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. Liver damage is caused by a number of factors. Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the primary causes of liver damage.
Alcohol is extremely difficult to purify and since the purification of blood takes place in the liver, alcohol content in the blood places an unwanted strain on the functioning of the liver, causing it to weaken and ultimately stop functioning. Cirrhosis of the liver treatment must be undertaken immediately to avoid any further complications to the internal organs of the body.
Frequent Attacks of Indigestion, Occasional Nausea and Vomiting
In the early stages of the disease, there may be nothing more than frequent attacks of indigestion, with occasional nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the liver are alarming and need to be given immediate undivided attention by the doctor.
Identifying the symptoms of liver cirrhosis is equally important because most people tend to pass off an indication of liver cirrhosis as a bacterial infection of the intestines. A pain in the abdomen is not a good sign and needs to be checked extensively. Seeking medical attention immediately will be the wisest decision that you can make, if the symptoms of the illness point to liver damage of any form.
Abdominal Pain, Low Grade Fever, Foul Breath
There may also be 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 hairlike markings, resembling small spiders, may appear on the face, neck, arms, and trunk.
The abdomen becomes bloated and swollen, the mind gets clouded, and there may be considerable bleeding from the stomach. The moment a person begins to experience pain in the abdomen, accompanied by a low grade fever and foul breath, they are indicative of liver cirrhosis symptoms, and care should be taken to give immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment in any way possible could prove to be fatal.
Excessive Use of Alcohol
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. After being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, it is advisable for consumers of alcoholic drinks to avoid the consumption of any alcohol whatsoever. Further damaging the liver will start a cycle of subsequent system shut down, which will have serious health implications on anyone who already suffers from a disorder of the liver.
Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition can be another causative factor in the development of cirrhosis and a chronic alcoholic usually suffers from severe malnutrition. Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to get back to good health. After having suffered a considerable amount of liver damage, it is advisable that the patient consumes foods that are not complex, such as vegetables and fruits, which provide the body with the nutritional content required for damaged tissue repair.
Highly Toxic Condition of the System
Cirrhosis may also result from a highly toxic condition of the system in general. Being aware of the fact that the toxicity levels of the body are extremely high, it is advisable for a person suffering from cirrhosis of the liver to undergo certain detoxifying routines, such as exercise with forms of yoga, the consumption of green tea and drinking plenty of water. These agents help to remove all the toxins from the body, flushing out your system and helping in recovery from a very serious condition.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Treatment using Papaya Seeds
The black seeds of papaya have been found beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, caused by alcoholism and malnutrition. A tablespoon of juice obtained by grinding the seeds, mixed with ten drops of fresh lime juice, should be given once or twice daily for about a month as a medicine for this disease.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Treatment using Trailing Eclipta
The herb trailing eclipta, botanically known as eclipta alba, has proved invaluable in cirrhosis of the liver. The juice of all parts of this plant should be taken in doses of one teaspoon, mixed with one teaspoon of honey, three times daily. This is believed to help considerably in the detoxification process. As with any herb however you need to exercise some amount of caution, and should consult your doctor before trying it out.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Ttreatment using Picrorhiza
Picrorhiza, botanically known as picrorhiza kurroa, is a drug of choice in ayurveda for cirrhosis of the liver among adults. The root of the herb is given in powdered form. A tablespoon of the powder, mixed with an equal quantity of honey, should be administered thrice daily. In case of accompanying constipation, the dose should be increased to double and should be given with a cup of warm water, three to four times a day. It stimulates the liver to produce more bile, the excretion of which relieves congestion of the liver and the tissues. Cirrhosis of the liver involves a blocking of the liver because of the high level of toxicity. Consuming picrorhiza kurroa is an effective method of clearing up any blockages in the liver and reducing any swelling that may be experienced.
Cirrhosis of the Liver Treatment using Vegetable Juices
The juice of carrots, in combination with spinach juice, has been found beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. Spinach juice-200 ml, should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to prepare 500 ml or half a litre of combined juices. Alternatively, 300 ml of carrot juice, combined with 100 ml each of cucumber and beet juices can be used effectively. Vegetable juices are extremely easy to digest and will provide the body with the nutrition required for the repair of damaged tissue. Damage of tissue in the liver is caused by highly complex foods that place a strain on the liver. Vegetable juices, being easy to digest, avoid any strain and will assist in repair of a damaged liver.
