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What is the life expectancy for cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis, emerging as a global burden and the 11th leading cause of death worldwide, is a serious liver disease that occurs when the organ experiences long-term damage. The life expectancy of a patient facing liver cirrhosis symptoms highly depends on the level of damage present in the organ. However, early diagnosis, proper medical treatment, and implementation of certain dietary and lifestyle modifications may extend the life of patients by many years.

Today, through this blog, we aim to inform our patients about the essential steps they can take to manage their condition effectively. Adopting these habits wholeheartedly can also benefit them by extending their life expectancy.

How Does Cirrhosis Affect Life Expectancy?

In cirrhosis, the healthy tissues of our liver are replaced with a large amount of scar tissue. These scar tissues do not let the organ work properly. Our liver is the second largest organ and performs approximately 500 functions per day. Any issue that affects its functioning can have a significant impact on our overall health. One of the major complications that arises due to the condition is portal hypertension ( too much pressure in the portal veins).

When this pressure is significantly high, it can lead to internal bleeding, affecting the life expectancy of the patients. However, the level of pressure created depends upon the stage of cirrhosis. The condition can be divided into two stages on the basis of its progression;

Stages of liver cirrhosis

Compensated Cirrhosis

This is the first stage of cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is medically considered to be in the compensated stage if the patient does not show any symptoms like variceal bleeding, jaundice or organ failure.
The condition can remain at the same stage for many years. That is why early diagnosis of the condition can help patients to control its progression to more severe stages.
Usually, patients at this stage have a longer life compared to people at the second stage. However, in most of the cases, it is very rare to treat the condition completely. But, with proper medical attention and strict diet and lifestyle modifications, the condition is highly manageable. These factors will definitely help you in increasing your life span.

Decompensated Cirrhosis

It is the final stage of cirrhosis.
A patient at this stage starts to experience symptoms like jaundice, ascites, variceal haemorrhage and can also experience organ failure.
Patients who have reached to this stage of liver damage have to face comparatively more challenges related to health.
In this stage, it is quite unpredictable how long the patient will be able to bear the complications. Patients at this stage need to be very conscious about their health. Decompensated cirrhosis can significantly reduce your life span. But, changes in diet and lifestyle, along with proper medical treatment, may help you achieve a longer life.
The focus of the patients must be to manage symptoms and complications. This will prevent the disease from reaching more severe stages.

Following a treatment plan and implementing certain lifestyle changes can help minimise the damage and manage complications, primarily for people in the first stage of the condition. Initially, we will mention the necessary lifestyle and dietary modifications, and then we will come to the treatment strategies that might help you better manage the condition.

Dietary changes to improve the life expectancy of patients with cirrhosis

Usually, it is recommended for patients with this condition to eat small portions of foods good for liver in a gap of 2 to 3 hours. This will cause little to no stress on the body and maintain your health. You can try including the following foods in your everyday meals;

Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are considered to be liver-friendly foods.
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and other green vegetables can help in the liver’s natural detoxifying enzymes and keep it safe from damage.
Products made from whole grains, such as barley, millet, brown rice, and cereal, are excellent for the patients.
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in seafood like tuna, salmon, and sardines and help lessen inflammation.
Coffee and tea include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, and both d appear to be helpful for liver health.
Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are high in fibre, so they’re a good addition to meals and snacks.

Before implementing these changes, discuss them with your healthcare professional. They can help you with more personalised guidance.

Lifestyle changes that may improve the life expectancy of patients with cirrhosis

Stop drinking Alcohol:

Drinking alcohol or alcoholic beverages can lead to severe complications in patients with cirrhosis. In fact, approximately 46 per cent of people have issues regarding liver health due to alcohol consumption. It is advisable for patients with any kind of liver disorder to steer clear of such a habit. You can also seek medical support to overcome alcohol addiction (if you have one).

Maintain a healthy weight:

The most effective way to maintain a healthy weight is with the help of exercising and good eating habits. This can help prevent the accumulation of extra fat in your liver. However, before participating in any kind of physical activity, please consult your general practitioner, also before making changes in your diet.

Minimise salt consumption:

The consumption of salt can increase the chances of fluid overload in patients with liver cirrhosis. It can also increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Now, you don’t have to completely restrict its consumption but try to minimise it and avoid the consumption of processed foods.

Use medications only after the doctor’s prescription:

Overuse of painkillers and over-the-counter medicines can significantly impact your liver health. Please do not self-medicate and always seek a doctor’s advice for medicinal purposes. Otherwise, it may lead to complications related to the liver.

For more knowledge about lifestyle changes that you must implement, refer your doctor. Now that we are done with diet and lifestyle tips, it is time to mention the treatment strategies. The suitability of the treatment is the most important factor that can help in increasing the life expectancy of a patient with cirrhosis. Homeopathy offers a proven and tested solution to relieve patients from symptoms of liver cirrhosis and complications arising due to it.

What is the Best Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis?

Homeopathy has demonstrated its efficacy in treating a variety of liver conditions, including cirrhosis. This methodology not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the root causes, such as genetic predispositions, viral infections, metabolic alterations, and damage from alcohol. This system of medicines plays a vital role in minimising further damage to liver cells.

By boosting the immune system, homeopathy reduces the viral load and enhances overall health. Early intervention with suitable homeopathic remedies can halt disease progression and prevent more severe complications, such as liver failure or cancer. Consequently, homeopathy for liver cirrhosis is highly recommended, particularly in the early stages, for its potential to restore normal liver function and effectively manage the condition.

Why choose us?

Our homeopathic treatment for liver cirrhosis aims to improve liver function, reduce inflammation, and tackle the underlying causes of the condition. By incorporating remedies derived from natural substances, our doctors at Bharat Homeopathy offer a treatment that is both effective and free from side effects. They also guide the patients with the best possible diet plans and provide suggestions regarding active lifestyles.

Our liver specialist focuses on recognising unique clinical patterns of symptoms that set it apart from traditional homeopathic practices, allowing for personalised treatment plans for liver cirrhosis. This customised approach ensures that the treatment is designed to meet the detailed needs of each and every patient, making homeopathy a viable option for managing liver cirrhosis.