ABSTRACT
The Liver is the vital organ of the body which is responsible for various functions such as detoxification of metabolites, boosting immunity, vitamin storage for various other functions, synthesizing proteins and producing enzymes. Its functioning is affected by various reasons like toxins, fat deposition, poor bad habits and other reasons. So in this article we will discuss how we are damaging our liver through diet and lifestyle and how we can rescue it naturally.
INTRODUCTION
The Liver is the dark reddish brown colored organ located on the upper right side of the abdominal cavity. It comprises around 2% of an adult’s body weight. It is composed of many cell types of different embryological origin, including hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells, stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and liver sinusoidal epithelial cells. The cells of the liver are organized around the functional structural unit of the liver- the lobule. Each of the cell types possesses unique functions that regulate hepatic function at multiple levels. For proper functioning of these cells, energy is needed, which comes from diet. Nutrition has a large impact on the liver. A healthy lifestyle, i.e. healthy food habits and physical exercise is a miracle combination for maintaining Liver Health. Now, further let’s discuss various functions of Liver!
FUNCTIONS OF LIVER
- Production of bile: Bile is an essential fluid that aids Kidneys in the excretion of waste products. Through the release of bile salts and acids, aids in the absorption and digestion of fats.
- Storage and Metabolism of Fat soluble vitamins/minerals- The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins like A, B, D, K as well as copper and iron.
- Drug Metabolism- Liver plays a significant role in the detoxification and metabolism of drugs. Major route of drug metabolism and detoxification is biotransformation whereas some lysozymes are used for it.
- Metabolism of bilirubin- Liver plays an important role in the breakdown of Heme. Heme is converted into biliverdin and other compounds and finally dissolved in blood and excreted by the Kidneys.
TYPES OF LIVER DISEASES
- Non alcoholic fatty liver disease- a condition in which fats deposition occurs in the Liver due to sedentary lifestyle but not due to alcohol consumption. It is most common in obese people or people having type 2 diabetes condition.
- Alcoholic Fatty liver disease- a condition in which fats build ups in the liver due to High intake of alcohol.
- Hepatitis- a condition of liver inflammation caused by infectious viruses and non-infectious viruses. It leads to many health problems and may be fatal.
- Jaundice- a condition when excess amounts of bilirubin circulating in the bloodstream dissolve in the subcutaneous layer of skin.
- Liver cirrhosis- a condition in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Scar tissue replaces the healthy liver tissues and affects the liver functioning.
CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASES
Any of the following one leads to liver diseases:
- Overdose of painkillers like acetaminophen.
- Too much alcohol consumption.
- Infectious diseases like viral, bacterial or parasitic.
- Being exposed to toxins and pesticides.
- Eating a diet high on sugars and saturated fats such as fried foods.
- Alagille syndrome: a genetic digestive disorder.
- Wilson’s disease: deposition of copper in liver.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF LIVER DISEASES
- Yellowing of the skin and whitening of the eyes
- Swelling in legs and ankles
- Belly pain and loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleeplessness
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Lack of concentration
- Weight loss
DIAGNOSIS OF LIVER DISEASES
Test and procedures used to diagnose the liver health
1. Blood tests: Liver Functioning Tests (LFTs) :
- Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase(AST)
- Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP)
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT)
2. Imaging or scanning tests:
- Ultrasound
- CT ( computed tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans.
3. Urine and stool testing
4. Liver biopsy
AYURVEDIC VIEW OF LIVER
The Liver is a well known organ for Ayurveda. In Vedas, it is named as “Yakrit '' and developed from the Rakta Dhatu (Blood Components). In Ayurveda, Liver is also called the “seat” or home of Pitta dosha - the fire element associated with metabolism. The liver is responsible for converting clear plasma (Rasa Dhatu) into blood components (Rakta Dhatu). Also, the Liver identifies and collects the toxins from Rakta Dhatu and eliminates them and maintains the blood purity. This is a brief description about Liver as per Ayurveda, let’s know how we can rescue it naturally!
YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA A REMEDY FOR HEALTHY LIVER BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a trustworthy manufacturer of herbal formulations and Ayurvedic medicine in India with GMP certification. It is one of India's top producers and suppliers of Ayurvedic supplements. All products are 100% pure and herbal. Planet Ayurveda provides most effective poly-herbal powder i.e. Yakrit Plihantak churna for improving liver health. This churna is made from the best quality herbs by strictly following the Ayurvedic principles. This herbal formulation is 100% pure, natural and vegetarian. This is free from chemicals, additives and parabens. Let’s learn below the ingredients of this herbal remedy for liver diseases and how it helps in rescuing Liver naturally!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Yakrit Pilhantak churna
This herbal formulation is made by using the special combination of 8 medicinal herbs:
- Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) having bioactive compounds having hepatoprotective traits that enhances the liver functions and repairs damaged liver cells. It also slows down the progression of liver cirrhosis.
- Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is extensively used in medicine as hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulant and effective against hepatotoxins.
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) has a protective role against liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and infective hepatitis. It reduces the fat deposition and stimulates the regeneration of hepatocytes in the liver.
- Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is a promising herb for the management of Non alcoholic fatty liver disease. It also protects the tissue from the oxidative damage caused by various hepato-toxins like free radicals.
- Kaasni (Cichorium intybus) is a herb which improves metabolism by improving digestive fires. It is used for treating the hepatic fibrosis that is the wound healing response of the liver to repeated injuries.
- Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) commonly used in the treatment of jaundice. It also decreases the concentration of lipoproteins that lower the cholesterol level in the blood.
- Makoy (Solanum indicum) is one of the most useful drugs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions of internal organs like stomach, liver, spleen and also for rheumatic joints.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a herb used for the revitalization and cleaning of the liver by removing the toxins from the liver cells. It also helps to improve the digestive fire due to its appetizer property.
Dosage: ½ or 1 teaspoonful twice daily, with plain water or fruit juice, after meals.
Conclusion
The Liver is a dynamic, heterogeneous organ that regulates glucose, protein, fat, lipid and cholesterol metabolism. But due to various factors like consumption of packed food and food adulteration, lack of exercise, excess usage of painkillers affects the liver functioning. As Ayurveda has extensive potential to heal the body naturally by medicinal herbs, Planet Ayurveda formulates the Yakrit Plihantak Churna which is specific for the liver, helps to improve its metabolic activity and proper functioning.
Author Bio
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD - Ayurveda) is a Globally Renowned Ayurveda Physician with Expertise of more than 25 Years. He is the CEO & Founder of PlanetAyurveda.com, a leading Ayurveda Brand, Manufacturing, and Export Company with a Chain of Clinics and Branches in the US, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and other parts of the World. He is also an Ayurveda Author who has written Books on Ayurveda, translated into Many European Languages. One of his Books is "Ayurveda – God’s Manual for Healing". He is on a Mission to Spread Ayurveda All Over the Planet through all the Possible Mediums. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments with the help of the Purest Herbal Supplements, Diet, and Lifestyle, according to the Principles of Ayurveda. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com
