Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease- An Ayurvedic Pragmatic Approach with Its Management

- The term Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) refers to a broad spectrum of disorders characterized by fatty infiltration of the liver, steatosis, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. Epidemiological studies suggest prevalence of NAFLD in around 9% to 32% of general population in India with a higher prevalence in those with obesity and diabetes. No established pharmacological treatment is available for NAFLD in conventional medical science. Several empirical treatment strategies such as dietary restriction, physical exercise and weight reduction form the first line of treatment. Ayurveda has immense potential in the management of Non-Communicable Diseases, and NAFLD is one among them. Purpose of the present study was to formulate a practical Ayurvedic protocol for the management of NAFLD. Ayurvedic classics, compendia, clinical medicine texts & related websites were consulted and reviewed for the present work. In the initial stage of NAFLD, Kapha Medo Dushti occurs. When Pitta gets involved in the pathogenesis, inflammatory changes occur which leads to the next stage of the disease, ie. Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH). When Vata comes into the picture, fibrosis occurs which may end up in Cirrhosis. The management should be the breakdown of pathological factors like Agnivaigunya, Srotorodha and Kaphamedodushti. A practical treatment protocol including Purgation, Pacification and Lifestyle modification with due importance to particular bodily constitution can help in the proper management of the disease. Through the proper administration of Ayurvedic treatment protocol along with lifestyle modification, progression of the disease and further complications can be prevented upto a great extent.