Picture a situation where your liver, the essential organ for detoxification, digestion etc. gradually loses its function. Cirrhosis is the medical name given to this advanced liver disease, in which normal liver tissue is progressively replaced by scar tissue, resulting in liver failure. Its onset is usually gradual, and the symptoms may be mild for years, so many people might not even know that they are suffering from this condition until it's too late.
Let us examine the signs of cirrhosis and how Ayurveda can aid in maintaining the health of the liver through its holistic approach.
Early Symptoms of Cirrhosis
In the beginning, cirrhosis might not be obvious. However, you must watch out for these mild signs:
- Fatigue and weakness: Feeling incredibly tired or weak, even after getting enough rest, is one of the earliest signs that something is wrong with your liver.
- Loss of appetite and nausea: You might experience a loss of appetite, usually with nausea or an upset stomach.
- Abdominal discomfort: Mild pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of your abdomen can indicate liver issues. This is often confused with indigestion or gas.
- Dark urine and pale stools: Alterations in the colour of your stools (light or clay-coloured) and urine (dark yellow or tea-coloured) may indicate that your liver is not metabolizing waste products efficiently.
- Edema and Ascites: A buildup of fluid can result in ascites, or swelling in the legs, ankles, or belly. This is an indication of severe liver disease and happens when the liver cannot appropriately control fluids.
Advanced Symptoms of Cirrhosis
As cirrhosis progresses further, the symptoms become more noticeable, leading to more serious health issues such as:
- Jaundice: When the liver is not able to metabolize bilirubin, a product of the breakdown of red blood cells, the skin and eyes yellow.
- Severe abdominal pain: The abdominal pain worsens as a result of fluid buildup (ascites) or inflammation of the liver.
- Bruising and bleeding excessively: Cirrhosis can slow down the liver to produce proteins that help in blood clotting. Therefore, you can start bruising or bleeding suddenly when you sustain an injury.
- Confusion and forgetfulness (Hepatic Encephalopathy): A buildup of toxins within the bloodstream can lead to confusion of the mind and lack of concentration.
- Spider angiomas: Small, red, spider-shaped blood vessels that frequently appear on the face, chest, and arms due to elevated blood pressure in the liver's portal vein.
When to Seek Ayurvedic Help?
Don't wait until your symptoms get any worse, see an Ayurvedic practitioner right away and receive a personalized, integrated treatment plan that includes detoxification, liver health, and enhancing your overall well-being. Keep in mind that acting early can greatly improve your liver function and overall quality of life.
