Pale, yellowish skin isn’t a good sign, especially if the whites of your eyes are also yellow. This could be an indication of jaundice, a condition caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a waste product from broken-down Red Blood Cells (RBCs), in the liver.
Normally, your liver filters bilirubin from your blood and excretes it in your stool. But if your liver isn't working properly or if there's too much bilirubin in your system, it can build up and cause jaundice.
In adults, the condition is rare. Children, particularly babies, may be more at risk of jaundice, with an estimated 80% affected during their first week of life, as suggested in Foetal and Neonatal Physiology (Fifth Edition).
Also Read: From Hepatitis To Cancer, Health Conditions That Can Cause Yellowing Of The Skin Or Jaundice
Being diagnosed with jaundice should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can cause life-threatening complications. While medications and doctor’s guidelines play a crucial role in treating the condition, many believe that sugarcane can also have a relieving effect. We asked a doctor whether the claim was accurate. Here’s everything the expert told us.
Common Causes Of Jaundice
Jaundice is a liver condition that can be caused by several factors.
According to Dr Arnab Sarkar, Consultant Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, one of the most common causes is functional problems like liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis in the liver, or the side effects of some other medications.
Some sort of haematological disorder, like thalassemia, anaemia, or any other condition where the haemoglobin is broken down, can cause jaundice, he added.
The third main cause is the obstruction in the flow of the bile, mainly due to stones or strictures in the bile tract. It can also be caused by some extrinsic compression, such as a tumour or any malignancies, as the doctor explained further.
Treatment Options
In the case of haematological disorders, the causes must be treated first to treat jaundice, said Dr Sarkar.
According to him, functional problems like viral hepatitis resolve on their own, and the avoidance of the drug that is causing jaundice also resolves this medical issue.
However, if jaundice is caused by any autoimmune disorders, it is treated with steroids, whereas obstruction in the bile tract is treated with some interventions like Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Also Read: Sugarcane Juice: Side effects Of Consuming It In Monsoon
Can Sugarcane Juice Help Treat Jaundice?
Sugarcane has a long history of medicinal use in places like India, where it's been used to treat various ailments.
A review published in the Pharmacognosy Review suggests that sugarcane juice is rich in beneficial compounds, while the wax from sugarcane leaves and shoots contains different helpful components.
Researchers believe sugarcane has potential for new medicines, but more studies are needed.
According to Dr Sarkar, there are varied opinions from doctors across the world as to how sugarcane can help in managing this condition.
"While some say that sugarcane, being high in sugar, must be avoided as it can lead to a secondary increase in the level of fatty acids within the body, others say that controlled consumption of sugarcane might help," he said.
However, the doctor noted that more research is required to understand the benefits of sugarcane juice for jaundice.
Tips To Maintain Liver Health
To maintain liver health, here are some tips to consider:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Exercise at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes
- Moderate coffee intake
- Restrict the consumption of alcohol and smoking
- Regulate stress
- Ensure regular medical check-up
Conclusion
Jaundice is a condition that requires medical intervention based on its underlying cause. While sugarcane juice is a refreshing beverage, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating jaundice. Individuals should prioritise consulting healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis, proper management, and adherence to prescribed treatments.