Causes and Treatments Of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis is a chronic disorder in which the healthy cells of the liver are replaced by unhealthy scarred cells and disturb the functions of the liver due to long term damage. Liver cirrhosis is an end stage of liver disease.

What are the causes of Liver Cirrhosis?

• Chronic alcohol consumption
• Scarring of the bile duct
• Cystic fibrosis
• Excessive iron build- up in the body
• Overuse of chemical-based medicines
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic viral hepatitis
• Accumulation of fat in the liver
• Intake of spicy and penetrative foods and beverages

What is the cause of Liver Cirrhosis according to Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, liver disorders are grouped and termed as Yakrit Vikara. Yakrit means liver and vikara refers to disorder or derangement.

According to Master Sushrut (father of surgery), it is considered as the main site of the blood. Both the masters Charak and Sushrut referred 3,000 years back that bile variety (Ranjak Pitta) is responsible for the colour of liver even before body dissection and circulatory study in modern medicine.

Liver Cirrhosis is the end stage of liver disorder which is caused due to the excessive Pitta dosha in the body. Ayurveda considers liver cirrhosis under the complications of Kaamla. The kamala associated with ascites is termed as Kumbha in Ayurveda whereas with fever, it is known as Halimak. All types of liver cirrhosis respond well to the treatment mentioned in Ayurveda.

What is the Ayurvedic line of treatment for Liver Cirrhosis?

The Ayurvedic line of treatment for liver cirrhosis aims at reviving the damaged liver cells by prescribing herb that are detoxifying in nature. These herbs not only help in regenerating proper liver functions but also help in re-establishing the natural state of health in the most natural way.

Some of the herbs useful in Liver Cirrhosis are:

1. Bhoomiamla (Phyllanthus niruri): The entire plant of Bhoomiamla possesses numerous medicinal properties.

• It helps to manage liver disorders due to its hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antiviral properties.
• Bhoomi amla has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times.
• This herb acts as a liver cleanser and rejuvenates the liver cells as well.
• It helps in detoxifying the damaged liver and nourish it. This is mainly because of its rejuvenating and Pitta balancing property.

2. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Bhringraj is an herb which is widely used in the treatment of liver disorders.

• The anti-oxidants present in this herb lowers the toxic load on the liver and thus improves its functioning.
• Bhringraj also prevents inflammation of the liver due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It detoxifies blood as well.

3. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Amla is one of the few herbs which helps in balancing all the three doshas in the body.

• The liver is the site in the body where toxins are found in excess amount.
• The anti-oxidants present in this wonderful fruit help in clearing toxins from the body. Therefore, it protects the liver from resulting damage.
• It inhibits the onset of liver fibrosis as well.

4. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava is considered as a valuable medicinal plant in Ayurveda.

• Being coolant in nature, it helps in balancing Pitta dosha. It flushes out toxins from the liver, dhatus (tissues) and nourishes various body channels so that each and every tissue and cell of the body get proper nutrition.
• It is also useful in treating ascites caused due to liver cirrhosis. Ascites is a condition caused by fluid accumulation in the abdominal lining and it is particularly useful in treating specific types of ascites caused by certain liver disorders. Ascites is described as jalodar roga in Ayurveda with Vata Pradhan (vata dominant) disorder which blocks the channels withing the body making the water accumulated in the peritoneal cavity. In this case, punarnava is an excellent herb.

5. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): Kalmegh is commonly known as ‘King of Bitters’. This plant is famous by the name Chiretta.

• It might be bitter in taste but it has unmatchable health benefits.
• It is considered as one of the best herbs for liver disorders. In ancient times, this herb was used as a natural liver cleanser.
• Kalmegh is useful in liver cirrhosis as it helps the liver in clearing away the toxins and regenerates liver cells.
• Due to its bitter and cooling properties, it balances Pitta dosha especially elevated Pitta in the blood and stagnant Pitta in the liver (Ranjak Pitta), thus enhances liver function.

