With the consumption of fast processed food being at an all-time high, it may come as no surprise that liver disorders are on a rise as well. Other pernicious lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption are also deemed as public enemy no. 1 when it comes to liver problems.
However, it is also extremely naïve to put onus of the blame on junk food and alcohol alone.
It’s not just our reliance on Fast-food but also our unabashed dependence on modern medication that is on the rise too. If you’ve spent even a second of your time reading the side effects that come with most medicines, then you are bound to find some form of liver conditions on top of that list.
Liver is a major detoxifying agent of your body, and your body’s constant exposure to pollution, chemical medicine, and sedentary lifestyle choices has almost overworked it to the point of exhaustion.
An unhealthy liver will impact your body’s growth and development, and result in the conjuring of grave threats such as fragile bone integrity, fertility issues and cardiovascular disorders.
Suffice to say, maintaining your liver’s health should be a priority, and doing so by incorporating natural Ayurvedic remedies into your daily routine should be a norm without question.
Luckily for us, Ayurveda lays down a plethora of natural options on the table to make sure our livers remain healthy, and as such, we achieve optimal health and well-being.
Ayurvedic Remedies to Overcome Liver Diseases
Herbal Allies to Manage Liver Disorders
A vast majority of Ayurveda’s literature is riddled with documented facts on all the health benefits one can hope to harvest by consuming a wide variety of herbs growing on god’s green earth. Many of these herbs exhibit proven benefits with regards to increasing bile flow or reducing liver congestion.
Ayurveda specifically recommends the incorporation of saliently bitter tasting herbs to help manage liver diseases. Bitter herbs are universally renowned for their ability to strengthen digestion. They do so by causing a reflexive secretion of gastric juices, which help in toning the muscles around the digestive tract.
Bitter herbs also play a significant role in the detoxification process. They help filter out impurities and process ingested nutrients. As they possess heat-reducing and antibacterial properties, they can also be used to increase immunity and support pitta balance.
Herbs like Turmeric, Neem, Dandelion, celandine, and chiretta among many others, can all play a crucial role in supporting optimal liver health because of their bitter taste. You can have them in small amounts with your tea, or have their extract 20 minutes before your meal every day to experience positive results.
Please note, pregnant women and people afflicted with other health conditions should consult with their Ayurvedic Practitioner before adding any of the above-mentioned herbs to their diet.
Adhere by a Pitta Balancing Lifestyle
Liver disorders are almost always an indication of aggravated pitta in the body. Don’t get us wrong, people with strong pitta do experience strong digestive fire, vitality and warmth. Such individuals are known to exhibit efficient, industrious and intelligent temperaments.
However, pitta-dominant people can also experience overwhelming amount of heat, sweat incessantly, and feel irritated when hungry. Such intense state of existence can trigger conditions that are common with excess pitta such as skin rashes, inflammation, headaches, high blood pressure, and of course liver congestion.
In cases such as this, Ayurveda recommends the incorporation of cool, dry, light and bitter foods that can counter the effects of excess-pitta or overheat. Having foods such as beans, green vegetables, whole grains and sweet fruits can all work wonders in calming an aggravated pitta.
On the other hand, people with excess pitta should always stay away from heating foods, such as chili, hot spices, salt, coffee, oil, fermented food, red meat and refined flour or sugar.
You can also balance your pitta by taking a break from your daily hustles. Carve out a schedule dedicated to Yoga, spend time in nature, take up stress relieving tactics such as singing and dancing to release all tension and put your mind at peace.
Fasting
Liver is quite a formidable organ, and revitalizes itself briskly if you just reduce the burden on it. Fasting can be a great option to help you accomplish this goal. Fasting provides the liver with much needed break in order to better process nutrients and flush out the toxins that pour in through your food.
One should only fast when you are calm and at peace with yourself and avoid it altogether if you are stressed instead. Try drinking nutrient dense juices to provide your body with the required energy while you undertake fasting.
Again, do consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before you choose to go down this route.
Milk Thistle Tonic
Milk Thistle has found itself under the microscope of many curious health experts who believe it can reverse chemically induced liver damage and prevent toxicity experienced by the liver during chemotherapy.
In fact, Milk Thistle is now a commonly found ingredient in many liver-supporting formulas being sold in health markets. Liver tonics such as this should be taken regularly as per the instructions of your practitioner and should be taken separately from your bitter herbs.
The Bottom Line
Ancient wisdom and modern medicine can only take you so far. Ultimately, it all boils down to the lifestyle choices you make when trying to maintain your liver health. Always nourish yourself with quality organic food, filled with nourishing nutrients. Avoid hogging down on fast food and sweet delicacies.
Constantly hydrate yourself and eat fiber-rich food as you need them for overall smooth digestion and preventing liver congestion. Exercise daily and practice Yoga, but not to the point of exhaustion. The idea after-all is to balance pitta and not aggravate it.
Try fasting, and incorporate bitter herbs in your diet daily to support digestion, detoxification and optimal liver health.
Ayurveda puts you on a far more desirable path that recommends natural and safe methods to maintain the health of one of your body’s most crucial organ. We strongly recommend you consult your Ayurvedic practitioner today to learn how you too can find relief from liver diseases or prevent them from ever occurring in the first place.
Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.
