Category: Ascites

How to Reduce the Chances of Fatty Liver Disease Naturally

Overview

Fatty liver is a condition or a disease of the liver in which fat build up in the liver and results in its inflammation. Consumption of over fat and alcohol results into fatty liver.

Symptoms of fatty LIver

The symptoms which give a clears picture of having fatty liver and requires attention are-

  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Dull abdominal pain
  • Flatulence
  • Bloating
  • Blood sugar imbalance
  • Cramping
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea

There are natural ways if followed will help to keep our liver healthy and free from the complications which can result in a damaged liver. Our lifestyle and dietary habits are very much counted to be responsible for fatty liver or other complications related to the liver.

Let us discuss the ways which can help to avoid Fatty Liver.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Overweight is always unhealthy and a reason for many problems. When one continues with overeating, fried, and greasy food it leads to accumulation of fat on the liver. So one should always have a balanced diet which can avoid the fat accumulation and controls the body weight.

Body Detoxification

  • When one gets into direct contact of toxins- industrial chemicals,  certain medications, and even the food that we eat, than these toxins affect our body. It starts harming our liver and become a reason for fatty liver. Therefore one should keep oneself free from these toxins This can be done through detoxification.

Get Your Antioxidants

  • Intake of vitamins are very much required for  healthy working of the body. So one should take Vitamin E and C as both are good antioxidants and helps to promote liver health.

Try Herbal Medicine

  • Intake of too much of allopathic medicines can also harm our liver. Therefore one should move towards Ayurveda- natural and herbal products because it helps our body produce enzymes and boost immunity which help to flush out the toxins and keep our organs safe and strong.

stages of liver disease

Simple Home Remedies for Fatty Liver

Let’s discuss few of the home  remedies or the easily available things which helps in curing Fatty liver

Coffee to lower abnormal liver enzymes

  • Coffee is good to be consumed if you have fatty liver but in a limit. As it helps to lower down the abnormal liver enzymes.

Tofu(Soya Paneer)

  • Tofu is full of protein with very low fat. Therefore it helps to reduce the accumulation of fat on the liver.

Fish

  • Fish is a good source of omega-3 and fatty acid. Intake of it helps in decreasing the fat level of liver which eases the inflammation.

Oatmeal

  • Intake of oatmeal which is rich in carbohydrate give energy to the body. Its Consumption help in maintaining normal body weight.

Walnut

  • It is full of omega-3 and fatty acid and consumption of it improve the liver function.

Avocado

  • It has healthy fats and chemical which slows down the liver damage. Avocado is also rich in fiber which helps in maintaining normal weight.

Sunflower seeds-

  • These seeds are rich in vitamin E and have an antioxidant property which protects the liver from further damage.

Olive oil

  • This oil is rich in omega-3 and fatty acid and consumption of it lower downs the abnormal liver enzymes and controls and manages the weight.

Garlic

  • It is one of the most common spices used in every kitchen and it is overloaded with benefits. Its Consumption reduces the body weight and accumulation of fat on the liver. Thus it helps in treating fatty liver.

Green Tea

  • Intake of Green tea helps in reducing the accumulated fat and also improves the liver function. Green tea  lowers down the cholesterol and induces the sleep.

Papaya

  • It is a fruit which has the function of burning fat from the body. This fruit is having an anti-oxidant property which makes it useful in treating fatty liver. It can be taken as fruit.  The fried papaya seeds with lemon juice twice daily is very beneficial.

Lemon

  • It is a detoxifier which helps the liver in producing glutathione (enzyme). Lemon is a good source of vitamin C which in production of the enzyme required to overcome Fatty Liver. Consumed as lemon water.

Herbs which help in Fatty Liver

  • Turmeric is one of the most common and easily available herbs and spice in every kitchen. This herb is loaded with benefits therefore used in the treatment of many health issues. Turmeric Curcumin Longa has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property also used as a detoxifier.
  • As per Ayurveda it also balances the vitiated Pitta Dosha. The properties  present in turmeric help in protecting the liver cells from the causes which leads to Fatty Liver. It can be consumed in any form- in cooking, added in milk, or in capsule form.

