Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Ayurvedic Interventions for Liver Health

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a liver problem that affects some people who consume little to no alcohol. This condition results in too much fat building up in the liver, causing it to swell and become damaged. This damage caused by NAFLD is similar to the liver damage caused by years of heavy alcohol intake.

Did You Know?
30% of the world’s population is affected by NAFLD, making it the most common chronic liver disorder!

Understanding the Condition

How does fat accumulation in the liver occur without alcohol intake? Let’s see how the common causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease team up to put your liver in trouble.

A diet high in fats, combined with a lack of physical activity, leads to more calories being consumed than utilised. This results in weight gain. Obesity, particularly weight gain around the abdomen, is a risk factor for NAFLD.

Other factors like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome are also common causes of NAFLD. Some people are genetically predisposed to NAFLD.

Based on its severity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is of different types - 

• When the liver processes more fat than it can break down, the excess fat accumulates, leading to fatty liver (steatosis). 
• In some cases, the fat accumulation can result in inflammation and liver damage, resulting in a condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Prevalence in the UK & US

According to the British Liver Trust, a staggering one in every five people in the UK is estimated to be affected by NAFLD. 

In the US, the situation is even worse, with one in every four – around 24-25% of the population – suffering from NAFLD.

The incidence of NAFLD has been steadily rising among middle-aged women, which has been linked to conditions such as oestrogen deficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome, associated with high serum androgen levels, in addition to obesity and insulin resistance.

Common Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

In its early stages, NAFLD does not usually cause any symptoms, and you won’t know you have it until you discover it in tests done for other reasons. 

Symptoms appear in later or advanced stages, and they include:

• Fatigue.
• Abdominal discomfort or mild pain primarily beneath the right rib cage. 
• Bloating. 

In more advanced cases, you may observe: 

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as itchy skin, is due to a buildup of bilirubin. 
• Swelling is caused by fluid retention in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.

Diagnostic Tests

The diagnosis of NAFLD includes:

• Blood tests such as liver function tests (LFTs) and other blood tests are used to check for markers of liver conditions.
• Imaging tests, like ultrasound, CT, or MRI, can be used to visualise the extent of fat accumulation in the liver.
• Fibroscan (transient elastography) measures the stiffness of the liver, which determines the extent of liver fibrosis.
• Other blood tests look for elevated blood sugar or cholesterol levels, which can help assess underlying risk factors contributing to NAFLD.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Fatty Liver (Yakrit Roga)

Ayurveda refers to the organ “Yakrit”, which can be linked to the liver. It is recognised as a vital organ for digestion and detoxification. 

Liver as a Seat of Pitta 

In Ayurveda, Yakrit (liver) is viewed as the main place or location of Pitta Dosha, which is responsible for the heat, digestion, and transformation within the body. 

The liver, or Yakrit, plays a key role in these functions. A particular type of Pitta, called Ranjaka Pitta, resides in the Yakrit.

In the liver, the plasma (Rasa Dhatu) is processed by Ranjaka Pitta, which imparts a red colour and transforms it into blood (Rakta Dhatu). 

The Effects of Dosha Imbalance 

Pitta Dosha is primarily fiery in nature, corresponding with heat and transformation. Pitta is located in the liver, so excess Pitta can affect the liver, causing inflammatory processes in the liver (hepatitis) and damage to liver tissue. 

Cooling herbs and foods, and Virechana (therapeutic purgation to remove excess Pitta) can all be helpful for inflammation of the liver. 

Kapha Dosha is like water and promotes stability and lubrication of the body. When Kapha Dosha is excessive, it can slow down the function of the liver, causing poor fat breakdown and triggering a process where fat accumulates in the liver, manifesting as NAFLD. 

Helpful treatments for balancing Kapha Dosha and preventing fat accumulation in the liver are warm foods, herbs that assist in the body’s internal cleansing, and increasing physical activity to promote metabolism. 

Metabolism and Liver Function 

In order for the liver to break down fats, prevent their buildup, and eliminate toxins, it must have a strong metabolism (Agni). 

If the metabolism or digestive strength is weak (Mandagni), it can lead to poor liver function, resulting in the accumulation of toxins (Ama) and fat, inflammation, and further altered liver function over time.

Ayurvedic Interventions for Liver Health

Diet (Ahara) for a Fatty Liver

What foods are recommended for liver disorders? Here’s a curated list from Ayurvedic textbooks of healing foods to include in your diet:

• Red rice.
• Sugarcane juice.
• Sweet and bitter-tasting foods.
• Light foods that are easy to digest.
• Dishes are prepared using a bottle gourd.
• Tender coconut water.
• Raisins.

Next, let’s look at foods you should avoid to prevent further strain on your liver:

• Fried and spicy foods.
• Excessive salt intake.
• Alcohol.
• Mustard.

Read more – 10 Superfoods to Support Liver Detox.

