Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to liver enlargement and impaired function. The disease ranges from simple fat stockpiling to the most severe condition of the liver and if untreated it can lead to other complications such as inflammation, scarring, and failure of the liver. The way science explains fatty liver disease, its signs, and fundamental treatment approaches, is as basic as comprehending and resolving the issue of liver health and how the problem advances. In this blog, we will discuss 5 Yoga poses for fatty liver disease. Learn how these simple exercises can improve liver health and support your wellness journey.
Fatty liver disease is broadly classified into two categories:
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): AFLD (Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) is a result of the consumption of alcohol and results from alcohol-induced alteration of fat metabolism in the liver resulting in fat accumulation.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition is rare in those individuals who seldom take alcohol or rarely take it at all. It is, however, negatively correlated with obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and poor diet. NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) can further develop into a more serious condition, referred to as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in which the liver is damaged due to inflammation.
Fatty liver disease at the initial stages is usually asymptomatic and this means that affected persons may not experience any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:
Yoga practice can help prevent, manage, and improve liver health without causing harm to the body. Practicing yoga, including specific postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama), can improve liver function, aid detoxification, and reduce inflammation.
Some of the yoga poses enhance blood supply to the liver so that oxygen and nutrients needed in the body are available to the organs and at the same time deprive the body of waste products. Increased blood supply also helps to improve the functions of the liver which has specific roles in detoxifying the blood.
Various studies have proved that there exist certain pathological reasons that could worsen the condition of the liver such as fatty liver diseases among others and that stress only leads to increased inflammation of the liver. Yoga includes breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol."
Another research finding shows that being overweight is a significant risk factor for fatty liver disease. Regular practice of yoga has also the effect of weight loss, as it stimulates the process of losing calories, and also helps to adjust the metabolism and increase muscle mass. Fat loss also aids in reducing the load on the liver and avoiding the additional accumulation of fat.
Most of the postures that are practiced in yoga require twisting of the abdominal region which in turn stimulates the digestion process and aids the liver in the efficient metabolism of nutrients and fats. These exercises are beneficial for the body and can help the liver if these poses are practiced regularly or with proper training of the core muscles, thus the strain on the liver is less.
Certain yoga poses directly benefit the liver by focusing on the abdominal area where fat often accumulates. Here are five recommended poses:
In addition to practicing yoga, several lifestyle changes can improve liver health and prevent or manage fatty liver disease:
Stress should be on the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fat products. Minimize consumption of foods that contain additional sugars and unhealthy fats and oils as well as processed foods which leads to the development of fats in the liver. Avoid or keep alcohol drinks to a bare minimum as they have a dangerous impact on your liver.
Also, read: Fatty Liver Diet: What to Eat and Avoid?
Fatty liver disease is related to obesity and therefore even a small portion of weight loss heavily influences the improvement of the illness.
Reduce diets containing foods that are rich in chemicals that harm the liver or any other substance that may exert pressure on the liver.
It is imperative to have 7-9 hours of sleep for overall health including liver, to ensure that it performs its functions correctly. Sleep disruption may lead to the alteration of the metabolic processes which causes the inflammation of the liver.
Regular Exercise: Besides yoga, physical activity involving aerobics such as walking, cycling, or swimming is equally beneficial to reduce the depositing of fats on the liver and provide good cardiovascular fitness.
Fatty liver disease is on the rise but is easily controllable through dietary modification, exercise, and other practices such as practicing yoga. Hence, through proper exercise as best represented by the performance of certain types of yoga, namely, those that strengthen blood circulation, encourage detoxification, and encourage healthy liver function, combined with a good diet and healthy weight, people can reverse the effects of fatty liver disease.
Consult one of the best liver specialist doctor before changing your exercise routine or diet, especially if you have liver disease. Lifestyle changes such as practicing yoga and regular exercise help not only the liver but the whole body, resulting in a healthier lifestyle.
Experiencing symptoms of fatty liver? Consult Dr. Abhishek for fatty liver treatment in Pune.
