The liver is considered to be the “check-post” of the body. It is the largest glandular organ in the human body. The liver has more functions than any other gland in the body. The human blood passes through the liver to several times a day to get filtered or detoxified. This is highly vascular (having huge blood supply all the time) and hence is considered to be one of the most vital organs.

The liver checks out the dangerous drugs, alcohol, pathogens, microorganisms and environmental toxins. When the liver is not functioning well, there are more chances for having drug side effects, allergy and drug toxicity which may result into various bad conditions like diarrhea, malaise, headache, digestive disorders etc.

The liver also interacts with carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It utilizes them to produce the energy. It stores the glycogen and vitamins and releases when the body is not receiving enough energy or when the body needs it in some adverse conditions. The liver also removes the excess hormones from the blood as well as provides feedback for the release of certain hormones. The bad liver can result into infertility, emotional imbalance, excessive anger (behavior changes) and sexual dysfunctions.

The hepatocytes (liver cells) uses the rich blood supply to metabolize the digestive food, break down excess ammonia into urea, store vitamins like A, D, E K, B –twelve and folic acids, regulation of the hormones and proteins. They also produce the blood clotting factors. Hepatocytes secrete bile and regulate the state of mood.

The liver receives about two and a half liters of blood from the tissues and organs including the bowel which is highly toxic. The liver removes the toxins from the blood every minute and excretes them.

However the liver’s activity varies from an individual to another based on genetics, the individual’s exposure to chemical toxins and also for nutritional status. This could be the reason why some are having good immunity compare to others.

There are many causes. The liver could be damaged or malfunctioning due to congenital or inherited abnormalities. There could be infections of viruses, bacteria or other micro organisms. Alcohol consumption causes liver damage for sure.

Infections

There are many ways for getting the liver infected. Infections are very important cause for the hepatitis (the inflammation of the liver). Primary viral infections are common and viruses are the majority causative factors for the same. There are three major viruses that cause the hepatic damage namely HEPATITIS VIRUS A, B and C. They infect nearly five hundred thousand people a year only in USA.

In addition to this, fungi, bacteria and protozoa can also affect the liver function. Liver is also inevitably involved to blood borne infections to some extent.

Inflammatory disorders

The hepatitis involves the damage and inflammation of the liver cells called as hepatocytes. This may be raised due to toxins, immunologic attack or infectious agents. In some cases the antitrypsin deficiency can also imitate hepatitis.

Toxins

Drugs, alcohols, certain chemicals and poisons can cause the hepatic damage. They can effect the liver by directly i.e. damaging the liver cells or indirectly i.e. by stimulating an autoimmune response or by reducing the defenses. Exact mechanism is not yet clear.

Chemicals and poisons – both industrial and environmental can cuase a wide variety of damage or alteration in lever functions. Liver damage is not necessarily dose-dependent and may vary in range from mild, asymptomatic inflammation to sudden and sever failure or progressive cirrhosis and fibrosis.

The alcohol is primarily synthesized in liver and these metabolites may damage the liver. The study says that the risk of liver toxicity increases if about four drinks or more than 40 ml alcohol is consumed a day.

Numerous drugs can also damage the liver in significant manner. The damage may range from mild, moderate to severe. The result could be liver failure and sometimes even to the fatal attack. If the situation is remained untouched for long term, it may end up in death. Anti-tubercular drugs, NSAID, anti-pyretic drugs are very well known drugs that cause the liver damage.

Immunological mechanisms

The immune system of the human body recognizes the foreign or non-self antigens, for instance, invading bacteria, virus and their proteins. These antigens are recognized by antibodies (these are the proteins those can specifically bind antigens and help removing them from the human body) and then finally eliminated.

Now, in some cases, autoimmunity is developed where the immune system reacts against “self” antigens by mistake. This is occurred in primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis. These are two diseases in which the immune system targets and attacks some portion of liver and finally destroys. If this is left untreated, the persistent inflammation of the liver can eventually turns into the liver cirrhosis, the dangerous condition of the liver.

The vascular disorders

When there is an obstruction of the portal blood flow that drains the blood from the intestines, spleen and stomach there will be portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is nothing but the elevation in the portal blood pressure that directly affects the liver as the liver filters the portal blood.

