Historically, liver problems were more commonly seen in the elderly and in alcoholics. However, bad lifestyle choices are posing a severe threat to liver health, particularly among younger generations.
It is estimated that liver disease is a serious global health concern, responsible for two million deaths per year, or 4 per cent of total mortality. Men are predominantly affected, with consequences including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Why Your Liver Deserves The Spotlight
Liver, being the body’s largest internal organ, is in charge for a wide range of responsibilities. From continuously detoxifying your body to metabolising everything you consume (through eating, drinking, breathing, or even skin absorption), stores essential vitamins and minerals, and even stores blood, holding 13% of your body’s entire supply at any given moment. It works seamlessly to sustain life.
Perhaps, even more fascinating fact is that the liver is the only regenerative organ capable of entirely regenerating within a few weeks, if not months, if the cause of its injury is successfully managed.
The Ayurvedic View: Yakrit, The Always Active
Ayurvedic wisdom offers a fascinating parallel to what modern science says, but with its own twist. In Ayurvedic texts, the liver is named Yakrit, a Sanskrit name that literally translates to constant physiological action. Ayurvedic experts connect your liver’s well-being directly to Pitta, one of your body’s three fundamental energies (tridosha). Ayurveda believes Pitta originates in the liver and oversees digestion and metabolic activities. So, it is obvious that a healthy Pitta essentially means a healthy liver.
Ayurveda outlines five types of Pitta, each with specialised jobs namely- Ranjaka Pitta, present in the liver, gives blood its vibrant red. Alochaka Pitta, located in the eyes, allows for vision. The presence of Brajaka Pitta in the skin helps to keep it healthy and glowing while Sadhaka Pitta in the heart and brain governs emotions and decision-making.
Additionally, the liver is also the root of the Raktavaha Srotas, the body’s blood vessels, and is essential for maintaining strong blood circulation and overall health. They also emphasise the importance of balancing the three body energies (Doshas) for optimal liver health, especially the health of pitta.
How to help your liver?
As someone living in this era of social media trends, it is obvious to feel overwhelmed by social media’s health trends and fads. Rest assured, Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom can guide us protect the liver health. Read on to find out more…
What makes Ayurveda stand out is its focus on prevention and a holistic approach. It is not just about managing illness, but about living a life that provisions well-being of a person. This includes personalised guidance on diet, exercise, and daily routines according to the season, time of day, and even age. Here is how Ayurveda can help-
- Foundational practices of Ayurveda: Dinacharya (daily routine), Ritucharya (seasonal regime), and Ratricharya (bed-time routine). Following them promotes a healthy liver and lifestyle by default.
- Panchakarma: Ayurveda’s five cleansing therapies help an individual revitalise, age gracefully, and maintain the balance of your body’s fundamental components, including bio-elements, tissues, and waste products. Ayurvedic doctors recommend to take these therapies seasonally (under an expert’s guidance) to maintain the liver health and ultimately overall health.
- Smart use of herbs: Certain Ayurvedic herbs such as bhumiamalaki, katuki and kalamegh are known for their potential to preserve the liver either by aiding in liver detoxification, increasing bile flow, or protecting liver cells from injury. However, it is recommended to use these herbs and herbal formulations only under the close supervision of a certified Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Catching problems early: Ayurvedic scholars, emphasises the importance of recognising the earliest subtle indicators of imbalance. This allows them to check progression through simple diet and lifestyle changes before an illness takes hold. Signs of liver disease include diminished appetite, discolouration of the eyes, nails, and urine, as well as abdominal pain and they must be addressed immediately.
Conclusion:
While Ayurveda is celebrated for its holistic approach to health and healing, it also receives criticism due to unforeseen effects caused due to unregulated usage of herbs. One important cause of this pushback is people self-prescribing herbal medicines without contacting a competent Ayurvedic physician.
Herbal medicines can harm the liver even though they are frequently thought to be safe. Herb-induced Liver Injury (HILI) is a serious issue that is often linked to herbal products, and supplements. The most common adverse effect is hepatotoxicity, or liver damage. Hence, it is important that anyone considering herbal remedies should understand their proper use, potential negative effects, and safe length of administration.
To conclude, caring for your liver is more than just an organ; it is about protecting your overall health and vitality. Be smart and start your liver health care, aka healthy lifestyle, right away.
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10 everyday tips for a healthy liver:
- Avoid Alcohol: It is a direct liver toxin.
- Manage Weight: Prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Ditch processed Foods: Say no to unhealthy fats and refined sugars.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain weight with balanced diet (fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins) and exercise.
- Regular Check-ups: Essential for monitoring liver health.
- Practice Safe Habits: Avoid sharing needles, practice safe sex, ensure sterile tattoo/piercing equipment.
- Vaccinate: Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
- Prevent Hepatitis A & E: Avoid contaminated food/water.
- Mind Medications: Avoid overuse or misuse of certain medicines and herbal supplements.
- Limit Toxin Exposure: Use protective equipment and ventilation against industrial chemicals and pesticides.
