Non-alcoholic
steatohepatitis (NASH) is a silent liver disease which resembles alcoholic
liver disease. This condition involves a
fatty liver, inflammation, and damage to the liver cells which can in the
long-term lead to permanent damage and cirrhosis. Increased liver enzymes without any apparent
cause for inflammation such as hepatitis are suggestive pointers to the
diagnosis of NASH. Liver biopsy is
diagnostic of this condition. This
condition can be silent for years or decades.
In the later stage, symptoms become apparent and include fatigue, weight
loss, and weakness as a result of cirrhosis of the liver. Very rarely, a spontaneous reversal and resolution
of the condition may be observed.
Inflammation and death of liver cells causes scarring and cirrhosis
which causes fluid retention, muscle wasting, bleeding from intestines, and
liver failure. In this situation, liver transplantation is the only possible
measure which can completely cure the disease.
In early stages, measures like weight loss, adopting a healthy and
balanced diet, light exercises, and abstaining from alcohol as well as hepato-
toxic medicines can help reduce damage and improve symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
for NASH involves the use of herbal medicines which have a specific corrective
action on the hepato-cellular structure.
These herbs reduce inflammation and damage to the liver and improve its
functioning. Specific herbs can also be
used to reverse or minimise permanent damage to the liver and bring about
resolution of inflammation to the maximum extent possible. Treatment can also be given to prevent or
reduce all the symptoms related to cirrhosis, such as accumulation of fluid in
the abdominal cavity and bleeding from the intestines. Additional aggressive herbal treatment can
also help to reduce the chances of malignancy of the damaged liver.
In order to obtain
the maximum possible benefit from Ayurvedic herbal treatment, it is important to
commence treatment as early as possible, once the diagnosis of NASH has been
made. Treatment needs to be given for
periods ranging from 6-9 months, in order to achieve significant improvement in
the condition. Ayurvedic herbal
medicines can help reduce morbidity and mortality. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a significant
role to play in the management and treatment of NASH
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