Neoplastic disorders and others

Non-cancerous hepatic tumors are generally asymptomatic and most common of them are hemangiomas. The liver is the common site for blood-borne malignant tumor metastases. This may include breast, lung, pancreas, ovarian, stomach and colorectal cancers.

Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs in the most of the patient with severe cirrhosis from alcoholism, viral infections or hemochromatosis. Men are more affected than the women and the prognosis is dismal with the average of survival of about six months after the symptoms are actually come in to pictures.

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Herbal Remedies:

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Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Arjuna is a coronary vasodilator. It protects the heart, strengthens circulation, and helps to maintain the tone and health of the heart muscle. It is also useful in stopping bleeding and to promote healing after a heart attack. Current scientific research has proved that T.arjuna contains specific medically active constituents namely triterpine glycosides like arjunetosides I, II, III, IV, arjunine and arjunetein. Bark of Arjuna tree has been found to be rich in Co-enzyme Q-10 which is highly prescribed in cardiology departments now a days to prevent heart problems More..

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) It has been shown to lower blood-fat levels while raising levels of HDL, the so called “good cholesterol”. It is useful in atherosclerosis, psoriasis and cardiac ischemia. It has been shown that Guggul can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27% and can lower triglycerides by 22-30%. The effects that Shuddha Guggulu has on the blood cholesterol levels is comparable to prescription medications but, being a natural plant extract, it is a far superior and much safer product. More..

Garlic (Allium sativum), (Lasuna) Garlic is a wonder drug for heart. Clinical trials have shown that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, and destroy plaque. When people with high blood pressure were given one clove of garlic a day for 12 weeks, their diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. More..

Ayurveda describes couple of herbs as single and also some formulae that is helpful to control hypertension. However it is always advisable not to stop anti-hypertensive suddenly and switch on to the Ayurvedic treatment. It is always safe to see Ayurvedic physician before dealing with disease like hypertension.

The legs are important part of the body. They bear the weight and enables person to move. Legs are therefore made stronger than the hands by default. The body’s biggest and also perhaps the strongest muscles are also present in legs named as sartorius. They are none other than the thigh muscles. Anatomically there are three parts of the leg, namely foot, leg (middle portion) and thighs. Pain anywhere in the leg makes the person unable in walking or makes person limping.

Ayurveda believes that any pain is due to Vata Dosha presence. Legs are known as paada in Ayurveda. They are full of strong muscles and have plenty of nerves, blood vessels etc.

There are many causes for leg pain. Leg pain, being a symptom and not a disease, occurs due to certain bodily diseases and conditions. This may include injury, trauma, surgery and cramps. Different parts of the leg fall in different categories as far as causes and symptoms are concerned.

i) Foot and ankle

These are the lowest part of the leg and get easily affected. While running or playing games, if the foot or ankle get twisted then it causes pains. Certain diseases like corns or diabetic foot is the worst situation to bear. General foot pain is not also uncommon. This could be due to overweight or improper footwear. Walking style also affects foot and may cause pain. Walking with high-heeled sandals, it is quite obvious to injure your ankle and so also the foot.

ii) The leg – middle portion

This includes the most troubling calf muscle. Certain sportspersons like cricketers and tennis players are prone to have trouble while playing. While running sudden cramp is very usual and makes person to lie down immediately. In cold weather, elderly people might observe that their calf muscle is as stiff as stone. This could be an extremely painful situation. Looking at affected portions one can easily distinguish the round shaped accumulated portion within the area.

The thigh

Ayurveda deals with the thigh pain separately and stiffness in the thigh is considered to be one of the most dangerous symptoms. This is named as urustambha (say – oo roo s taa m baa) where uru refers to thigh and stambha to stiffness. Here the thigh gets swollen and stiff. Ayurveda believes this to be a situation involving the Vata Dosha and the Kapha Dosha. It is highly contraindicated to apply any kind of oil as it may turn the case from bad to worse. For this, there is something called rooksha-swedana (say – roo k sh aa s v e da na; meaning dry massage or sudation). This is carried out by applying a hot poultice containing simple sand on the affected area.

