What is a Liver disease?

The liver is one of the most adaptable organs in the Human Body. It has approximately 500 functions that it performs on a daily basis by itself and in connection to other body systems. When the organ is affected by a disease, it can disrupt these functions and, in severe cases, stop them completely.

Liver disease is a blanket term for various common medical disorders that affect the functioning of the organ. As, one type of liver issue has a tendency to lead to more severe issues. However, most liver diseases are curable if treatment is begun early enough.

What are the top 10 functions of the liver?

The ten most important functions performed by our liver include the production of albumin and bile juice, blood flow and glucose regulation, and other such processes.

1. Albumin production: Albumin is an important protein that helps keep blood vessels strong and functional, prevents fluid leakage into tissues, and helps transport hormones, vitamins, and enzymes.
2. Bile production: The liver is involved in bile production, which is important for digesting and absorbing fats in the small intestine.
3. Blood clotting regulation: Vitamin K helps synthesise the coagulants needed for blood clotting. Bile is required for the absorption of Vitamin K.
4. Blood filtration: The organ filters blood from the stomach and intestines, removing harmful substances.
5. Amino acid balance: The liver ensures the right balance of amino acids for protein synthesis.
6. Glucose regulation: It stores extra glucose as glycogen and can convert it back when needed.
7. Infection resistance: The organ removes bacteria from the blood.
8. Blood flow control: The organ can adjust blood flow to the portal vein.
9. Blood sugar control: The organ also helps in managing sugar levels in the blood by storing and releasing glucose.
10. Vitamin and mineral storage: It stores essential vitamins and minerals like A, D, E, K, B12, iron, and copper.

You see how the organ, directly or indirectly, is involved in almost all the essential processes happening in our body.

There are many kinds of liver disease, but they can be categorised into a few subtypes. However, all of these conditions emerge due similar causes. Its the severity that differentiate one type of liver disease from another. Let us discuss the various causes of such complications.

Common causes of liver disease

Liver disease can happen due to any medical issue which causes inflammation of the cells. It is commonly observed that chronic liver disease often arises due to improper management of short-term illnesses. With time, these illnesses keep on progressing and finally lead to chronic stages.

• viral infections

Various viral infections such as chronic hepatitis, Viral hemorrhagic fevers and other respiratory and systematic infections can lead to severe liver-related problems.

• Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD)

The consumption of alcohol can lead to a number of liver-related issues. While, alcohol-induced hepatitis being the most common cause behind the development of hepatitis in people due to a noninfectious reason. It is also a leading cause of the increase in fatty liver cases.

• Non-alcohol related liver disease

Other health concerns such as obesity, increased blood sugar, and high blood lipids can lead to excessive fat storage in the organ, which in turn can trigger inflammation.

• Cardiovascular disease

Heart diseases can significantly impact the well-being of the liver. In the begaining, it may cause minor changes in the organ function. After that, it may lead to more serious conditions like cardiogenic ischemic hepatitis, congestive liver fibrosis, and cardiac cirrhosis.

• Biliary stasis 

“Biliary” is a common term used to depict something related to the liver, bile ducts or gallbladder. While “stasis” means inactivity. If your bile ducts or gallbladder are not effectively moving bile through your biliary tract, there is a higher chance of bile forming sediment. Accumulation of such sediments over the long term may result in severe complications.

• Autoimmune condition

Autoimmune conditions can lead to chronic inflammation and scarring in your liver or bile ducts, including diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. Also, sometimes, hepatitis can occur due to issues in the immune system.

• Genetic Liver disease

A genetic condition, also known as inherited disorder, is a health issue that has been inherited from your parent(s). Some genetic conditions can also affect liver function. Such conditions include;

1. Hemochromatosis: It is a medical condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of iron in the body. A person may experience fatigue, pain in joints, and skin discolouration due to it. It is one of the most common inherited genetic disorder which affects the organ’s health.
2. Wilson’s disease: This condition is comparatively rare. In this, an excessive amount of copper gets built up in the body. Now, it may lead to a range of symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and swelling in the legs. This condition requires long-term treatment. Otherwise, it may lead to serious liver issues.
3. Alpha-1 antitrypsin: The deficiency of this protein can lead to liver problems in babies, kids, and grown-ups. In babies, it might show as a condition called neonatal cholestasis, and in adults, it can show up as cirrhosis and scarring of the liver tissue.

What are the most common types of chronic liver disease?

Here, we mention the most common liver disease worldwide; 

• Is hepatitis A form of liver disease? 

Hepatitis is when the liver gets inflamed, usually from viruses or other non-infectious agents. There are basically five types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Each one of them has the tendency to lead to chronic liver diseases. However, hepatitis can also be caused by non-viral factors.

