Jaundice is a condition that affects people of all ages and can possibly damage the liver. This is also referred to as icterus, which leads to a yellowish tint on skin and sclerae (white part of the eyes). In this case, body fluids can also turn into yellow.
This condition is mainly caused due to a buildup of biliburin. It is a yellow tint substance that can lead to skin yellowing and sclerae in jaundice. This condition is also referred as a waste product that stays behind in the bloodstream after iron gets excreted from hemoglobin in red blood cells.
In addition, jaundice can also be caused by other conditions such as inflamed liver and obstructed bile duct. One should look out for other symptoms such as dark urine, and skin itchiness.
More supporting information leading to the condition is given below:
Causes:
Jaundice occurs due to an underlying disorder that leads to overproduction of bilirubin. There are few underlying causes of jaundice that are mentioned below:
- Liver inflammation– Acute inflammation of the liver can prevent liver function to conjugate and secrete biliburin. It can lead to buildup, and thereby cause jaundice.
- Bile Duct Inflammation– This can prevent bile and bilirubin secretion, causing jaundice.
- Bile Duct Blockage– Obstructs liver from disposing bilirubin.
- Hemolytic Anemia– When the production of red blood cells break down, then the production of bilirubin increases.
- Gilbert’s Syndrome– A condition that damages the enzymes from processing bile excretion.
- Cholestasis– It is a condition where the bile flow from liver is obstructed. The conjugated bilirubin stays back in the liver instead of being excreted.
- Dublin-Johnson Syndrome– an inherited condition of chronic jaundice that obstructs conjugated bilirubin from getting excreted from liver’s cells.
Diet Plan to Follow:
| When to Have | Between | Foods To have |
|---|---|---|
| Upon arising | (07:00 – 08:00) | Lemon juice with water or amla juice or Bael Sharbat |
| Breakfast | (08:00 – 09:00) | Oats porridge or vegetable upma or fresh fruits with a cup of skimmed milk |
| Mid-morning | (11:00 –12:00 ) | One glass of lemon or carrot juice |
| Lunch | (13:00 – 14:00) | One cup of curd rice with one cup of raddish leaves vegetable and one glass of buttermilk |
| Mid-afternoon | (16:00 – 17:00) | One glass of coconut or sugarcane juice |
| Dinner | (20:00 – 21:00) | One cup tomato juice with vegetable khichdi or chicken broth with khichdi |
| Before Sleep | (22:00 – 23:00) | One glass of toned or skimmed milk |
Food to have
1. Tomato juice
What you need:
- One glass tomato juice
- Salt
- Pepper
How to do:
- Mix a pinch of salt and pepper to one glass of tomato juice.
- Drink on an empty stomach in the morning.
What it does:
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene and helpful for maintaining healthy blood system in our body. Have a glass of tomato juice early in the morning to improve liver health.
Tip: Have one glass of tomato juice every morning to treat jaundice.
2. Radish leaves
What you need:
- Fresh radish leaves
- Water
How to do:
- Take a handful of fresh radish leaves.
- Boil the leaves in water.
- Extract the juice using sieve.
What it does:
Radish leaves have compounds that regularize bowel movements and induces appetite.
Tip: Drink half a litre of the extracted juice every day for a period of ten days. You can also drink the boiled solution directly without using the sieve.
3. Papaya leaves
What you need:
- Honey
- Fresh papaya leaves
How to do:
4. Sugarcane
What you need:
- Sugarcane juice
- Lime juice
How to do:
- Mix one glass of sugarcane juice and add few drops of lime juice to it.
What it does:
Sugarcane contains properties that can aid in proper digestion and liver functioning. It also speeds up healing period from jaundice.
Tip: Drink the sugarcane juice twice daily for best results. Also, wash the sugarcane well before extracting its juice.
5. Basil leaves
What you need:
- 10-15 basil leaves
- Half a glass of radish juice
How to do:
- Crush 10-15 basil leaves and make a paste.
- Mix half a glass of freshly extracted radish juice.
What it does:
Basil leaves are an effective remedy for treating jaundice. Drink this solution for two to three weeks for best results.
6. Gooseberry
What you need:
- Gooseberry
- Honey
- Amla juice
- Salt
How to do:
- Take some gooseberry and extract out its juice after boiling.
- Add a pinch of salt to the extract.
