Having a "fatty liver" means there's too much fat stored in your liver. This can happen to anyone, not just people who drink a lot of alcohol. If it's not taken care of, it can lead to more serious liver problems. While eating healthy and exercising are the main ways to deal with it, some experts say certain herbs can also help.
We talked to Dr Shrey Srivastav, Senior Consultant and General Physician at Sharda Hospital, Noida, and with many years of experience helping people with liver issues. He explained that the liver cleans our body, and too much fat makes it work less well. He said some herbs have special powers to reduce swelling, help the body process fats, and protect liver cells.
Herbs That Can Help Normalise Your Fatty Liver
Here are some of the main herbs Dr Srivastav mentioned that might help with a fatty liver:
1. Milk Thistle: The Liver's Bodyguard
Milk thistle is probably the most famous herb for liver health. It has a special ingredient called silymarin, which is a strong protector and helps reduce swelling. Dr Srivastav said silymarin can help protect liver cells from damage, lower swelling, and might even help grow new liver cells. Studies have shown that taking milk thistle can improve liver health and reduce fat in the liver for people with fatty liver.
How to use it: You can find milk thistle in pills, liquids, and teas. It's best to talk to a doctor or herb expert about how much to take.
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2. Turmeric: The Golden Swelling Reducer
This bright yellow spice has a powerful ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin is a strong protector and helps fight swelling in the body. Dr Srivastav explained that swelling plays a big part in fatty liver getting worse. Turmeric can help calm this swelling in the liver. Some studies suggest that taking curcumin can improve liver health and reduce fat in the liver.
How to use it: Use turmeric in your cooking, or take supplements. Look for supplements that help your body absorb curcumin better, like those with black pepper.
3. Green Tea: Full of Protectors
Besides being a refreshing drink, green tea has powerful protectors called catechins, especially EGCG. Dr Srivastav said that EGCG has shown promise in reducing fat buildup in the liver and making the liver work better in some studies. The protectors in green tea also help fight damage that can happen when there's too much fat in the liver.
How to use it: Drink a few cups of good-quality green tea every day. Loose-leaf tea might be better than tea bags.
4. Artichoke Leaf: Helps Get Rid of Fats
Artichoke leaf has been used for a long time to help the liver and digestion. It has things in it that help the liver make and release more bile. Dr Srivastav explained that bile helps break down fats and remove them from the liver. By helping with bile flow, artichoke leaf might help reduce fat in the liver.
How to use it: You can find artichoke leaves in pills and liquid form. Follow the instructions on the package or ask a doctor.
5. Dandelion Root: Gentle Liver Helper
Dandelion root, often seen as a weed, has been used traditionally to support the liver. It might help the body get rid of extra fluids and help the liver clean itself. Dr Srivastav suggested that dandelion root can help remove waste and support the liver's overall job.
How to use it: You can drink dandelion root tea or take it in pill form. Make sure you get it from a good source.
Expert's Note!
Dr Srivastav stressed that using herbs is just one part of the solution. "Herbs should help what you're already doing, like eating healthy and exercising, not replace them," he warned. "Eating well, moving regularly, and keeping a healthy weight are still the most important things for managing fatty liver."
It's also very important to talk to a doctor or a trained herbal expert before using these herbs, especially if you have other health problems or take medications. Some herbs can interact with medicines, and everyone's body reacts differently.
Bottomline
Nature provides us with many things that can help our liver, including fatty liver. Herbs like milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, artichoke leaf, and dandelion root have shown potential in traditional use and some research. But remember, these natural helpers work best when you also make healthy lifestyle changes and talk to healthcare professionals. By taking a well-rounded approach, you can help your liver work its best and improve your overall health.
[Disclaimer: This information is just for general knowledge and not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or treatment.]