Indian Gooseberry/Amla

  • It is one the commonly found herb with antioxidant property and acts as a good detoxifier. It helps in maintaining and balancing the liver function. It can be used in powder form or can be eaten raw-3 to 4 daily. Mix 1 teaspoon of amla powder in a glass of lukewarm water and have it.

Golden Seal

  • Golden Seal is one of the best herb used for natural care of the Fatty Liver. This herb has the property of cleansing and purification. It is also helpful in problems related to digestion, UTI, and many more.  The dose of it depends on the factors like- age, health, and other conditions. Taken in powder form-1 teaspoonful twice daily with luke warm water.

Ginger / Adrak ( Zingiber officinale)

  • Ginger is again a commonly available spice of every kitchen. As per Ayurveda, it reduces the formation of Ama the toxins, which makes it beneficial in supporting overall health.
  • Ginger also has the properties which help in the protection of liver from damages like- degenerative liver and fatty liver. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidative properties which makes it useful in fatty liver and other health ailments too.
  • It can be used  fresh in cooking or can be consumed in powder form-1 teaspoonful with normal water or as ginger tea, decoction.

Cinnamon

  • Cinnamon has anti-oxidative and detoxifying action which improves the level of enzymes, and anti-diabetic function which makes it beneficial in Fatty Liver. It can be used as a normal spice in cooking,  or as a herbal tea, decoction and in powder form- ½ tsp once in a day.

yoga for fatty liver

Yoga

  • Along with diet doing yoga on the regular basis helps in reducing the fat over liver and it is also good for overall health. Let us discuss the yoga asanas.

Kapalbhati Pranayam

  • Boost the health of the liver and protects from ailments like Fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, Jaundice, and Hepatitis.

Ardha Matsyendrasana

  • It gives strength and stimulates the liver also protects from fibrosis, apoptosis, stress, and inflammation.

Dhanurasana

  • This asana is very helpful in  case of Fatty liver. It strengthen, stretches and stimulates the liver. By doing this asana the accumulated fat will be used as energy.

Gomukhasana

  • It is very helpful in the case of Liver Cirrhosis. Practicing this asana will strengthen, stimulate and stretch the liver

Naukasana

Effective in treating Liver cancer. It also strengthens, stretches and stimulates the liver. Removes the harmful toxins from the liver.

Note

  • Intake of these herbs enriched with health benefits and following proper diet with yoga helps a lot to overcome the diseases of liver, especially Fatty Liver.

How to Treat Ascites with Natural Remedies ?

Introduction

Ascites is an accumulation of protein-containing (ascitic) fluid within the abdomen. It is considered a frequent complication at the last stage of liver disease as well as other fluid retention conditions like peripheral edema. The fluid accumulated may also travel to the chest and cause difficulty in breathing.

Ascites

Ascites can occur due to kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis & tuberculosis. Liver Cirrhosis is responsible for 85% of ascites. There are Refractory ascites that recur after treatments, in this the fluid buildup cannot be reduced by a low sodium diet or diuretics, non-complicated Ascites wherein a symmetrical distention and swelling of the abdomen occurs and an ultrasound detects the presence of fluids and Chylous ascites which is caused by leakage of lymph from a ruptured lymph vessel.

Ascites can occur in children too and are most commonly associated with liver, kidney and heart disorders.

Causes of Ascites

  • The protein leaks from the kidney leads to accumulation of fluids in abdominal cavity. Ascites occurs due to improper functioning of the liver. Portal hypertension or increased pressure in the blood flow to the liver is the main contributor of Ascites.
  • Certain cancers like liver, stomach, breast, colon and pancreas, also lead to ascites.
  • Too much alcohol consumption leads to ascites.
  • Other causes include kidney problems, pancreatitis and clots in the veins of the liver and heart.