- After that add one tsp of honey and amla juice.
What it does:
Gooseberry has a rich source of Vitamin C and other vital nutrients. This helps to treat the symptoms of jaundice.
Tip: Drink the gooseberry juice three times a day for speedy recovery.
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7. Barley
What you need:
- Barley seed powder
- Water
- Salt
- Honey
How to do:
- Add a pinch of salt and honey to the mixture.
- Soak two cups of barley seeds in water for two hours.
- Mash the barley seeds properly.
- Sieve and strain the mixture.
What it does:
Barley is an effective solution for preventing further auto-intoxication that leads to jaundice.
Tip: Consume this barley extract throughout the day to get faster relief from jaundice and aid in speedy digestion.
8. Lemon
What you need:
- 2 lemons
- Water
How to do:
- Extract the juice of two lemons into one glass of water.
What it does:
Lemon contains anti-inflammatory agents that help to treat jaundice. Lime juice can also release the obstructed bile ducts, and help cure jaundice.
Tip: Drink this solution thrice a day to protect liver cells from dama
9. Pigeon peas leaves
What you need:
- Pigeon peas leaves
How to do:
- Extract the juice of pigeon peas leaves by crushing it well.
What it does:
Pigeon peas leaves contain nutrients that are greatly helpful for curing jaundice.
Tip: Drink at least 60 ml of this extracted juice daily.
10. Almonds
What you need:
- 8 almond kernels
- 2 dates
- 5 cardamoms
- Sugar
How to do:
- Mix the almond kernels, dates, and cardamoms in a bowl of water.
- Soak it overnight.
- Peel off the skin and make a fine paste.
- Add one tsp of sugar to it.
What it does:
Almonds are a great remedy for treating jaundice as they increase the flow of blood in the liver. It also contains innumerable nutrients that boost decreased energy levels caused by jaundice.
Tip: Take this solution several times a day for best results.
11. Turmeric
What you need:
- Turmeric powder
- Milk
How to do:
- Heat one glass of low fat milk.
- Add one quarter tsp of turmeric powder to warm milk.
What it does:
Turmeric can help to stimulate the flow of bile. The presence of curcumin can help remove harmful toxins causing harmful damage to the liver.
Tip: Drink the turmeric infused solution two to three times a day.
12. Snake gourd leaves
What you need:
- Seven to ten snake gourd leaves
- 10-15 coriander seeds
- Water
How to do:
- Boil seven to ten snake gourd leaves in a cup of water and set it off to cool.
- Mix 10-15 coriander seeds to the solution in half a litre of water and bring it to boil.
- Mix the previous decoction.
What it does:
Snake gourd leaves contain diuretic properties that cleanses liver and eliminate the toxins from the body. It can normalize the functioning of kidney and liver.
Tip: Drink this decoction at least thrice a day for curing jaundice.
13. Indian aloe Vera leaves
What you need:
- Aloe vera
- Black salt
- Ginger
How to do:
- Scoop out the pulp of aloe vera using a spoon.
- Mix the pulp with black salt and ginger
What it does:
Aloe vera acts a natural cleanser as it contains saponins. The aloe vera gel can help to gently cleanse, and restore the natural balance of the digestive system.
Tip: Take this solution every morning for 10 days.
14. Beetroot and lemon
What you need:
- 1 cup beetroot juice
- 2 lemons
How to do:
- Squeeze out the juice from the lemons.
- Strain out the seeds and add the extracted juice to one cup of beetroot juice.
- Drink this mixture daily for few days.
What it does:
Beetroot helps in cleansing the liver and kidney. It thus provides relief from jaundice.
Tip: If you are a diabetic patient, then you should avoid taking beetroot.
15. Chicory plant
What you need:
- Dried chicory plant
How to do:
- Crush the dried chicory plant.
- Add two tsp of the mixture into a pot of boiling water.
- Boil in low flame for 30 minutes.
- Drink half a cup of this mixture daily.
What it does:
Chicory plant helps in treating liver problems. All parts of the plant including its flowers, roots, and seeds are useful. The juice of chicory can help to treat cases such as spleen enlargement, liver dysfunction, and also prevent blockage of bile secretion.
Tip: Another alternative remedy is to boil 30-40 grams of chicory plant in water for five to ten minutes. Strain off the mixture. Drink this mixture twice daily for best relief.
16. Jaundice berry
What you need:
- Bark of jaundice berry
How to do:
- Extract juice from the bark of jaundice berry.
- Take one tsp of this mixture twice or thrice daily.
What it does:
Jaundice berry is also referred to as berberis and is an effective herb for treating all liver ailments, including jaundice. This bitter tonic should be given to the patient several times a day.
Tip: Take quarter tsp of jaundice berry if you want to increase your dosage to more than two times daily.
17. Chamomile
What you need:
- 3 to four tsp of chamomile flowers
- Mint sprig
- Water
How to do:
- Pour required amount of boiling water over chamomile flowers and mint sprig.
- Steep the mixture for five minutes.
- Strain the mixture using a sieve.
- Drink two to three cups of the tea daily for best results.
What it does:
Chamomile tea is an effective remedy for treating jaundice. It should be taken once daily for several weeks.
Tip: One can continue with the dosage even after jaundice is cured for preventive measures.
18. Buttermilk
What you need:
- Buttermilk
- Roasted alum
- Black pepper
How to do:
- Add roasted alum and black pepper to a cup of buttermilk.
- Stir well.
What it does:
Buttermilk or lassi is an effective remedy for treating jaundice and also for liver recovery. It is also free from fats preventing indigestion.
Tip: Drink the buttermilk thrice daily for good digestion and for treating jaundice fast.
19. Banana
What you need:
- Ripe banana
- Honey
How to do:
- Mash the banana and add two tsp of honey.
- Consume this mixture twice a day.
What it does:
Bananas have a high content of potassium and electrolytes that can help in removing body toxins. Also, honey is a natural detoxifier.
Tip: You can also add sugar candy as taste enhancement.
20. Carrot juice
What you need:
- Fresh carrots
How to do:
- Blend fresh carrots and extract out its juice.
- Drink it several times a day.
What it does:
Carrots are one of the most effective remedies for jaundice. They are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, allowing the body to heal faster.
Tip: You can also include carrots in daily diet apart from drinking its juice.
21. Bitter luffa
What you need:
- Bitter luffa
- Bowl
- Muslin Cloth
How to do:
- Crush the leaves of bitter luffa to extract out its juice.
- Squeeze the juice out using a clean muslin cloth.
- Keep the extracted juice in a bowl.
- Inhale the juice through your nostrils.
- A yellow nasal discharge will flow out from the nostrils.
- Keep a clean cloth ready to wipe off the excess.
What it does:
Following these steps will remove the toxic elements present in the body. It can offer immense relief to patients suffering from jaundice.
Tip: The seeds of bitter luffa can be used for the same purpose. As this is a strong home remedy, people who are sensitive should not try this remedy as it might lead to side effects such as giddiness, headache, and fever.
22. Bael leaves
What you need:
- Fresh bael leaves
- Water
How to do:
- Crush bael leaves into a fine paste.
- Add this paste to a glass of water.
- Drink this solution once daily.
What it does:
Bael leaves can help to reduce the effects of jaundice in our body.
Tip: You can mix one tsp of bael leaves paste, and a pinch of black pepper powder in a cup of buttermilk. Consume this mixture thrice a day.
23. Wheat Grass
What you need:
- Wheatgrass
- Water
How to do:
- Take a handful of wheatgrass and add into a glass of water.
- Strain the mixture.
- Discard the pulp
What it does:
Wheatgrass can eliminate bilirubin from our body by promotion enzyme secretion from the liver.
Tip: Consume this solution daily to eliminate all symptoms of jaundice.
24. Coriander Seeds
What you need:
- 2 to three tsp of coriander seeds
- 3 cups of distilled water
How to do:
- Soak two to three tsp of whole coriander seeds overnight in three cups of distilled water.
- Consume the strained liquid thrice daily for 15 days at least.
What it does:
Coriander seeds contain healing properties to cleanse liver and bile duct.
Tip: You can also boil the coriander seeds in half litre of water instead of soaking it overnight.
25. Pineapple
What you need:
- Pineapple
How to do:
- Add pineapple to your daily diet.
- Or extract out its juice.
What it does:
Pineapple is beneficial for jaundice patients as it acts as a natural detoxifier. It naturally cleanses liver cells and flushes out excessive bilirubin.
