When should I see a liver specialist, and can Ayurveda help with liver health naturally?

Question

I’ve been dealing with bloating, fatigue, and occasional nausea for a while now, and I recently had a blood test that showed slightly elevated liver enzymes. My doctor said it’s nothing too serious yet, but if my symptoms continue, I might need to see a liver specialist. That made me nervous because I didn’t realize my liver could be having problems.

I don’t drink alcohol often, and I try to eat somewhat healthy, so I don’t understand why my liver isn’t functioning properly. What are the signs that I should actually go to a liver specialist? Can slightly high liver enzymes be reversed naturally, or does it always get worse?

I started looking into Ayurveda because I read that it focuses on detoxifying the liver naturally. Are there specific herbs or treatments that can help improve liver function? I came across names like bhumi amla and katuki, which are said to be good for liver health. Do they actually work, and how should they be taken?

Also, does Ayurveda suggest specific foods to cleanse the liver? I read that excessive spicy and fried foods can put stress on the liver. Should I completely stop eating them if I want to avoid seeing a liver specialist?

Another thing—I often feel sluggish after eating, and I’ve gained some belly fat even though my diet hasn’t changed much. Could this be related to poor liver health? If Ayurveda can help, how long does it usually take to see improvements?

If anyone here has successfully improved their liver function with Ayurveda, I’d love to hear about it. Were you able to avoid needing a liver specialist, and what natural remedies worked best for you?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

It's understandable to be concerned about your liver health, especially with elevated liver enzymes and symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and nausea. In Ayurveda, liver health is closely connected to the body's ability to detoxify, digest, and process toxins. Elevated liver enzymes can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor digestion, excess toxins in the body, or an imbalance in the pitta dosha, which governs metabolism and digestion. Ayurveda suggests a natural approach to improving liver function through herbal remedies like bhumi amla and katuki, both of which are known for their liver-cleansing and detoxifying properties. These herbs help support liver function and reduce inflammation. They can be taken as supplements or in powder form, typically with warm water or as part of a detox regimen. As for food, Ayurveda recommends avoiding excessive spicy, oily, and fried foods, as they can aggravate pitta and stress the liver. Instead, focus on bitter and alkaline foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, and bitter melon, which help cleanse and nourish the liver. Drinking lemon water or coriander tea can also be beneficial in improving digestion and liver health. Since your symptoms include sluggishness after eating, this may indeed be related to your liver’s ability to process food, and Ayurveda’s focus on digestion and liver detoxification can support better digestion and energy levels. Typically, Ayurvedic treatments take a few weeks to show noticeable results, but consistency in following a balanced, liver-friendly diet and herbal remedies can go a long way in supporting your liver. If symptoms persist or worsen, it might be wise to consult a liver specialist to ensure you're on the right track.

When should I see a liver specialist, and can Ayurveda help with liver health naturally? - #16870

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