Causes of hepatitis include:

• Viral Hepatitis: This is caused by any of the five types of hepatitis viruses, with A and E usually short-term, and B, C, and D causing both short and long-term issues.
• Non-viral Hepatitis: The various noninfectious agents that may be the reason for the occurrence of this condition in individuals are alcohol consumption, autoimmune Hepatitis, and the overconsumption of certain medications or drugs.

•  Fatty liver: 

Fatty liver is a condition in which an excess of fat accumulates in the organ for various reasons. It does not cause significant issues in its early stages. And with effective fatty liver disease treatment options, one can achieve a complete cure for this condition.

However, it can gradually lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis without proper medical attention. There are two main types of this disease.

• Alcoholic fatty liver disease: Alcoholic fatty liver disease is the very first stage of liver disease caused by alcohol, where too much drinking leads to fat accumulation in the organ.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: It is a common term used for various conditions where fat accumulates in the liver, often in those who are overweight.

• Fibrosis: 

Any condition that leads to chronic inflammation in the liver tissues eventually results in fibrosis. Chronic inflammation in the organ leads to the formation of scar tissue (fibrous). The most common causes of liver fibrosis are long-term alcohol abuse and excessive consumption of junk foods. However, it can also arise due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or misuse of medications. Fibrosis is a step ahead of fatty liver and comes as a result of the efforts of the liver tissue to heal itself unsuccessfully.

Can liver fibrosis be cured?

Though it may seem very unusual, but this condition is reversible, provided you get the right treatment and make the necessary dietary and lifestyle modifications. Treating the main reason for early to moderate liver scarring can often fix or even undo most of the harm done by the scarring.

• Cirrhosis: 

Cirrhosis is a long-term liver condition caused by scarring, which can, therefore, lead to organ failure. It’s more common in those who are overweight or have a history of heavy drinking. Liver cirrhosis disease usually doesn’t show symptoms until it’s very advanced.

Is cirrhosis end stage?

No, Cirrhosis is not the end stage of the liver disease. Actually, a liver failure is the end stage. Cirrhosis is the late stage of liver disease in which the liver is significantly scarred or fibrosed. However, the organ can still work to sustain life even if it has been damaged. When the organ is unable to perform its functions, then it is said to be in a state of liver failure.

• End-stage liver disease: 

The term reflects end-stage liver disease, or failure of the organ beyond repair due to either chronic liver disease or acute liver failure. This has also been referred to as decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure.

Though, the liver disease does not possess any significant symptoms until they are way advanced. However, there are certain factors one can look for, which may indicate a liver disease. Remember that despite anatomical differences, woman liver failure symptoms are similar to those experienced by men in such conditions.

What are the first signs of a bad liver?

The following signs and symptoms may indicate liver problems;

1. Jaundice – Jaundice can also mean a liver disease. It’s a condition in which the skin, including the white areas of the eyes and various mucous membranes present inside your nose and mouth, turns yellowish in colour.
2. Dark-Coloured Urine – If the urine is dark orange, amber, cola coloured or brown, then this could be a sign of liver disease. This discolouration is due to increased accumulation of bilirubin, which is a yellow pigment present in bile.
3. Light-Coloured Stool – Bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, gives stool its brown colour. If the liver doesn’t produce enough bile or if bile becomes trapped in the organ itself, stools may appear light-coloured or white.
4. Digestive Difficulties – Early on, individuals with liver disease may experience an upset stomach. As the disease progresses and the damage in the organ  increases, a certain type of toxin substances accumulate. This results in more difficulties. Persistent nausea or vomiting can be indicative of liver problems. In severe cases, liver failure may lead to blood in vomit or stool.
5. Weight Loss and Muscle Loss – Muscle loss is a major complication of an advanced liver disease. It can also cause loss of appetite, which eventually leads to weight loss.
6. Musty-Smelling Breath – Long-term bad (smelly) breath can also be a symptom of liver disease. This odour is caused by the excretion of dimethyl disulphide and methyl mercaptan, byproducts of excess methionine.
7. Mild Brain Impairment – Mild cognitive impairment is a common symptom of liver diseases. Patients may experience a decline in personality and activities of daily living, as well as a significant decline in their quality of life.
8. Belly Pain and Swelling – Any issues with the organ can cause abdominal pain that is worsened by certain activities, such as drinking alcohol or gaining weight. It can also cause swelling in the abdominal area.
9. Swelling in the Legs and Ankles – When liver disease is severe, it can slow down blood flow in the organ, increasing pressure in the veins that carry blood there. This pressure can cause fluid to build up in the legs, leading to swelling.
10. Itching – Itching is a symptom of liver issues and can occur anywhere on the body, but it’s common on the arms, legs, hands, feet, or all over.

If you are experiencing any of the following liver disease symptoms, you may contact your healthcare provider for further examination of your condition. The diagnosis of liver disease usually involves a variety of various blood tests, imaging tests, and an X-ray, depending upon the complication of your condition.

What are some of the most common liver function tests?

Diagnosis of liver disease involves the following procedures:

1. Liver Function Tests: This includes a variety of blood and urine tests. With the help of blood tests, doctors are able to get information about the level of enzymes, proteins, and other such substances in your blood. From the urea test, they check for bilirubin content in urine.
2. Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is generally safe and secure. However, a person may experience some discomfort and pain. In this test, a doctor will take a tiny piece of liver tissue to check for the presence of cancer, cysts, or other issues using a microscope.
3. Cholangiography: This is a specialised X-ray that focuses on your bile ducts. It is an important test for examining any kind of blockage, scarring, or the presence of stones in your bile duct.
4. CT Scan: CT scans offer clearer details on the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts than regular X-rays, helping to better understand liver and biliary tract conditions and injuries.

    5. Ultrasound: Relax, you don’t need to be afraid about ultrasounds. It is a non-invasive imaging technique. This  technique is successful in determining fat storage, inflammation, and swelling in our livers.

Can liver disease be treated?

Well, most of the liver diseases are treatable in nature. However, the effectiveness of the treatment plan always depends on the type, severity, and health of the person. One more important point to mention over here is that, only medications can’t solve liver issues. One has to opt for certain lifestyle changes, too.

So, initially, we will be mentioning the different treatment options available for various liver diseases, and then we will jump to the required lifestyle changes that patients must implement.

What is the best treatment for liver disease?

Our liver inhibits a self-healing mechanism. Infact, the organ is capable of healing itself even after 90 % of the damage. However, continual damage leads to a persistent healing response in the organ. This response causes the formation of scar tissues in large quantities, which eventually results in serious medical issues such as fibrosis.

So, to address any issue with our liver, instead of numbing the symptoms, we must focus on redeveloping the organ’s self-healing abilities.

Are allopathic medicines safe for liver disease?

There are a number of medicines of various liver diseases. They help minimise the symptoms and offer relief. However, long-term usage of such highly concentrated drugs has a tendency to inhibit more severe complications such as drug-induced liver injury (DILI). They can also affect the organ’s self-healing mechanism, creating a lifelong dependency on such medicine.

What is the most effective medicine for liver disease?

Homeopathy, is a medical science that offers long-term relief from various symptoms of any kind of liver disease. It does so with the help of a range of diluted medicines made from various natural sources. Along with this, the focus of its treatment lies in finding out the major reason behind the occurrence of the disease. So, that the whole cure revolves around solving the issue from its roots.

Infact, the homeopathic liver disease treatment focuses on supporting the organ to recover. Along with a side-effect-free, non-toxin, and holistic approach.

How can I make my liver healthy again?

Living with a liver disease can be a little demanding. Yes, it demands the inclusion of certain habits on a daily basis, along with an effective treatment plan. As, if you are not willing to give up on alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, avoiding harmful fats and other such factors. No matter what, even if you keep up with your treatment plan, medicines won’t be able to work efficiently.

1. Avoid alcohol: Even above, we have mentioned this numerous times, and you must have heard of it from other sources, too. Otherwise, it is always mentioned on the containers that “Alcohol is injurious to health”, specifically liver health. So, one must minimise or completely avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
2. Eat more foods with Vitamin C: As we mentioned while discussing the top 10 functions of the liver, the organ plays an important role in mediating glucose and maintaining metabolism. Vitamin C is an essential source that helps the liver regulate these functions. This vitamin also helps prevent fat accumulation in the organs, reducing the chances of NAFLD. Guava, Mango, broccoli, and oranges are good foods for it.
3. A good sleep:  Getting enough sleep is very important for your health. Infact, a study showed that not sleeping enough, less than seven to eight hours, can raise the chance of fatty liver disease by 24%.To sleep better, it’s good to have a daily routine, not nap late at night, and do at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
4. Keep your weight in check: Keeping your body weight in control, significantly minimises the chances of development of a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Reducing the consumption of sugary and junk foods and exercising regularly can help you stay at a healthy weight.
5. Eat less Omega 6 fats and more Omega 3 fats: Even omega-6 fats are a type of healthy fats. But, you need to have them in reasonable quantity. Otherwise, it can make your disease reach more severe stages. While on the other hand side, Omega-3 fats like chia and flax seeds, and fatty fish help fight inflammation.
6. Eat less carbohydrates: Consuming too much carbohydrates and proteins can be stored in the body in the form of triglycerides. These are kept in fat cells and can pile up in the organ. Insulin resistance increases the rate of this process and leads to an increase in the levels of triglycerides and an enhanced uptake of fatty acids by the organ, and thus to the increase in the levels of triglycerides in the liver.

What foods are good for your liver?

People with any kind of liver disease are advised to consume a Mediterranean diet. However, fruits, vegetables, and nuts appear to be liver friendly foods.

• Take the right portions of protein, fat, fibre, and carbohydrates in the right combinations in your diet. This helps support the liver and its functions in the body.
• It is suggested that people with Cirrhosis should not drink water immediately after consuming food or before taking a meal. As, the water may fill up in the stomach. This can lead to a temporary loss of appetite and cause weakness.
• Incorporate vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage into your diet to enhance the functioning of the organ and enzyme levels.
• Always opt for lukewarm water for drinking purposes.
• Research suggests that beetroot juice can protect the liver from inflammation while also boosting its detoxification capabilities.
• Fibre-rich vegetables should be in your diet to facilitate the elimination of toxins.
• Certain foods should be limited or avoided, including pickles, fried foods, and those high in spices. Additionally, reducing salt intake
• Studies indicate that olive oil may help decrease liver fat and improve blood flow.
• Avocado is rich in good fats and antioxidants, making it a superfood for liver health. However, it’s important not to overeat it and consume three to four avocados regularly. It can be a part of your diet occasionally.

Following these dietary tips will surely benefit a person with liver issues.

Why choose us?

Bharat Homeopathy stands out as a leading firm for various liver diseases.  Along with a completely side-effect-free treatment, we offer our patients access to various modern homeopathic techniques. Our team of highly skilled doctors have years of experience. Their treatment approach is highly patient-oriented.

With such a personalised and safe approach, we strive to regain the organ’s natural healing process and favour the overall well-being of our patients.

For appointments and inquiries regarding homeopathic treatment liver disease, contact us now.

Case studies of our Patient

This section highlights the effective recovery of our patients from various kinds of  liver diseases.

Case Study 1:  Ankur’s recovery from Grade 2 fatty liver

Patient Details

Ankur was having a grade 2 Fatty liver. He was facing symptoms like  Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, improper digestion, and weight loss.  He also opted for allopathic medicines in the beginning. However, he said that it wasn’t effective enough to cure his condition entirely.

One day, he learned about Bharat Homeopathy from his cousin. He opted for our treatment plan. Within 5 months of the treatment, he was able to find relief from such symptoms. Now, he can resume his studies.

Case Study 2: Recovery from Chronic Liver Disease – Rajesh Ji’s Experience

Patient Details

Rajesh Ji suffered from chronic liver disease which affected his activities of daily living.His disease was manifested in its most severe forms: liver pain, refusal to eat, vomiting. These problems were detracting from his quality of life.

But post starting treatment at Bharat Homeopathy, patient was recovered. He began to notice the symptoms decrease rapidly within the fifteen days of treatment.

Case Study 3: Healing from Fatty Liver – Arnab Das Ji’s Success
Patient Details

Arnab Das Ji was suffering from a fatty liver. The signs that he had were severe abdominal pain, lack of appetite and was not able to do any work at all.

When he came to know about Bharat Homeopathy, he started treatment from here, and in just two months, his fatty liver problems improved to a great extent . He was able to live a normal life again.

Frequently asked question 

In this section, we will cover the most common doubts among the liver patients. 

• How do I know if my liver is healthy?

Liver disease can be diagnosed by conducting a series of blood tests known as liver function tests. Other tests can also be carried out to identify the specific condition affecting th eorgan which are associated with genetic mutations. For signs of damage to the liver, imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are conducted .

• What are the top five foods for liver health?

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale also contain glutathione; hence they activate detoxification enzymes in the organ. The vegetables increase the production of glucosinolate in the body which eventually will help to remove any carcinogen and other nasty agents from the body.

• How is liver pain symbolised?

Pain on the right  and upper area of the abdomen, which is below the rib cage, is generally regarded as pain due to liver impairment. It may be caused by hepatitis and cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, bile duct blockage, and liver abscess and cyst.

• How can I take care of my liver?

Here are five ways to care for your liver:

1. Drink responsibly.
2. Wash your fruits and vegetable. .
3. Get your vaccinations for hepatitis A, B, and C.
4. Be careful with medications and herbal supplements.
5. Always lead a healthy lifestyle through exercising regularly and have a balanced diet.

• Do problems in the liver cause gas or acidity?

When the organ malfunctions, it cannot filter toxins out of the blood system, thus symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, and skin conditions develop. In addition, a damaged liver may not produce adequate digestive enzymes, hence frequent gas and bloating.