Our liver is the second largest organ in the body, performing all the crucial functions like detoxification, metabolism regulation, protein synthesis, bile production, vitamin and mineral storage, and more. At times, the liver can develop a condition known as fatty liver disease, which involves the buildup of excess fat within its tissues. This condition is classified into two main types:
- Alcohol-related Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): This occurs due to excess alcohol consumption, leading to fat buildup in liver cells. It can further progress into serious diseases like cirrhosis and liver failure.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This occurs due to excessive consumption of sugar and carbohydrates. NAFLD is more linked to obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Treating fatty liver timely is extremely important, as delays can lead to serious complications like liver inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Allopathic medicines primarily aim to control symptoms and lower elevated liver enzyme levels. Ayurveda takes a more holistic approach by revolving mainly around detoxifying the liver, improving digestion, and restoring balance through herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. In this informative blog, we’ll discover the foods to eat and avoid for fatty liver, along with essential Ayurvedic lifestyle tips from experts. Read on to know in detail!
Table of Contents
- Understanding Fatty Liver in Ayurveda
- Ayurvedic Diet Principles: Foods to Include and Avoid in Fatty Liver
- Recommended Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips
- Ayurvedic Herbs for Good Liver Health
- Why Choose Tarunveda?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Fatty Liver in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Fatty Liver, also called Yakrit Roga (liver disorder), is a disease seen as an intense imbalance of the doshas–Vata, Pita, and Kapha. This disease is linked with the excess accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to the buildup of Ama (toxins) and impaired Agni (fire).
Unhealthy dietary choices, including the intake of oily, heavy, or processed foods, and a sedentary lifestyle, can result in impaired liver function. The treatment for Ayurveda majorly focuses on boosting digestion, detoxifying the liver, and balancing doshas through diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes.
Ayurvedic Diet Principles: Foods to Include and Avoid in Fatty Liver
Ayurvedic diet plan for fatty liver mainly involves regularly consuming bitter and astringent food items. Here’s a comprehensive list of the foods that you can include and should avoid when you are diagnosed with fatty liver.
Foods Included in Ayurvedic Fatty Liver Diet:
- Fish and seafood items, rich in Omega-3
- Healthy fats like Olive oil, Flaxseed oil, and Ghee for enhanced absorption of the nutrients and rich Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts like Almonds and Walnuts help reduce liver inflammation and improve lipid metabolism.
- Fruits like Amla, Papaya, Pomegranate, and Apple.
- Legumes like Green gram (Moong dal), Toor dal, and Masoor dal are ideal.
- Avocados, in moderation, to help reduce liver fat levels and support healthy cholesterol balance.
- Vegetables, especially bitter and astringent ones.
- Whole Grains like Barley (Yava), Millets (like Kodo, Foxtail, Bajra), and Brown rice, which are lighter to digest and support liver function.
- Warm water and herbal teas like Green tea, Jeera or Fennel Tea, Tulsi Tea, or Ginger water to support digestion and liver cleaning.
Foods Avoided in Ayurvedic Fatty Liver Diet:
- Foods containing excessive salt, especially fast food, can lead to water retention and burden the liver.
- Alcohol directly damages the liver tissue.
- Deep-fried and processed food is hard to digest.
- Red meat (in excess) is heavy and heat-producing.
- Artificial sweeteners, as they are non-natural and can disrupt digestion and impair liver detox function.
- Foods and beverages containing high sugar content increase fat accumulation and weaken liver metabolism.
- High fructose corn syrup quickly turns into fat in the liver, worsening fatty deposits.
- Highly processed grains like breads, pasta, and white rice increasing blood sugar content and contributing to fat storage.
Recommended Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips
- Eat at regular intervals, avoid giving huge gaps between your meals to support digestion and strengthen agni (digestive fire).
- Avoid daytime sleeping.
- Avoid late-night eating.
- Regularly exercise for 30 minutes daily to reduce fat and improve liver circulation.
- Practice gentle yoga and pranayama. Asanas like Ardha Matsyendrasana and Bhujangasana improve liver function and stimulate detox.
- Fix your sleep and wake-up schedules.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Good Liver Health
Certain Ayurvedic herbs can help strengthen your liver function, including:
- Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri): This herb is powerful in protecting liver cells and reducing enzyme levels.
- Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa): A bitter tonic which supports liver detoxification.
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): A strong diuretic that helps reduce water retention and enhance liver function.
PLEASE NOTE: No herbs should be taken without consulting an expert Ayurvedic healthcare professional.
Why Choose Tarunveda?
At Tarunveda, we use time-honoured Ayurvedic techniques with personalised care to help you achieve inner healing and desired results. Our experts use their wisdom to offer holistic treatments rooted in ancient texts, backed by years of clinical experience. With us, you’ll achieve:
- Restored liver function
- Balanced digestive health
- Strengthened immunity naturally
- Mind-body harmony
Don’t Delay! BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH OUR EXPERTS– and welcome holistic healing your way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayurvedic Diet for Fatty Liver
Q1. Can I eat bananas with fatty liver?
Ans. Yes, you can eat bananas in moderation in fatty liver, since they are rich in fibre, potassium, and vitamins, which support liver function and digestion. Since bananas contain natural sugar content, please be sure not to overconsume them, especially if you are diabetic or insulin resistant.
Q2. What is the best meal option for breakfast for fatty liver?
Ans. A fibre-rich, nutrient-dense, and low-sugar breakfast is best for fatty liver. Top breakfast choices include oats topped with nuts and berries or upma, poha with lots of vegetables, cooked in minimal oil.
Q3. What is the best drink in the morning for fatty liver?
Ans. The best drink to consume in the morning for fatty liver includes warm or lukewarm water with lemon. It’s great for stimulating digestion and aids liver detox.
Q4. Is rice allowed in a fatty liver diet?
Ans. Yes, rice can be included in your fatty liver diet. Please make sure to opt for whole grains like red rice or brown rice instead of white rice, as it helps regulate blood sugar and improve liver metabolism. It’s important to note that large servings of high-glycemic rice can contribute to fat accumulation and insulin resistance, worsening fatty liver.
Q5. Which type of dal should be avoided in cases of fatty liver?
Ans. Urad dal (black gram) is to be avoided in fatty liver as it is considered heavier and more difficult to digest in Ayurveda. Individuals with weak digestion should avoid it.