6. Kasni (Cichorium intybus): Kasni or Chicoroy is a well-known coffee substitute.

• Kasni is suitable for all kinds of liver disorders. It has been used as blood purifier, hepatic tonic, mild laxative etc.
• It is kaphapitta shamaka in nature (reduces vitiated Kapha and Pitta doshas).
• Due to its anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective property, it protects the liver against damage caused by free radicals and also helps in maintaining normal bilirubin levels needed for normal liver function.

7. Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea): Sharpunkha is a famous Ayurvedic herb useful in liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly.

• It balances Pitta and Kapha doshas.
• Sharpunkha helps in liver cirrhosis by its detoxification property, prevents further damage to the liver cells and regeneration of liver cells.
• The plant is also used as a blood purifier.

Some Ayurvedic medicines useful in Liver Cirrhosis are:

1. Arogyavardhini Vati
2. Kumaryasava
3. Guduchi Satva
4. Rohitakarishta
5. Punarnavasava

Diet and Lifestyle:

Patients having liver cirrhosis have poor appetite so low-fat and carbohydrate diet is likely to be recommended for liver function. Foods containing high salt should be avoided.

• Intake of spicy, fried food items, alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided.
• Intake of fresh coconut water on regular basis is recommended.
• Consumption of tea and coffee should be avoided.
• Use fresh buttermilk in the diet.
• Vegetables such as peas, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, ginger, broccoli and garlic should not be consumed.
• Fruits such as oranges, lemon, muskmelon, watermelon, mosmi, cucumber, mangoes, grapes and apricots should not be taken.
• Spices such as turmeric, pepper, cumin, coriander, fennel, thyme, cardamom and fenugreek should be included in the diet.
• Apples, avocado, soaked walnuts, papaya, strawberries, raisins can be included in the diet.
• Junk foods such as chocolates, packaged foods, foods containing preservatives should be strictly eliminated from the diet.
• Vegetables such as bitter gourd, round gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, radish, dandelion greens should be taken.
• Light exercises such as walking for 30 minutes, simple breathing exercises such as anulom-vilom is recommended.

Thus, liver cirrhosis which is considered as an incurable disease in modern medicine can be successfully managed in Ayurveda with herbs, herbal remedies and taking precautions in diet and making certain changes in lifestyle.

Causes and Treatments of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease, where the liver tissue becomes severely scarred and unable to function properly. It occurs when the liver is repeatedly injured over a long period, leading to the replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrous tissue, or scar tissue. This scarring can interfere with the liver’s ability to perform its essential functions, such as detoxifying the blood, producing proteins, and metabolizing nutrients.

Causes of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis can develop from a variety of conditions and lifestyle factors. The most common causes include:

1. Chronic Alcohol Consumption

• Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of liver cirrhosis. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and excessive drinking over years can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process alcohol, leading to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and eventually cirrhosis.

2. Hepatitis B and C

• Chronic infection with Hepatitis B (HBV) or Hepatitis C (HCV) viruses can cause long-term liver inflammation, which may eventually lead to cirrhosis. These viral infections cause the liver cells to become damaged and inflamed, and the body’s immune response to the infection can result in scarring.

3. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

• NAFLD is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, often in individuals who do not consume alcohol. This can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory form of fatty liver, which can lead to cirrhosis, particularly in individuals with obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

• Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, can lead to inflammation and cirrhosis. Other autoimmune diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis, can also cause liver damage.

5. Chronic Drug Use

• Certain medications, particularly those that are metabolized in the liver, can cause drug-induced liver damage. Overuse of medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), methotrexate, and some antibiotics can lead to liver cirrhosis if the liver is repeatedly damaged.

6. Genetic Disorders

• Genetic conditions like Wilson’s disease (excessive copper accumulation in the liver) and hemochromatosis (excess iron accumulation in the liver) can result in liver damage, leading to cirrhosis.

