Jaundice

Select a Topic

What Is Jaundice

Jaundice, also known as Iciterus, refers to the yellowish appearance of the skin or whites of the eyes. If there is too much Bilirubin (pigmentation) in the blood, then the skin or whites of the eye will have a yellow tinge. Bilirubin is naturally in the body, but the liver usually gets rid of it, in addition to old red blood cells. Jaundice is not a disease, rather, it is usually the result of an underlying liver disorder.

Signs Of Jaundice

The most notable sign of Jaundice is the yellowish tinge of the skin or whites of the eyes. Yellowing may start in the face and then move down the body. It is also possible to have dark urine or pale stools if the condition worsens. Symptoms are as follows:

Yellow Tinge to Skin (or whites of the eyes)
Pruritis (itchiness)
Fatigue
Weight Loss
Abdominal Pain
Vomiting
Fever
Dark Urine
Pale Stools

What Causes Jaundice

When old red blood cells travel to the liver, they are broken down and Bilirubin is the yellow pigment, which is formed when when the cells break down. If the liver is not properly metabolizing the Bilirubin, then the person will develop Jaundice. It's important to note that Jaundice is mostly due to an underlying issue. There can be an overproduction of Bilirubin, too many red blood cells dying at once, or the Bilirubin is unable to make it into the digestive tract to get eliminated with stool.

Acute Inflammation of the Liver
Obstruction of the Bile Duct
Inflammation of the Bile Duct
Alcohol Abuse
Liver Cancer
Parasites in the Liver
Blood Disorders (such as Hemolytic Anemia)
Cirrhosis
Gallstones
Hepatitus
Pancreatic Cancer

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Turmeric is powerful natural ingredient that can help treat gallstones, liver problems, and Jaundice. It has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce an inflamed liver or bile duct. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup (8oz) of hot water and drink twice a day. You can also use ginger because it helps protect the liver against problems. Additionally, ginger promotes healthy liver function. You can make ginger tea with fresh ginger root, juice from half a lemon, a few mint leaves, and a squeeze of organic raw honey.
The juice from radish leaves can be a very effective remedy for Jaundice. Juice these leaves to make at least a half liter. Adults are supposed to drink a half liter of this juice over 8-10 days. This juice helps detoxify the blood and can reinstate an appetite.
Sugar cane juice helps with bile secretion, proper liver function, and helps to maintain the Bilirubin level in the blood. Drink freshly juiced sugar cane juice (you can add a teaspoon or so of fresh lime juice) twice a day to help pass urine and ensure proper nourishment.
It's best to avoid fast food, processed food, meat, dairy, alcohol, sugar, salt, tobacco, and caffeine. Eat light and easily digestible food; water fruits like water melon or cucumbers are great options. Plums are very helpful in detoxing, strengthening, and promoting proper liver function. They also improve digestion, promote a healthy appetite, and help purify the blood.
It's important to get plenty of rest and make sure that you are eliminating stress from you life. It's good to learn to let things go because harboring stress can put strain on the digestive system. Relax, do yoga, or incorporate meditation into your life because they all help you unwind and decrease stress.

Things you should eat