products. Eat more liver-friendly food like turmeric, ginger, garlic, whole grains, omega-3-rich oils, and bitter greens to support liver health and detoxification.

Ayurvedic Herbs– Ayurveda utilizes various herbs known for their liver-protective and detoxifying properties. Some of the most effective ayurvedic herbs for treating fatty liver include: 

• Turmeric: Curcumin in turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the liver from damage and help reduce fat accumulation.
• Guduchi: is known to boost immunity, detoxify the liver, and improve digestion.
• Bhumyamalaki: Known for its hepatoprotective properties, Bhumyamalaki helps regenerate damaged liver cells and detoxification.
• Kutki: Kutki is a potent liver tonic that aids in bile production and supports liver detoxification.
• Dandelion Root: A bitter herb dandelion root aids in liver and gallbladder function, detoxification, reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidative damage.
• Shankhapushpi: Known to reduce fat accumulation in the liver, improve liver function, and offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Top Ayurvedic Supplements to treat fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease can cause some serious damage to health if not treated effectively. While modern medicine has many treatments for fatty liver disease, they cause many side effects in the future and lead to complications. The best way to treat fatty liver is the combination of ayurvedic approach and ayurvedic supplements which are 100% natural and side effects free. The top supplements available on Ayurveda megastore for management and treatment of fatty liver disease are:  

• Himalaya Liv-52
• Dr JRK Siddha Beckey Capsules
• J & J Dechane Hirbitars Tablets
• Planet Ayurveda Sharpunkha Capsules
• Zandu Livotrit forte
• Vasu Vasuliv Tablet
• Aimil Amlycure D.S. Capsule
• Butterfly Ayurveda Livofly- Natural liver detoxifier
• Sami Direct Livstrong Capsules 
• Xovak Ayurvedic Icterus Care

Conclusion

Fatty liver disease is a growing concern in today’s world, largely due to modern lifestyle choices. However, with appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes, along with Ayurvedic treatments, it is possible to prevent and manage this condition effectively. Ayurveda Megastore offers holistic treatment options that not only address the symptoms but also promote overall health and well-being. By balancing the doshas, detoxifying the body, and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can support liver health and prevent the progression of fatty liver disease.