Symptoms of Ascites

  • If Ascites is mild, there are no symptoms associated with it. The fluid buildup causes swelling that usually develops over a few weeks or it may happen in just few days.
  • The most common symptoms of Ascites are shortness of breath and abdominal pain.
  • Other symptoms may include large belly / enlarged abdomen, feeling of fullness/bloating, indigestion, urine urgency, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, swelling in the ankles and legs, fever, jaundice.

Diagnosis of Ascites

Diagnosis of Ascites is based on physical examination of the patient along with detailed medical history.Ultrasound is done to detect small amount of fluids. CT scan is done to evaluate other conditions. Blood work plays an essential role in determining ascites. A procedure called paracentesis is performed to withdraw some fluid for testing in the lab.Other tests like urine analysis, kidney function analysis, liver function analysis, electrolyte level tests may be performed.

Treatment and Home Remedies of Ascites

Treatment of Ascites is based on the underlying cause. A change in diet and proper medication helps in managing the symptoms of Ascites. In some cases, surgery and liver transplant are the only options. The diet recommended for Ascites patients is low in sodium and they are prescribed diuretics or water pills as diuretics increase water and salt excretion from the kidneys and prevent further fluid retention. It is advised to consume high blood pressure diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, pineapples and healthy fats, sprouted whole grains and oats. Salt intake should be minimal by the patients. A diet rich in potassium and magnesium is recommended as they reduce water retention and lower the blood pressure. One should consume bananas, beets, mushrooms, avocados and dark leafy vegetables.

It is recommended to consume smaller meals throughout the day. It is very important to consume organic foods as with Ascites, the liver functioning gets reduced and the body is not able to detoxify blood properly.

Home Remedies for Ascites

Some simple home remedies also help in managing the symptoms of Ascites. These include:

1. Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion-Root-Tea

Drinking Dandelion Root Tea increase urine frequency and volume which helps in reducing the edema and fluid retention. Dandelion is loaded with potassium, vitamin A, C and K and minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. Dandelion Root tea may be prepared by steeping the root in hot water for 10 minutes and then strained and cooled down. One may add some honey for taste. Dandelion aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects on the affected liver.

2. Consumption of Coconut Water

coconut-water

Coconut water is high in potassium and electrolytes. It helps one stay hydrated while being on the limited liquid diet.

3. Fenugreek seeds

fenugreek

Drinking water which had Fenugreek seeds soaked overnight helps in reducing inflammation and eliminating the free radicals that cause damage to the body.

4. Ginger and Garlic

garlic-ginger

Ginger tea may be prepared by adding crushed or grated ginger to boiling water, a little honey may be mixed to it for taste. Ginger is an excellent diuretic and it removes excess water from the body through urine and thus treats edema naturally. Same way garlic may be crushed and its juice is taken on an empty stomach to help reduce bloating and tenderness associated with Ascites.

5. Mixture of Carrot and Radish Juice

carrot-radish

A very simple and effective home remedy to treat Ascites is to take fresh carrot juice and fresh radish juice daily. It helps to relieve pain and swelling in the body. It also aids in healthy digestion. Carrots and Radishes have a cleansing effect on the liver and aids in releasing excess bile and fats. They are natural detoxifiers.

6. Onions

onions

It is must to include onions in the diet to get rid of fluid buildup. Onions help in eliminating toxins and excess fluids from the body.
To get rid of swelling in the feet, it is advised to soak feet in water with Epsom salt mixed in it. Epsom salt detoxifies the body and relaxes the body at the same time.

7. Important Tips

It is necessary to avoid processed foods, fried /oily foods, starchy foods, and milk products for faster recovery.

Practicing Yoga asanas also helps Ascites patients. Asanas alike Lolasana or Pendant Pose, Mayurasana or Peacock pose and Baddha Padmasana or Locked lotus pose are very beneficial in relieving the pressure on the abdomen.

Ascites causes a lot of discomforts and if not treated on time, it can lead to several organ failures. Ascites significantly impact the quality of life and there is no permanent cure to it. The natural treatments are best to relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort.