A number of health problems today are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. One such condition is a fatty liver or collection of fat in the liver. The buildup of fats in the liver is known as Fatty Liver. The liver processes everything that you eat or drink and filters harmful substances from the blood. If too much fat has accumulated in the liver, this process gets interfered with. These fat cells cause inflammation of the liver tissues which in time can lead to scarring and liver fibrosis. On its own, a fatty liver is relatively harmless but when it reaches this stage, it can be life threatening.

The reasons for Fatty Liver can be alcoholism, incorrect diet, obesity, diabetes, or even excess use of medication.

If ignored or left untreated, many liver diseases will lead to permanent and irreversible damage to the liver and can be a significant threat to your health. But, there is no standard form of treatment for a fatty liver. If diagnosed in its early stages, treating the underlying cause can stop the progression of the disease and even resolve it. Homeopathy addresses the underlying causes of a disease and hence is an ideal form of treatment for a fatty liver. It can reduce the symptoms of this disease, improve liver functioning and even reverse the condition if treatment is started early.

The Homeopathic medicines, which are made of natural substances, are given to patients after studying the unique symptoms experienced by each individual. Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. Homoeopathy is very proficient in managing all the symptoms of Fatty liver disease and furthermore plays a vital role in preventing relapse of the condition.

Some of the most common homeopathic medicines for fatty liver are

    Chelidonium: This is often used to treat a fatty liver accompanied by right upper abdominal pain. In such cases, the liver may be enlarged and the patient also usually suffers from constipation or experience nausea and vomiting. The patient will also probably suffer from excessive weakness and have a desire for hot food and drinks.

    Lycopodium: A fatty liver accompanied by acidity can be treated with this type of homeopathic medication. In such cases, the patient will also complain of bloating and belching with a burning sensation. These symptoms tend to worsen n the evening and the patient may have an intense craving for sweets and hot drinks.

    Phosphorus: This is used to treat cases of fatty acid which triggers regurgitation accompanied by sour belching. In some cases, the patient may also experience pain in the liver and excessive flatulence. Vomiting may also occur along with weakness while passing stool.

    Calcarea carb: Obese patients suffering from this condition can be treated with calcarea carb. These people often have a distended abdomen, are lactose intolerant and suffer from chronic constipation. They are also overly sensitive to cold air and sweat excessively from the head.

    Nux Vomica: homeopathic remedy for fatty liver with pain in abdomen after eating.

Nux vomica is great for any abdominal problem including fatty liver caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. These patients often suffer from abdominal pain a few hours after eating with sour or bitter tasting belches. They may constantly feel the urge to pass stool but are unable to do so.

Though homeopathic remedies have negligible side effects when taken in low dosages, they should never be self-prescribed. If you suffer from a fatty liver, consult a homeopathic doctor immediately who can diagnose it properly and treat you accordingly.

5 Homeopathic Remedies for Fatty Liver

Liver disorders are very common. Gastroenterologists trained in liver diseases are known as Hepatologists.Symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, vomitting of blood(Hemetemesis), bleeding in the motions(also known as Melena or hematochezia),altered sensorium known as Hepatic encephalopathy(HE), Renal failure also known as Hepatorenal syndrome(HRS), Breathlessness (due to Hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension).

Let s understand the liver disease point by point: 

1. Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a virus which is usually acquired in four ways. Unprotected sexual intercourse with the infected partner, from infected to the child, infected needles, infected blood. It takes many years for the hepatitis B virus to cause liver damage. Once the liver is damaged it is called Cirrhosis or chronic liver disease. When liver is more then 80 percent damage, it causes blood vomiting also known as hematemesis, Ascites(water in the stomach), Jaundice, HE, HRS etc. Treatment depends on virus count which is calculated by HBV DNA PCR and other lab parameters. Once the treatment starts monitoring of viral count is done to document the effectiveness of the treatment. All the family members and sexual partners must get HbsAg screening done to detect early silent infection. All those who test negative, Hepatitis vaccination should be done, by three injections which provide them with 100% protection against the HBV infection.

2. Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a virus which is acquired by injection drug abuse and infected needles and blood. Transmission by unprotected sexual intercourse is possible but chances are very low. Hepatitis C virus damages the liver slowly and takes years before clinical symptoms of liver failure appear. Once the liver is damaged it is called Cirrhosis or chronic liver disease. When the liver is more than 80 percent damage, it causes blood vomiting also known as hematemesis, Ascites(water in the stomach), Jaundice, HE, HRS etc. All hepatitis C virus infected patients must be treated irrespective of virus count. Baseline virus count by HCV RNA  is done to measure the effectiveness of the treatment. HCV Genotype is done for patients with cirrhosis. Vaccination is not available for hepatitis C but newer medicines(Direct acting antivirals DAA) for Hepatitis C can cure it with more than 95% certainty.

3. Acute viral Hepatitis: Sudden infection in the liver can be due to multiple causes but commonly is due to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E, which are caused due to eating or drinking contaminated food and water. Rarely Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can cause Acute hepatitis including Acute liver failure. Acute hepatitis presents with Jaundice, loss of appetite, generalised fatigue, vomiting and abdominal pain.  Patients are usually treated on an outpatient basis but if they have severe vomiting, abdominal pain or altered sensorium, they are admitted for inpatient care and monitoring. Drugs or complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) such as herbal or bodybuilding protein supplements which contain steroids and heavy metals can cause acute hepatitis.

4. Liver transplant: Removing the damaged liver and to put a new liver in the patients is called Liver transplant. Liver transplant is major surgery and costs around 20 to 30 Lacs. Indications of liver transplant are an acute liver failure due to hepatitis viruses such as hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis E, decompensated cirrhosis due to any cause including chronic hepatitis B and C, Drug-induced liver failure such antitubercular drugs(ATT). The donor for liver transplant is either a close relative (Living donor liver transplant LDLT) or a brain dead donor (deceased donor liver transplant DDLT).

5. Chronic liver disease or Cirrhosis: It is the end result of slow damage to the liver, where many liver cells are damaged and replaced by fibrosis. Apart from viruses such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Alcohol is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis.

Drinking alcohol for years together causes irreversible liver damage causing cirrhosis. Alcohol can cause acute severe hepatitis, acute liver failure and chronic liver disease.  Patients with suspected heavy alcohol drink must-visit Hepatologist (Liver doctor ) for proper diagnosis of stage of liver damage and deaddiction programme. USG Abdomen, blood tests, endoscopy and Fibroscan is usually done to know the liver health.

Fatty liver is also known as non-alcohol fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a lifestyle disorder due to lack of exercise, high fat diet, obesity and due to drugs. Fatty liver causes silent liver damage and if not recognised in time can cause irreversible liver damage and cirrhosis. The evaluation includes Liver function tests, Ultrasound abdomen, Fibroscan. Treatment includes daily moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, drinking coffee and a low-fat diet. Few medicines are available which help in the reversal of fatty liver.

What Should You Know About Liver Disorders?

Ulcerative colitis is a disorder that causes inflammations and ulcers inside your colon, affecting the entire digestive system. The disease grows over time and symptoms start to worsen over a prolonged period, rather than the problem showing up suddenly. Severe cases of ulcerative colitis may even be fatal if treatment does not resolve some of the complications arising from the condition.

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis-
The exact cause for the inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. Improper diet and lifestyle can aggravate the symptoms, but do not cause the condition. Some possible causes for the disease include-

Improper functioning of the body s immune system causes it to recognize the colon as a foreign body.
Genetic factors and hereditary may also be held accountable in some instances.
Risk factors for the condition include old age and family history of the condition.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis-
Here are some common symptoms associated with the condition-

Bloody diarrhoea
Rectal pain
Weight loss
Pain in the abdominal region along with cramping
Fever
Urgency to defecate
Inadequate bowel movement despite the feeling of urgency
How can you prevent ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis cannot be prevented as the exact cause for the condition is unknown. However, there are simple steps that will help manage the symptoms.

