What is Fatty Liver?
Fatty Liver, also known as Hepatic Steatosis, is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, affecting its normal function. If left untreated, it can progress to liver inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. Ayurveda associates Fatty Liver with an imbalance in Pitta and Kapha doshas, which disrupts digestion and metabolism.
Causes of Fatty Liver
- Poor Diet: Excess consumption of junk food, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
- Obesity: Increases fat deposits in the liver.
- Alcohol Consumption: Leads to Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD).
- Insulin Resistance & Diabetes: Causes fat buildup in the liver.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise slows down metabolism.
- Toxins & Medications: Certain drugs and environmental toxins affect liver health.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver
- ✅ Mild pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- ✅ Fatigue and weakness
- ✅ Unexplained weight gain
- ✅ Loss of appetite
- ✅ Jaundice (in severe cases)
- ✅ Jaundice (in severe cases)
Ayurvedic Approach to Fatty Liver Treatment
Ayurveda considers Fatty Liver as “Yakrit Roga”, caused by the accumulation of Ama (toxins) due to weak digestion. The treatment focuses on detoxifying the liver, improving digestion, and balancing doshas naturally.
Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver
1. Panchakarma Detox for Liver Cleansing
- • Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Flushes out toxins and improves liver function.
- • Basti (Herbal Enema): Eliminates accumulated fat and supports digestion.
- • Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage): Stimulates metabolism and reduces fat accumulation.
- • Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Improves blood circulation and detoxifies the body.
2. Ayurvedic Herbs for Fatty Liver
- • Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri): Helps in liver detoxification.
- • Kutki (Picrorhiza Kurroa): Supports liver function and reduces fat deposits.
- • Triphala Churna: Cleanses the digestive system and enhances metabolism.
- • Aloe Vera Juice: Aids in liver cleansing and digestion.
- • Turmeric (Haldi): Reduces liver inflammation and promotes fat metabolism.
- • Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata): Strengthens liver function.
3. Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle for Fatty Liver
- ✅ Eat light, easily digestible foods – Fresh vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- ✅ Avoid alcohol, fatty foods, and processed sugars – Prevents fat accumulation.
- ✅ Consume herbal teas like dandelion tea & green tea – Helps detoxify the liver.
- ✅ Stay hydrated – Drink warm water throughout the day.
- ✅ Exercise regularly – Walking, yoga, and light workouts improve liver function.
- ✅ Follow a consistent eating schedule – Prevents overeating and supports digestion.
4. Yoga & Breathing Exercises for Liver Health
- • Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Stimulates the liver and aids detoxification.
- • Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Improves liver function and digestion.
- • Kapalbhati Pranayama: Increases oxygen supply and enhances fat metabolism.
- • Naukasana (Boat Pose): Strengthens the abdomen and reduces fat.