7. Bile Duct Disorders

• Diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, which affect the bile ducts, can lead to cirrhosis. When bile cannot flow properly, it can cause liver damage.

8. Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

• Obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are risk factors for developing NAFLD, which can progress to cirrhosis.

9. Liver Tumors or Cysts

• Liver tumors or cysts, whether benign or malignant, can contribute to the development of cirrhosis by obstructing blood flow in the liver or causing long-term inflammation.

Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

The symptoms of cirrhosis can vary widely depending on the extent of liver damage. In the early stages, a person may have no symptoms, or they may experience only mild symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and include:

• Fatigue

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) or legs (edema)

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Itchy skin

• Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly (hepatic encephalopathy)

• Bruising easily

• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

• Dark urine

• Pale-colored stools

• Weight loss

• Enlarged spleen or liver

Ayurvedic Approach to Treating Liver Cirrhosis

Ayurveda views liver cirrhosis as a Pitta-dominated condition, with the liver being the seat of Pitta. The buildup of Ama (toxins) in the liver, along with an imbalance in digestion and the accumulation of excess heat, are seen as key factors contributing to cirrhosis. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing Pitta, removing toxins (Ama), and supporting liver regeneration.

1. Herbal Remedies

• Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa): A potent liver tonic that helps detoxify the liver and promotes liver regeneration. It is beneficial for treating Pitta imbalances and inflammation.

• Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri): A herb known for its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) qualities. It helps cleanse the liver and is used in Ayurvedic treatment for viral hepatitis and cirrhosis.

• Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): A well-known bitter herb in Ayurveda, Kalmegh helps detoxify the liver and reduce Pitta. It supports liver function and is often used in combination with other herbs.

• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Known as Giloy in India, Guduchi is considered a wonder herb for boosting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and promoting liver regeneration.

• Amla (Emblica officinalis): Amla is rich in vitamin C and has antioxidant properties, making it helpful in reducing liver inflammation and boosting liver health. It is also beneficial for improving digestive fire (Agni).

• Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Known for its ability to stimulate bile production, dandelion root supports the liver in detoxifying and regenerating liver cells.

• Triphala: A combination of three fruits (Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki) that aids in detoxification and improves digestion. It is considered very useful for liver health and the elimination of Ama.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce liver inflammation, protect the liver from damage, and promote detoxification.

2. Dietary Recommendations

Diet plays a crucial role in managing liver cirrhosis. An anti-inflammatory, liver-supporting diet can help manage the condition and prevent further damage to the liver.

• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol is a major toxin for the liver. Avoiding alcohol is critical for individuals with liver cirrhosis, as it further exacerbates liver damage.

• Reduce Fatty Foods: Fatty, greasy, and fried foods can burden the liver and worsen symptoms. It is important to limit the intake of fats, especially trans fats and saturated fats.

• Increase Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables like carrots, beets, spinach, and berries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce liver inflammation and support overall liver health.

• Incorporate Bitter Foods: Bitter foods such as leafy greens, bitter melon, and fenugreek are believed to stimulate liver function and promote detoxification.

• Lean Proteins: Fish, chicken, lentils, and tofu are good sources of protein. Overeating red meats can overburden the liver, so lean protein sources are preferred.

• Whole Grains: Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are beneficial for supporting digestive health and providing sustained energy.

• Avoid Processed Foods and Sugars: Refined sugars and processed foods can increase inflammation in the body and contribute to the accumulation of toxins.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day to aid digestion and promote detoxification. Herbal teas like ginger tea, peppermint, and lemon water can support liver function.

3. Lifestyle Recommendations

• Moderate Exercise: Regular physical activity is important for overall health and can help maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for managing liver conditions. Activities like yoga, walking, and swimming can help reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

• Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate liver conditions, especially because it increases Pitta and inflammation. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help in managing stress and balancing the nervous system.

• Adequate Rest: Proper sleep and rest are important for liver recovery and overall health. Ensure you get enough sleep to allow the body to heal and