Key Herbs and Formulations

Here are some Ayurvedic herbs and formulations used to support liver health by detoxifying the body and protecting liver cells.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Health

• Wild Indigo - Tephrosia purpurea (Sharapunkha)
• Stonebreaker - Phyllanthus niruri (Bhoomi Amalaki)
• False daisy - Eclipta alba (Bringaraja)
• Aloe vera (Kumari)
• Raisins - Vitis vinifera (Draksha)
• Indian tinospora - Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi)
• Neem - Azadirachta indica (Nimba)
• Pointed gourd - Trichosanthus dioica (Patola)

Ayurvedic Formulations for Liver Health 

Avipattikar Churna

• This Ayurvedic herbal powder gently reduces excessive Pitta Dosha by eliminating it through daily mild purgation (nitya virechana) while supporting liver functions.

Triphala Churna 

• This is an herbal powder made from three fruits to support and protect the liver in general. Triphala also contains quercetin, which is an antioxidant generally used for its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Chandraprabha Vati

• An Ayurvedic medicine in tablet form is used to treat liver disorders, including cirrhosis.

Mahatiktam Kashaya

• This is a bitter herbal decoction medicine with strong Pitta pacifying properties. 

Panchakarma Therapies 

Some Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies (detoxification procedures) are also effective for managing liver-related disorders.

• Virechana (therapeutic purgation) eliminates excess Pitta from the body and is especially helpful in liver disorders associated with liver inflammation.
• Basti (medicated enema) with herbs that are Pitta-pacifying will help detoxify the system, enhance liver function, and relieve inflammatory symptoms that are related to excessive Pitta in the system.

Yoga to Support Liver Health

Did you know that Yoga promotes liver health, too? How? Yoga increases blood circulation, acts as a digestion and metabolism promoter, and detoxifies your liver, allowing it to rest, regenerate, and function to the best of its ability. 

Asanas that Promote Liver Health 

Here are some of the best Yoga poses to improve liver function and support liver health: 

• Bow Pose - Dhanurasana 
• Cobra Pose - Bhujangasana 
• Half Fish Pose - Ardha Matsyendrasana 
• Cow Face Pose - Gomukhasana 
• Boat Pose - Navasana 

What is similar about these Yoga poses? Each involves bending and stretching your body at the waist, which gently compresses and massages the liver area to help stimulate liver function.

Pranayama for Liver Detoxification and Fat Metabolism 

Breathing exercises (Pranayama) may indirectly aid the liver by increasing the circulation and oxygenation of the blood, reducing excess production of cortisol (a stress hormone), and aiding in digestion. 

Kapalbhati:

• Kapalbhati is a Yogic breathing technique that focuses on passive inhalation and forceful exhalation to enhance energy levels, circulation, and digestion.

Bhastrika:

• This breathing technique includes repeated quick, forceful inhalation and exhalation while engaging your diaphragm in order to boost metabolism and promote detoxification of the body.

Nadi Shodhana:

• This technique involves breathing through alternate nostrils to help with proper oxygenation of the body, decrease stress and anxiety levels, and promote healing.

Lifestyle and Mind-Body Recommendations 

A poor lifestyle is one of the main contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, healthy lifestyle habits can prevent the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver and promote good liver function. 

Here are some expert recommendations you might want to consider: 

• Eat a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. 
• Avoid high sugar, processed and refined foods, and saturated fats. 
• Stay active to achieve a healthy body weight. 
• Avoid high intakes of alcohol, which can worsen liver damage. 
• Practice stress relief techniques, such as Yoga and breathing techniques, to reduce the impact of cortisol on the liver. 
• Consider intermittent fasting to maintain a healthy body weight and support digestion. 

What recommendations do Ayurveda make for proper living to keep your liver healthy? 

• Do not stay up very late every night. 
• Get plenty of sleep. 
• Drink plenty of water. 
• Do not over-exercise or perform strenuous activities such as walking long distances. 
• Control your emotions - do not get too angry, as it will aggravate Pitta Dosha.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies and DIY Support

Here are some expert-recommended, easy-to-follow recipes you can try at home to assist liver functions and improve metabolism. 

• Herbal teas can be made with coriander, cumin or fennel seeds. Add a teaspoon of any one of these into a glass of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• You can also make detox drinks like Indian gooseberry (Amla) juice or Aloe vera juice, which may help reduce liver inflammation and support liver functions. 
• Dishes or stir-fries can be prepared with bitter gourd, bottle gourd or snake gourd.

When to Seek Professional Ayurvedic Guidance

You should seek medical help for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease if you experience:

• Persistent weakness.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Oedema in the legs or swelling of the abdomen.
• Dark urine and pale stools.

Take charge of your liver health with Nirva – get expert Ayurvedic consultation, powerful Ayurvedic supplements and remedies, Yoga sessions, and a personalised diet and treatment plan designed just for you!

Final Thoughts: Healing Liver, Holistically

Your liver is your body’s powerhouse – its largest internal organ – working continuously to keep you energised, detoxed, and healthy. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can result from diet and lifestyle, medical conditions (such as Type 2 diabetes or other metabolic diseases), or genetics. 

If ignored, fatty liver can progress to worse conditions such as liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, which is why early detection, treatment, and lifestyle management of NAFLD are important.

Ayurveda provides a sustainable and preventive approach to NAFLD by supporting liver health through a variety of herbs, medicines, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations that restore balance before the disease takes root.

If you’re looking to boost your liver health, improve digestion, and enhance metabolism, book a free consultation with our expert Ayurveda and Yoga practitioners at Nirva Health for personalised support and guidance on your wellness journey!