How to Prevent it

Movement is our daily routine. One can’t imagine life without walking, running and standing. In this manner legs are to be taken care of. Ayurveda suggests daily massaging (except in thigh stiffness) to avoid painful condition. One has to protect legs from cold atmosphere such as winter and air-conditioned rooms. Especially for girls and women; they have to protect their legs from cold and so wearing skirts and shorts those exposes legs are not advisable in extreme winter.

Swimming is good to shape up your legs but avoid it when the swimming water is too cold. While taking bath pouring of lukewarm water on the legs would be really beneficial. Avoid high heels as there are chances to slip and so to twist your legs. Improve your walking style and avoid jumping hard. Daily massage surely helps overcoming leg pains.

Ayurveda suggests that one needs to massage his or her legs daily just before going to bed. It is not always necessary to massage with oil, but certain techniques like gripping up your calf muscle, stroking your thighs and churning your foot is indeed worth practicing. In Ayurveda it is believed that massaging toes daily at night would keep person healthy and would increase his or her eye sight.

* Voluntary Weight Loss
* And Involuntary Weight Loss

Voluntary Weight Loss: Voluntary weight loss connotes losing weight due to the loss of fats in the body.

Involuntary Weight Loss: In this type of program, one may lose weight because of some illness, or because of some strenuous physical activity.

Weight Loss Diet

Weight Loss Diet is not all about starving oneself. In other words, the food you eat gives you the much-needed energy you need to stay alive and be active. That’s why, it is quite essential that your weight loss diet must give all the proteins, vitamins, and minerals that your body uses to grow and replace damaged cells and tissues. A diet that gives all the necessary nutrients is known as a balanced weight loss diet.

You need to eat enough food each day to provide your body with the energy it needs. On the other hand, if you eat more food than your body needs, your body stores the extra food as fat, and you put on weight. The amount of energy you need depends solely on the fact that how physically active you are.

It is important to eat a well balanced diet food even if you are on a weight loss diet. A balanced diet not only makes you healthier, but also helps you live longer and ward off many diseases. So, eat healthy and live healthy. Medical experts are of the opinion that your diet food makes you eat the right quantity of food from which you get nutrition. Apart from the quality of the food, you need to keep close tabs on the quantity as well.
You must have the right quantity of cereals, bread, vegetables, potato, fruits, and dairy products like milk, yogurt as well as.

Advantages of Weight Loss Diet Food

A diet full of fresh fruits and vegetable not only gives you vitamins, minerals, and nutrition, but also acts as a good anti-oxidant. And this anti-oxdant wipes out free radicals, and plays an imperative role in making you stay healthy and younger. Weight loss diet enables your body to lose weight in a natural way.

What’s more, if you are going to have proper weight loss diet foods, you will be able to avoid obesity. Having diet foods that contain the right amount of nutrients, proteins, and carbs creates the right synergy between your mind and body.

Why to have weight loss diet foods?

Try to have a small portion of protein or a portion of carbohydrates such as bread, rice, and potato in each of your meals. Combine these meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to use low fat cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or steaming. Have at least 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables in a day.

Contrary to the general belief, having 3 well-balanced meals a day is important even for a weight loss program. Just make sure, you keep the fat content and quantity in check. And yes, you cannot take care of your health by eating just salad or grilled food. You got to take the right blend of all the good, nutritious food items. But, never overeat!

Besides, you need to keep close tabs on how your body reacts to the different foods that you are taking. It’s so imperative to know what suits you and what doesn’t. Discard the foods that don’t jibe with your system. Proper weight loss diet foods tone up your body muscles and help you maintain the right BMI.

Exercise is just as important as weight loss diet foods. Make sure that you exercise for an hour for at least 3 times a week. Exercise enables you to burn those extra calories that you consume everyday. If you have a sluggish lifestyle, your body system too becomes slothful.

This makes your body organs listless, and they may start giving you some nagging problems. These problems go far beyond the problem of being over weight. High cholesterol, diabetes, heart problems, spine problems, hypertension are all a result of a sluggish lifestyle. So, shake your body before it shakes you. Make an exercise plan that fits in your schedule. Adhere to that plan come what may.

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