10 Ways to Improve Your Liver Health

10 Ways to Improve Your Liver Health

The Liver is the body's powerhouse and plays an important role in maintaining our overall well-being. Being the body’s largest internal organ, it performs over 500 functions for the body to perform optimally. These include metabolising nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, regulating blood sugar levels and producing essential proteins and enzymes. 

In Ayurveda, the liver is regarded as the primary seat of Pitta dosha, governing our physiological and psychological functions. Pitta regulates digestion, metabolism and transformation, making it crucial for optimal liver function and overall vitality. An excess Pitta can lead to liver imbalances and issues like inflammation, acidity, gallstones, and skin problems. It could also cause irritation, anger and aggression. Keeping Pitta in harmony is crucial for liver health.

Why is liver health important?

Proper Digestion, Nutrient Absorption and Distribution

  • Liver secretes bile juice and enzymes which help in breaking down and digestion of the food that we eat, primarily the proteins and fats.
    1. Liver filters the blood that it receives from the intestines, and sends the nutrients across the body, while removing the unhealthy or unrequired substances, pushing them to their elimination sites. This is the liver’s most important function known as assimilation of nutrients.   

    2. Heart Health, Immunity and Hormonal Balance

    3. Additionally, the liver produces immune boosting proteins and stores important nutrients, helping the body defend itself against infections and diseases.
      1. The liver governs hormone production, breakdown and excretion, crucial for bodily functions. For example, it produces special types of proteins and fats which signal pancreas to produce the required amount of insulin controlling the sugar levels in the blood.

      2. Detox & Gut Health

      3. The liver is the primary organ responsible for removing harmful substances like drugs, alcohol, toxins, and metabolic byproducts from the body.

      4. The liver produces enzymes to transform toxins into less harmful substances that can be safely excreted by the kidneys or eliminated through the intestines, aiding digestion and preventing disruptions for better digestive health

      5. How to support liver health?

        1. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Opting for a balanced diet with whole, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats help balance Tridoshas. Minimise processed and sugary foods, prioritising antioxidants for liver cell protection. 
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          2. Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for all bodily functions, including liver health. Proper hydration supports the liver in flushing out toxins and aids in digestion and keeps Kapha and Pitta in check.
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          4. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to aggravated Pitta, liver damage and conditions like fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. 
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          6. Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is also helpful in harmonising the Tridoshas.
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          8. Manage Your Weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help Vata and Kapha dominant people immensely as it prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease.
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          10. Avoid Overuse of Medications and Supplements: Many allopathic medications and supplements, when used excessively or without proper medical supervision, can cause liver toxicity and cause disruption of Vata and Pitta.
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          12. Practise Safe Sex: Hepatitis viruses can be transmitted through unprotected sex. Taking precautions can help prevent any viral or bacterial pathogens.
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          14. Get Vaccinated: Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and B. Getting vaccinated can help protect against these viral infections, which can cause liver damage.
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          16. Control Chronic Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to liver problems and imbalance of Pitta. Addressing these conditions timely with a treatment plan is important for liver health.
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          18. Health Check: Timely health check-ups and close look at liver parameter blood tests like liver function test etc. can help monitor liver health and highlight any concerns or potential issues early on.

          What are the natural ways to improve our liver health?


           

          Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of herbs that boost liver health often used in Ayurvedic Syrup For liver Detox. These herbs are renowned for their detoxifying properties and promoting the liver's optimal functioning. Some of the notable herbs include:

        2. Guduchi: Guduchi is known for its potent detoxifying properties.
        3. Kutaki: This bitter herb promotes bile flow, aiding in digestion and detoxification.
        4. Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, supporting liver health.
        5. Amla: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Amla rejuvenates liver tissues and aids in detoxification.
        6. Punarnava: Known for its diuretic properties, Punarnava aids in flushing out toxins from the liver and kidneys.

          It is safe to say that prioritising liver health is not just a choice, but a commitment to our overall well-being and vitality.

          Key Takeaways

          In essence, a healthy liver is the building stone of overall well-being. Rooted in Ayurveda, its balance is integral to our overall physiological and psychological harmony. Ignoring liver health can lead to a cascade of health issues, from inflammation to compromised digestion. Simple steps like mindful eating habits, hydration, physically active lifestyle choices can go a long way in safeguarding this vital organ.

          Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbs like Guduchi, Kutaki, Turmeric, Amla, and Punarnava, known for their remarkable ability to rejuvenate and detoxify the liver. By integrating these herbs and spices, we empower our bodies to thrive and maintain a well-functioning liver. 

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Q: Can Ayurveda help in treating liver disorders like fatty liver?

          A: Yes, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to treating liver disorders. Butterfly Ayurveda’s Livofly is 100% herbal and safe decoction based syrup that promotes liver function and helps with fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, non alcoholic fatty liver, drug-induced liver toxicity, hepatitis A and B, and Jaundice. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised recommendations.

          Q: Are there dietary recommendations for liver health in Ayurveda?

          A: Ayurveda recommends incorporating foods that are easy to digest, such as cooked vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoiding excessive spicy, oily and processed foods is also advised.

          Q: Who all can benefit from liver health?

          A: Everyone. A healthy liver supports overall health and thus it is advised to detox your liver from time to time. Drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices, drinking ample water, eating fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables etc. helps detoxify the liver naturally. People suffering from imbalanced Pitta dosha and health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hepatitis, fat around the liver and liver cirrhosis should make liver health their priority.

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