26. Curd
What you need:
- Curd
- Alum
How to do:
- Add one pinch of alum to 200 gm of curd.
- Consume the mixture daily.
What it does:
Curd is an excellent remedy for strained stomach and thereby for treating jaundice.
Tip: You can also add honey to the curd for effective results.
Foods to Avoid
There are several foods that should be avoided to help in recovering fast from jaundice because they prevent the early recovery of liver and related functions.
1. Salt
Adding salt to food on a daily basis can slow down the growth of liver cells. Hence, salt rich foods such as pickles and salty fish varieties should be avoided.
2. Meat
There are several varieties of meat that should be avoided when one suffers from jaundice. Meat which contains high level of saturated fats can slow down the recovery period of jaundice.
3. Dairy Products
Milk products should not be taken when one has jaundice. These dairy products include butter, curd, cheese, and margarines.
4. Eggs
Eggs have a high content of protein and are difficult to digest. They are especially difficult for the liver to digest.
5. Caffeine
Jaundice patients should refrain from drinking caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee. It can slow the process of jaundice and damage the liver even more.
6. Junk foods
Junks foods have a high content of oil, fats, and adulterated materials that aggravates the health and worsen the condition.
7. Beans
Consuming beans affects the performance of metabolic activities in our body and delay the recovery from jaundice.
8. Alcohol
Avoid alcohol as it is one of the most common ways to affect the liver.
9. Clarified Butter
Clarified butter is rich in saturated fats and therefore harmful for the health. It increases the stress levels of our body.
10. Pulses and Legumes
Pulses and legumes not only affect the digestive system but also cause putrefaction in lower intestines.
Prevention & Precautions
1. Vaccination
You can prevent the health risk of jaundice through vaccination. You should get yourself vaccinated against Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B infection.
2. Reduce alcohol consumption
You should reduce the levels of alcohol consumption or restrict drinking altogether. You can resort to counseling and meditation to reduce your alcohol intake. The recommended alcohol intake for women is two to three units per day.
3. Maintain healthy weight
It is important to maintain a normal weight when one is diagnosed with jaundice. Therefore, prevent taking fatty foods and eat in small servings.
4. Have balanced diet
You can maintain liver functioning by taking healthy foods such as green veggies and fruits. Consult a dietician to frame out a proper dietary chart.
5. Exposure to sunlight
You can prevent jaundice in new born by exposing them to direct sunlight. The sunlight can break down the bilirubin level that causes jaundice.
6. Relieve stress
Stress can often impact your body’s immune system. It can have an effect on both your mental and physical well-being. Therefore, indulge in light exercises such as stretching, dancing, and weight training.
7. Avoid street food
Street food can expose you to contaminated water and food. These are the main reasons for jaundice development and even other diseases.
8. Maintaining hygiene
Always wash your hands before and after eating. Keeping your hands clean can allow you to wash off all germs.
9. Drink Plenty of Water
Drink plenty of water when you develop jaundice. You can even add few drops of lime juice to your glass of water for effective results.
10. Consulting Doctor
Always consult a doctor to monitor your dietary chart till your recovery process, to prevent relapses and other complications.
When to consult doctor?
1. Yellow Pigmentation
One of the main signs of jaundice is yellowing of skin, eyes, and mouth. Eyes are often the first to show symptoms of bilirubin and yellowing. The skin discoloration of eyes and mouth might differ on the severity of jaundice. Yellow pigmentation is a strong sign of jaundice, therefore it is best to visit a doctor if you notice this on yourself or any loved one.
2. Yellow-green stools
Light colored yellow-green stools are one of the symptoms of jaundice. This type of jaundice is often related to post-hepatic jaundice, and is a resultant of the disruption in bile drainage. If you notice these jaundice symptoms, then consult a doctor.
3. Dark Urine
When one has jaundice, urine often comes out dark with greenish and brown pigments. When your urine turns dark, it can point towards an obstructive illness resulting in bile drainage, and thus causing jaundice.
4. Severe Malaria
Untreated malaria can lead to plasmodium cell attack infecting both liver and red blood cells. The breakdown of both liver and red blood cells can lead to bilirubin and yellowing of skin, eyes, and mucus cells in the mouth.
5. Other Signs
You should watch out for other signs such as prutitis (itching), fatigue, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.
