The liver is a vital organ in our body because it performs many important functions. This includes filtering harmful substances in our blood, producing bile to facilitate digestion of food, storing energy and nutrients as well as producing hormones and enzymes that the body uses for performing essential functions. However, too much consumption of alcohol can affect the liver, lead to serious consequences related to our health, and also result in an alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). An ALD may, in turn, cause disruption of the digestion process and weaker immune system. It may even increase the risk of developing cancer.

Causes:

As the name suggests, the prime cause behind the development of alcohol-induced liver disease is the consumption of alcohol for a long duration. However, some of the other causes behind the development of alcohol-induced liver disease include the presence of an existing liver disease such as fatty liver or hepatitis, inherited liver disease, or a liver disease induced due to excessive or prolonged consumption of certain drugs.

Alcohol-induced liver diseases (ALD) can be of three types. 

Alcoholic fatty liver disease: Alcoholic fatty liver disease or steatosis occurs due to the deposition of fats in the liver, which is an end result of excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcoholic hepatitis: Too much of alcohol consumption can also lead to liver inflammation, which is called alcoholic hepatitis.
Alcoholic cirrhosis: This alcoholic-liver disease occurs when the liver is scarred due to excessive consumption of alcohol. In this case, the healthy and soft liver tissues are replaced with dead and hard tissues.
Symptoms: Some of the signs and symptoms, mostly related to ALD, are not noticed in the initial stage. It is only after a few years that the symptoms may appear. Some of the common symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weight loss, swelling in the abdomen as well as the legs, feet, and ankles, a yellowish appearance of the skin, itchy skin with hair loss, and bleeding and complications such as liver cancer or ascites.

Diagnosing alcohol-related liver disease is based on your history of alcohol consumption. But, there is no single test that can detect this type of disease, so a combination of tests will be suggested by your physician before a specific type of alcoholic liver disease is diagnosed.



Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is known to be greatly beneficial for the treatment of alcohol-induced liver diseases. The use of natural ingredients like herbs can not only treat the liver disease but also promote the overall well-being of the liver. The treatment will include abstinence from alcohol, as it is very important when it comes to undoing the damage that alcohol has caused to your liver.

There are some home remedies also which are only supportive in case of Alcoholic fatty liver, but if you are suffering from alcoholic hepatitis and ALD related liver cirrhosis you must need proper line of treatment under a well experienced and expert Ayurvedic doctor. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Alcohol Related Liver Diseases - Ways Ayurveda Can Help With It!

The liver is a key organ in metabolism and will have some amount of fat. However, excessive fat accumulation in the liver can be abnormal and is referred to as fatty liver. If the fat content exceeds anything more than 5% to 10% of the liver s weight, it would be referred to as fatty liver.

Types - There are mainly two types based on causes:

Alcoholic fatty liver: This is very common in people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Even a one-off instance of binge drinking can cause increased fat accumulation in the liver, but it would not produce any symptoms though. Preexisting hepatitis, pregnancy, obesity, and genetic predisposition may also lead to alcoholic liver disease.
Non-alcoholic liver disease: This is the less common type of fatty liver, and there would be no alcoholic abuse history here. However, there could be genetic predisposition, obesity, autoimmune liver disease, malnutrition, which can lead to this condition.
Symptoms

Fatty liver disease is a chronic condition with insidious onset (meaning to say, the exact time of onset cannot be pinpointed). However, as the disease condition progresses, symptoms will become evident, which can trigger a medical evaluation to identify the fatty liver. Some of the symptoms include:

Excessive fatigue and weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Trouble focusing and concentrating
Impaired judgment
Constant, slow enlargement of the liver can cause pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen (where the liver is)
There could be jaundice, where the skin and the white of the eyes turn pale yellow
Symptoms of liver failure, including increased levels of proteins in the chemical tests.
Diagnosis

As noted earlier, it is not easy to identify liver disease, as there are no specific symptoms. However, the above symptoms could point to a potential fatty liver.

Blood tests, especially for liver enzymes
Ultrasound, where the liver is imaged to look for any structural changes
Biopsy, where liver tissue is extracted to confirm the diagnosis of fatty liver
Treatment

There is no specific treatment for fatty liver. It can be managed through the following, where symptoms reduce in severity, and overall prognosis improves.

Diabetes control: There is a relation between how well diabetes is controlled and severity of fatty liver. Improving diabetes control ensures fatty liver does not progress.
Alcohol: Cutting down or even better quitting alcohol, definitely helps improve symptoms. If it is alcohol induced fatty liver, alcohol should be stopped.
Weight management: Obesity and fatty liver are related, so weight management is essential.
Healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen also helps improve symptoms of fatty liver.

Fatty Liver - Signs You Are Suffering From It!

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?

Dealing with liver Cirrhosis largely depends on its stage. While it is good to know and read about Cirrhosis, referring to some qualified medical personnel is the best course of action. If a person is already undergoing medical treatment, there are simple ways to deal with this condition.

