Liver Cirrhosis

Replacement of normal liver tissues by fibrous tissues is called liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis may be considered as a stage which liver reaches after confronting with certain causative factors for prolonged period of time. Liver cirrhosis is many times compared with Kumbhakaamla described in Ayurveda.

Though liver cirrhosis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption in majority of cases, some viral infections (such as hepatitis B, C viruses), autoimmunity, heredity and other factors damaging the liver can also cause it.

From Ayurvedic perspectives, liver cirrhosis reflects extreme aggravation of pitta dosha. Since liver is a seat of pitta, aggravated pitta affects the liver function and later vitiates other doshas as well. Rasa and rakta dhatus are particularly intoxicated while other dhatus too become weak. Almost all functions of pitta such as digestion of food, complexion of skin, feeling of hunger, production of blood etc get considerably hampered.

• Avoid hot, spicy, oily, and heavy foods; eat a vegetarian diet.
• Avoid refined flour, polished rice (white rice), mustard oil, mustard seeds, asafetida, peas, canned and preserved foods, cakes, pastries, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, and aerated drinks.
• Increase intake of whole-wheat flour, brown rice or parboiled rice, mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, Indian gooseberries (amla), grapes, radishes, lemons, dried dates, raisins, almonds, and cardamom.
• Avoid unnecessary exercise and stressful conditions such as anxiety or anger.
• Take complete rest.
• Alcohol consumption should be stopped completely.