Home Remedies for Cirrhosis of the Liver
Medical treatment is absolutely essential when dealing with liver cirrhosis, but home treatments and remedies can significantly help to bolster the effects of treatment, facilitating and hastening the healing process. With compromised liver function the buildup of toxins in the body can be threatening, and detoxifying remedies and fruit diets can help to remedy the situation.
Abstain Alcohol, Have Juice Fast
The patient must abstain from alcohol in any form. He should undergo an initial liver-cleaning programme by going on a juice fast for seven days. Freshly extracted juices from red beets, lemon, papaya, and grapes may be taken during this period. Abstaining from alcohol is the primary and most important decision you have to make when you have been affected by damage caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol adds greatly to the toxicity levels in your body and puts severe strain on your already weakened liver. Once a cirrhosis of the liver prognosis has been made, it is important that you stick to a rigorous diet, comprising of foods that are healthy, nutritious and are easy to digest.
Juicy Fruits and Milk
This may be followed by a fruit and milk diet for two to three weeks. In this regimen, the patient should have three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, and peaches, and a litre of milk divided into three parts, each part to be taken with each fruit meal. The milk should be gradually increased by 250 ml daily and go up to two litres a day. It should be fresh and slightly warmed, if desired. It should be sipped very slowly. Juicy fruits and milk provide a high amount of nutrition and protein to rebuild whatever tissue has been damaged. It is also important that a person suffering from cirrhosis of the liver not undertake any strenuous exercise so that the body has a chance of recuperating from a very delicate situation.
Well-Balanced Diet Consisting of Nuts, Seeds etc
After the fruit and milk diet, the patient should embark upon a well-balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits with emphasis on raw, organically-grown foods. Vegetables such as beets, squashes, bitter gourd, egg-plant, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, and papaya are especially useful in this condition. A well balanced liver cirrhosis diet will contain foods that provide every ounce of nutrition to the body for healing of damaged parts.
Avoid Fats, Oils Refined, Pprocessed and Canned Foods
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 clarified butter, oil, or butter; all meats; and all chemical additives in food. The use of salt should be restricted. Fats, oils and processed foods are complex foods because they are preserved either in oils or in sugary solutions that are extremely harsh on the digestive system and the liver.
Warm-Water Enema
The patient should be kept in bed. A warm-water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the juice fast and thereafter, if necessary. A warm water enema has been recommended for the treatment of a number of illnesses through the years. Cleansing out the bowels is an effective method of detoxifying the system and can help conditions like liver cirrhosis that cause high toxicity levels. A warm water enema flushes out the system and removes any toxins that are causing problems. Warm water enemas were initially given to children and elders at least once a month, to ensure that the digestive system remained clear of any toxins that could cause problems.
Hot and Cold Compresses
Application of hot and cold compresses, for two to three minutes each, on the liver area are beneficial. A hot and cold compress on the area of the liver will provide a certain amount of relief and assist in quick healing of the damaged portion of the liver. The treatment for liver cirrhosis requires intensive care and a diet that needs to be followed strictly. Staying away from fatty foods, alcohol and maintaining a strict regime of exercise and rest will be very helpful in getting your health back to normal.
Morning Dry Friction, Breathing and Other Exercises
The morning dry friction, breathing and other exercises should form a regular daily feature of the treatment. Modern dry friction and breathing exercises are extremely beneficial methods of cure for cirrhosis. Yoga exercises that have been recommended for stretching and breathing are extremely beneficial methods of treatment for cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol induced cirrhosis will require a patient to be extremely careful about diet and the individual will need to abstain from the consumption of alcohol. Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition that needs constant care and attention. Abstaining from alcohol, eating the right foods and living a healthy life, complete with ample amounts of rest and exercise is the most effective method of prevention and coping with liver cirrhosis.