Diet change- You need to stop eating certain foods, such as, dairy products, beans, broccoli, cabbage and anything spicy. Instead, fibre intake must be increased drastically.
Exercise- Mild exercise or activities have a profound impact on managing the condition.
Avoiding stress
Drinking plenty of fluids
Role of Homeopathy in Managing Ulcerative Colitis-
Homeopathy follows a natural and holistic approach to deal with the condition. It does not merely treat the symptoms, but looks to cure the underlying cause for those symptoms. Homeopathic remedies will greatly bolster the overall condition of the body s immune system. Furthermore, the bloody diarrhoea accompanying the disease will also stop with proper homeopathic treatment.

Ulcerative Colitis - Does Homeopathic Treatments Work?

The liver is the second largest organ in the human body. Everything that is consumed goes through the liver and gets metabolized. Generally the liver consists of fat accumulation, in the range of 2%, but when it reaches close to 10%, the condition is termed as fatty liver. Progression of fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. The liver has an amazing ability to regenerate itself if a part of it is damaged. 

However, if the damage is cumulative, then the repair becomes difficult. Another point to note is that the liver can be resected in parts to ensure that the non-affected liver continues to be available to take care of the metabolism.

Causes: There are two main types of fatty liver:

Alcoholic fatty liver: This is the most common type and is seen in heavy drinkers.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): The causes for this type are not clear, but obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are some causes for NASH.
Symptoms: Fatty liver develops over years, and the symptoms are both vague and appear randomly. These can be attributed to any general illness, and so diagnosis is often delayed.

Unexplained weight loss
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
General malaise
Dull pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen
Overall physical weakness
Ascites or fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Increased tendency to bleed
Abnormal liver enzyme levels
Diagnosis: If suspected of fatty liver, the following are done to confirm the diagnosis.

Blood tests to check for liver enzyme levels.
Imaging studies including x-ray, CT and/or MRI scan
Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis
Treatment: Fatty liver is a completely reversible condition. If a person with alcoholic fatty liver quits drinking for about 8 to 10 weeks, the damage can be totally reversed.

If there is no history of alcoholism but obesity, then switching to a non-fatty diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, multigrain, dairy products, etc., can help in controlling fat accumulation and use the stored fat. Increasing the levels of physical activity also helps in burning stored fat.

As noted, the liver is capable of self-repair and self-regeneration, so if further triggers are stopped, it can heal itself.

If fatty liver is not controlled, it can develop into cirrhosis and liver failure. If it reaches liver failure, then survival rates and prognosis look very gloomy.

Prevention: Fatty liver disease can be prevented by controlling alcohol intake, adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating non-fatty and non-sugary products, and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Monitor health periodically to check on liver function, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.

Fatty Liver - All You Need To Know!

The liver is a vital body organ (the second largest) that helps in detoxification of the harmful substances and chemicals, in addition to participating in various metabolic pathways. It is normal for the liver to contain some amount of fats. The problem arises when there is an excess deposition of fats (accounting to nearly 7- 10% of the total liver weight), a condition referred to as Steatosis or Fatty Liver. Fatty liver often interferes with the normal functioning of the liver triggering serious consequences.

Types of fatty liver

Alcoholic Fatty Liver: As the name suggests, the condition is an outcome of excessive alcohol consumption.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL): Here the problem or the trigger is not alcohol. The excess fat deposition in NAFL (~10 % of the total liver weight) results from the inability of the liver to break down the fat molecules.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): In NASH, the liver tends to swell up due to excess buildup of fats in the liver tissue (alcohol is not the trigger in NASH)
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: Some pregnant women may suffer from this fatal condition (extremely rare).
Causes of fatty liver
Fatty liver is a common condition that often results from unhealthy diet and lifestyle practices. In this context, it is important to mention that unlimited alcohol consumption plays a pivotal role in various liver disorders, with fatty liver being one of the most common consequences. In fact, steatosis is one of the earliest stages associated with alcohol related Liver disease. However, fatty liver is a reversible condition that can be successfully treated if diagnosed at an early stage.