Get treated in the early stages: Liver being one of the most self-healing organs, a person has good chances of healing, if a donor donates partial-liver. A doctor eradicates the distorted portion of the liver and replaces the same with a partial transplant from the donor. For the donor, it takes about 3-4 months to grow back the donated portion of the liver, while the patient might take 10-12 months to fully recover. This is possible in the early stages of Cirrhosis.
Stop the catalyst of liver Cirrhosis: It is essential to stop the underlying cause of Liver Cirrhosis. Stuff like saturated fat, alcohol, salt, OTC pain relievers, excess sugar etc should strictly need to be avoided to ensure the progression of liver Cirrhosis is slow. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of coffee can help to deal with Liver Cirrhosis.
Sodium free food: It is advised by most doctors that Cirrhosis patients refrain from consuming sodium-rich food. It helps a cirrhosis patient to bypass edema and ascites. This is extremely challenging, since food without sodium tastes bland and unappetizing. It is therefore suggested that healthy herbs, paprika, pepper etc are consumed to make up for sodium.
A balanced diet: A liver Cirrhosis patient should be extremely careful when it comes to choosing the right diet. They should consume lots of fresh fruits and green vegetables. While consumption of animal protein is not advised, the quota of protein should be fulfilled from peas, tofu, quinoa, etc.
A good exercise regime: Patients with liver Cirrhosis should ensure that an adequate exercise regime is followed so that the muscles do not get wasted. Exercise for half an hour also helps to lose weight and negate the chances of water retention in the body. Exercise should also be followed by lots of sleep, so that the body gets enough time to recover from the stress of exercise.
Avoid NSAIDs: If a person is suffering from liver Cirrhosis, using drugs such as naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen etc should be strictly avoided for mild pain and inflammation. These drugs can be highly toxic for a person suffering from Cirrhosis. It is wise to consult a doctor before consuming any medication.
Stay away from infection: A patient with liver Cirrhosis suffers from a compromised immune system. It is therefore advised that a patient stays away from possible bacteria, viral and such other chronic infection. Any infection can result in inflammation of the bile duct that causes scarring of the liver tissue.

Liver Cirrhosis - 7 Ways To Deal With The Problem!

Excess fat cells in the human body can settle under the skin and cause obesity, Additionally, they may even settle in specific organs and liver is one of them. When fat starts accumulating in the liver, a condition known as fatty liver manifests itself.

There are two types of fatty liver disease alcoholic and non-alcoholic. As the name suggests, the former is triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, whereas the latter takes place due to other reasons. While non-alcoholic fatty liver disease interferes with the normal functioning of the liver, alcoholic fatty liver disease has specific symptoms such as jaundice, fever, spider veins, and increase white blood cells (WBCs) count.

In the world of Ayurveda, the liver is a pitta organ, which is absolutely essential for normal digestion and elimination. Therefore, the pitta dosha should always be in balance so that toxins are eliminated by the liver from the body. A liver disease results when the pitta is aggravated, which can be treated with the help of lifestyle and dietary modifications, in addition to Ayurvedic remedies.

The following are some of the Ayurvedic tips and guidelines that can support liver healing and reduce the symptoms of fatty liver:



Avoid fatty and fried foods as these can further aggravate pitta and heating and overstimulating.
Incorporate cool and non-acidic food items such as berries, pears and melons into your diet.
Eat a combination of steamed vegetable and whole grains such as quinoa.
Consume aloe juice in moderate quantities as it is cooling.
Regularly consume a mixture of 2 grams of long pepper powder and 1 teaspoon honey once a day for complete 1 month.
Consume a decoction of giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), 30 ml, mixed with a teaspoon of honey once a day. 7. Drink plenty of water to cool the body down and eliminate toxins.
Consume 10 to 20 ml of bhumi amla juice.
Take 1 to 3 grams of kakuti powder twice a day with water after meals.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Fatty Liver Diseases - 8 Best Ayurvedic Home Remedies to Treat It

Sugar is the trigger to most of the diseases an adult faces in present times. Sugar is not only harmful for adults, but can pose severe threats to the health of a child as well, if not administered in monitored proportions. But again, sugar is indispensable when it comes to sweetening your drinks and desserts. In order to prevent yourself from the health hazards of sugar, you should know more about its scope and effects.
1. Sugar can lead to a fatty liver: Fatty liver is a troubling issue faced by many across the globe. It is wrong to think only alcoholics are subjected to this health condition. People who exercise little and consume huge amounts of fructose are also exposed to the threat of this disease. When a person doesn't do enough to burn up the existing amount of glycogen in his or her liver and take in fructose repeatedly, the liver turns that fructose into fat, impairing one's liver capabilities to a great extent.

2. Sugar may make you resistant to Leptin: Leptin is a hormone released by your fat cells. The hormone is particularly necessary as it sends signals to your brain telling it you are full and won't be requiring any more food. Fat people have more number of fat cells and thus additional Leptin too. The Leptin becomes inactive due to the effects of heightened blood triglycerides and insulin, both of which counter its functioning.

3. It is addictive and there lies the key to temptation: Sugar is enormously addictive. If you like sweetened products, you will find it hard to resist your cravings for cakes, cookies or chocolates. Sugar accelerates dopamine secretion; this hormone makes a person feel good. Dopamine is the hormone released on the consumption of drugs such as cocaine.

4. Calories in sugar are not balanced out with any mineral or vitamin: Because of its lack of nutrient value, sugar is said to have empty calories. Food items rich in sugar tend to make a person lethargic and slackened while depriving them of essential minerals and vitamins. It is therefore, best to not allow children to have pastries, chocolates or puddings in excess.

5. Sugar leads to extensive tooth decay: Sugar can accumulate on your teeth if you are having too many sweetened food items. This causes your teeth enamel to wear away, making it more prone to cavities and dental caries.

Why You Should Stay Away From Sugar?

Don't wait any longer, manage your Alcoholic Liver Disease online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Alcoholic Liver Disease - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES