Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by a significant loss of cells, so that
the liver gradually contracts in size and becomes hard and leathery. It is a chronic
disease characterized by progressive destruction and scarring of liver cells. The
tissues are replaced by fibrous tissues similar to scar tissues.
Functions of the liver
The liver is a large chemical factory; the heat produced by the chemical changes
taking place in it contributes greatly to the general warming of the body. The liver
secretes bile, which comprises salts and pigments, and aids the digestion of fats.
It stores the substance necessary for the proper functioning of the bone marrow
which manufactures red blood corpuscles. It also manufactures the fibrinogen of
the blood, stores iron and copper and detoxicates the noxious products which are
made in the intestines and absorbed into the blood. It stores carbohydrates in the
form of glycogen.
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and one of the five major organs
which are vital to life. A malfunctioning of the liver may not become apparent immediately,
unless, of course the blood flow through its impeded or the bile ducts are obstructed.
Nor does it recover quickly once it suffers from a disorder.
Causes and symptoms
In the early stages of the disease, there may be nothing more than frequent attacks
of indigestion, with occasional nausea and vomiting. There may be also some abdominal
pain and loss of weight. In the advanced stage, the patient develops a low grade
fever. He has a foul breath, a jaundiced skin and distended veins in the abdomen.
Reddish hair like markings, resembling small spiders, may appear on the face, neck,
arms and trunk. The abdomen become bloated and swollen, the mind gets clouded and
there may be considerable bleeding from the stomach.
Excessive use of alcohol over a long period is the most potent cause of cirrhosis
of the liver in adults. The disease can progress to the final stage of hepatic failure
if the person does not abstain from alcohol. Poor nutrition can be another causative
factor in the development of cirrhosis and a chronic alcoholic usually suffers from
a severe malnutrition. Cirrhosis may also result from a highly toxic condition of
the system in general.
There is a tendency of the body to swell up. Cirrhosis of liver is of many types.
When it is seen among children, it is generally due to faulty diet and is known
as infantile cirrhosis. In adults, it is generally the result of excessive intake
of alcohol.
Cirrhosis of the liver manifests itself in the congestion of organ and that results
in loss of appetite. Diarrhea and flatulence may follow, and then pain in the region
of the liver is noticed. Pressure of the expanding liver on the diaphragm and the
muscular wall separating the lungs and the heart from the other organs in the abdomen
may cause difficulty in breathing along with a cough.
The liver helps to neutralize the toxic effects of substances ingested and if such
substances are taken in excess or are faulty, it may fail to meet the demands made
on it.
The first thing that should be done before medication is started in a case of cirrhosis
of liver is to ban all intoxicating substances like tea, coffee, tobacco and alcohol.
Dietary considerations
The patient must abstain from alcohol in any form. The patient should embark on
a well balanced diet. Vegetables such as beets, bitter gourd, egg plant, tomatoes,
carrots, radishes and papaya are especially useful in this condition.
All fats and oils should be excluded from the diet for several weeks. The patient
should avoid all refined, processed and canned foods; spices and condiments; strong
tea and coffee; fried foods; all preparations cooked in ghee, oil or butter; all
meats and all chemical additives in food. The use of salt should be restricted.
Diet should also comprise of foods rich in protein, because in this disease there
is a significant protein and calorie deficiency.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Usually Doctors would prefer withdrawal of alcohol, toxic substances and also correcting
the malnutrition. There is no specific treatment in Allopathic medicines. However
there are certain Ayurvedic medicines that are useful in improving the liver functions.
The Ayurvedic herbs include Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Bhrngaraj (Eclipta alba),
Kiratatiktha, Bhumi Amalaki and Kalmegh.
By having these herbs and following proper diet would help in treating the liver
disorder and prevent relapse of the disease, provide one follows the steps of leaving
certain addictions like alcohol.
Katuki is the drug of choice for cirrhosis among adults. It stimulates the liver
to produce more bile, the excretion of which relieves congestion of the liver and
the tissues which have become inactive starts functioning again.
Bhrngaraj is the drug of choice for infantile cirrhosis.
Herbal pack for liver cirrhosis
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Yakritplihantak Churna – 1 to 2 teaspoons twice daily before meals with warm water
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Arogyavardhini Vati – 2 tablets twice daily before meals with warm water
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Punarnava Mandur – 2 tablets twice daily before meals with warm water
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Kutki Churna – 1 to 2 teaspoons twice daily before meals with warm water