The excess deposition of fats in the liver cells can be an outcome of medical conditions such as
Besides alcohol, obesity is one of the biggest factors responsible for fatty liver. As per a survey, 1 in every 50 obese people suffers from fatty liver and other related complications (scarring, liver hepatitis or liver cirrhosis).

In addition to obesity, hyperlipidemia (a medical term used to define increased levels of lipids in the blood), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus may have a significant role in triggering fatty liver.
Rapid weight loss or malnutrition can, more than often, give rise to fatty liver and its related disorders.
The use of certain medications such as carbon tetrachloride, tetracycline, and corticosteroids may be a contributing factor in fatty liver and associated complications.
Genetics can also play a significant role in triggering steatosis in some people.
Though fatty liver can affect children and young adults, people in the age group of 40 - 60 years are more susceptible to the condition.
Symptoms associated with fatty liver
There are no characteristic symptoms associated with fatty liver. However, in general, a person may experience
  Abdominal discomfort
  Extreme tiredness

With time, a person left undiagnosed and untreated, may exhibit the following symptoms
  A changed appetite (there is often a loss of appetite)
  Sudden weight loss (unexplained)
  Weakness
  Abdominal pain

Fatty Liver - 4 Common Types Of It!

The liver is the largest internal organ in our body which performs multiple functions and it is the only gland that can regenerate quickly when it is healthy. The main role of the liver is to clean and filter blood coming via digestive tract previous to it flows to remaining body parts. Liver failure results in reduced ability of blood clotting, thereby causing severe problems in case of injuries. Apart from that, alcohol and viruses are also significant factors that stop the liver from functioning properly.

Liver Transplantation
Liver Transplantation enables even the people at the final stage of liver failure to lead longer and happier life. The success rate of Liver transplantation has increased drastically due to advanced surgical techniques. Liver transplant is the best option when the liver is damaged partially or entirely. It is a surgery that involves replacing a failed liver in a recipient with a healthy liver of a donor.

Who should go for it?
The main cause of liver failure in infants is Biliary Atresia. This occurs when bile ducts are absent or partially/fully blocked. Whereas in adults, liver disease is caused due to Cirrhosis - a condition in which liver is scarred and becomes dysfunctional in the worst case. Most common reasons for Cirrhosis are Hepatitis B and C, genetic disorders, alcohol consumption, toxic metals and obesity. One should immediately seek advice from a doctor when he/she suffers from following symptoms:

Fatigue
Nausea
Weakness
Weight loss
Jaundice
Fever
Abdominal Pain
Itchy Skin
Liver Transplantation Surgery
Two kinds of the liver transplant are available: 

Deceased donor transplant 
Living donor transplant
There are not enough deceased donor livers available to match all the liver transplant needs. Any living donor with a matching liver can donate a part of their organ to the person undergoing the liver transplant. As the liver can regenerate itself to its normal size in healthy people within a few months, there are no side effects of donating a part of the liver. A thorough physical and mental health examination will be performed for both the donor and the recipient to ensure that they can cope with the process and are aware of the risks involved. This includes psychological tests and blood tests. Patients are added to a waiting list as per their priority score. The score is assigned to a patient based on three blood samples creatinine, bilirubin and INR.

The priority score is termed as MELD (model of end-stage liver disease) in adults and PELD (pediatric end-stage liver disease) in children. The patient cannot undergo liver transplant if he/she has contracted cancer in any other part of the body or is suffering from heart disease or severe infections.

During the liver transplantation procedure, the surgeon removes some part of the liver from a donor and replaces damaged liver in the recipient with it. Both recipient's and donor's liver re-grow rapidly and reach normal size within months. As per statistics, recipients who receive the liver from living donor have a higher survival rate than those who receive it from deceased donors.

After surgery, both donor and recipient should maintain healthy and clutter-free life and follow strict diet rules and get vaccinated as per the chart provided by the doctor. They also need to avoid consumption of alcohol entirely and talk to a medical practitioner before taking any medications.

Liver Transplant Surgery - Who Should Go For It?

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