The liver is one of our most vital organs. It is perhaps the organ performing more functions than any other. It is the seat of our metabolic processes and sustains the body’s functioning in many ways. Needless to say, diseases of the liver are alarming and need immediate attention.
The liver is the second largest organ of our body, next only to the skin. It weighs somewhere around 1.5 kilos. The functions it performs and oversees are many. Interestingly, research suggests that the liver may perform as many as five hundred functions, maybe more! The liver produces proteins necessary for blood clotting. This function is performed in conjunction with vitamin K, which is why vitamin K is said to be so important for blood clotting. The liver produces bile and bile pigments, necessary for fat digestion and absorption. It helps in the excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones and also drugs. Many enzymes are produced and transported from here. Plasma proteins like albumin are also synthesized in the liver. There are numerous other functions performed by the liver, many of which are still under investigation by experts.
Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the liver is vital to life and needs good care. Liver-friendly foods are absolutely essential to be included in the diet. Most of these can be obtained by a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Cooked and even raw vegetables of all varieties have a beneficial effect on the liver. Vegetables that have a high quantity of the mineral Sulphur are especially cleansing for the liver. Cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, radishes and broccoli are some of them. Even coffee in moderate amounts is good for the liver, especially for people suffering from chronic liver disease. Grapes, blueberries and cranberries are some fruits that can be added to the diet. These are rich in antioxidants that help detox the liver. Also, nuts are known to improve liver enzymes and consequently liver functioning. Fish is a great option for non-vegetarians as it has lasting benefits on liver efficiency. Olive oil can be used for cooking or for dressing salads to benefit the liver.
The liver, being such a dynamic organ of the body, is also prone to diseases and disorders occurring from a wide range of factors. An unhealthy diet is hazardous to the liver, especially one that is rich in oils, fats, etc. Alcohol abuse harms the liver cells and causes widespread liver damage leading to alcoholic liver disease and eventually liver cirrhosis. Smoking is another causative factor for liver disease. Allopathic drugs taken for a long time may have detrimental effects on the liver. Notorious among these are steroids. Steroidal medicines, in recent years, have become so widespread and popular that their usage has become rampant and unchecked. These medicines have the benefit of giving immediate results which makes physicians prescribe them readily. However, these medicines affect the liver functioning negatively and gradually liver enzymes are impacted. It is important that both the usage and dosage of steroidal medicines must be prudently decided.
The liver may also become affected by viral infections; the most notable among those is hepatitis. Hepatitis is a viral infection that has many subtypes (A, B, C, D, E). Their causative factors are different. While hepatitis A and E are generally caused by coming in contact with contaminated faeces, hepatitis B, C and D occur due to contact with infected blood and other body fluids. As we know, hepatitis B is a major predicament that affects lakhs of people in the country and has no cure. Thus, liver infections are common and may even be fatal.
Liver diseases usually do present with symptoms and are generally not silent. Non-specific symptoms do come up when the liver starts ailing under some condition. Dyspepsia is the most common. Heaviness in the abdomen, fullness, bloating, flatulence, burps, a feeling of nausea, belching, and perhaps a change in bowel habits may occur. A loss of appetite may be seen. Since these symptoms are vague, people may consider them to be trivial and routine. This is dangerous as this leads to a delay in the diagnosis and progression of the disease unchecked. Often people do not reach the doctor until it is too late and treatment can only be supportive, not curative. It is wise to see a doctor soon as symptoms appear to rule out any serious underlying pathology.
Liver diseases are usually diagnosed by investigations. The physician first conducts a physical examination and takes a detailed history of the symptoms and signs. Blood tests are then advised to mainly assess liver function. An ultrasound is also helpful to diagnose liver pathology. Fatty deposits on the liver are diagnosed via ultrasound. Serum bilirubin levels are assessed to rule out jaundice. Also, a lipid profile may be done. These tests are markers to assess the metabolic efficiency of the liver. Investigations for hepatitis should also be conducted if signs of liver infection are present. In specific cases, a CT scan may also be advised. These investigations help in establishing a final diagnosis so that the disease may be managed accordingly. Earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment.
Homeopathic medicines have a wide range of action and the liver is no exception. These medicines are made from various sources – be it plant, animal, chemical, and many more. These medicines act by virtue of their power to stimulate the liver into better and more efficient functioning. Although many liver tonics and tablets are available in the market, it is important to differentiate the beneficial ones from the others. Not every medicine can be effective against liver disorders. Many of the formulations commercially available contain chemical ingredients that may have toxic or deleterious effects. Therefore, it is essential to select a medicine made out of genuine sources in scientific and standardized settings. One must thoroughly investigate the constituents of a medicine before consuming it for any length of time.
Homeopathic remedies have the advantage of causing no harm or side effects to a person. They can be given to young and old alike without stressing about their possible harmful effects. Schwabe India, being a leading manufacturer of homeopathic remedies in India, is a reliable and genuine source of homeopathic medicines and related products. One of their formulations is the Carduus Marianus Pentarkan, which is a medicine especially aimed at liver disorders and liver health.
Carduus Marianus Pentarkan is a combination of four homeopathic medicines that are all proven to have beneficial effects on liver problems. Fatty deposits and degeneration of the liver as well as chronic liver disease can be treated with this combination medicine. The constituents of Carduus Marianus Pentarkan are acidum hydrofluoricum, aurum mur natronatum, carduus marianus and quassia. These are all homeopathic medicines with marked action on the liver and related disorders. Symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, flatulence, heaviness, bloating and general digestive disturbances, along with a feeling of malaise and illness, can be benefitted from this remedy. It can be given as a supplementary medicine to enhance liver function while treatment is carried out by homeopathic potencies. It can act as a supportive medicine for liver function after violent and debilitating liver infections. Generally, one tablet is taken thrice a day. The dosage for children is usually half that for adults. Shop for the medicine online at Schwabe India or visit your nearby licensed homeopathic pharmacy to get the medicine. It is best that you take any remedy under the supervision of a registered homeopath to get the best results out of it.
Dosage: Unless otherwise prescribed, Carduus marianus Pentarkan (WSI) should be taken as follows: For acute complaints, 1 tablet should be taken at hourly intervals until an improvement occurs, up to a maximum of 12 times a day. For subsequent treatment, 1 tablet should be taken 3 times a day. Children should be given half of the adult dose. Note: Please note that this product is not indicated in cases of acute intoxication. Side effects: No side effects of Carduus marianus Pentarkan (WSI) are known. Contra-indications: Do not use this product during pregnancy. Interactions: No interactions between Carduus marianus Pentarkan (WSI) and other products are known.
