Jaundice is defined colloquially as yellowish discolouration of eyes and highly coloured urine, which occurs mainly due to a disorder of the liver, generally medical cause, and biliary tract – usually surgical cause. It is a symptom and not a disease and is associated with liver conditions like hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and other liver conditions where bilirubin levels in the blood get high. Sugar cane juice is considered popular in treating jaundice. According to Ayurveda, sugarcane juice helps strengthen the liver and has been suggested since ancient times as a potent home remedy for jaundice.
But, in a recent tweet, Abby Philips who is known by the name TheLiverDoc on Twitter, said, “Sugarcane juice for jaundice is an old-wives tale and traditional healers belief-based illogical advice – it is a healthcare myth. It does nothing, other than provide energy in the form of sugars and increase water content in the human body.”
Does Sugarcane Juice Help To Cure Jaundice?
What Does The Unani System Of Medicine Have To Say:
Pooja Shah Bhave, who is a Consultant Clinical Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Mumbai said, “According to the Unani system of medicine, sugarcane juice is considered good for patients with jaundice. It is considered beneficial for the liver and is recommended that jaundice patients take in a large amount of sugarcane juice for immediate relief. There are several animal and human studies which have reported sugar cane juice or extracts been protective against liver toxicity happening due to drugs or other toxins, owing to immense antioxidant properties in sugarcane juice.”
“But one must be cautious as to how much quantity to consume. As suggested earlier in the review to have plenty of juice continuously through the course of treatment of jaundice. It is wise to not exceed one glass (200ml) of sugar cane juice in a day. One should always consult a dietician or doctor treating you before making any major changes in the diet. Having an excess quantity of juice may cause elevated blood sugar levels or indigestion and diarrhoea,” she added.
More Of Cultural Belief…
Dr. Santosh Pandey, an Acupuncturist and Naturopath, at Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai said, “Sugarcane juice contains essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is hydrating and may provide a quick source of energy due to its natural sugars and is often regarded as a home remedy for jaundice. But, its effectiveness in curing the condition is more of a cultural belief than a scientifically proven fact. While sugarcane juice does offer some nutritional benefits, claiming it as a cure for jaundice oversimplifies a complex medical condition.”
“Relying solely on home remedies, like sugarcane juice, without proper medical guidance may delay effective intervention and compromise overall health. The key to treating jaundice lies in addressing its underlying causes. Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or other liver-related issues often contribute to jaundice. Medical interventions, including identifying and treating the root cause, dietary adjustments, and sometimes medication, are essential components of effective jaundice management,” he added.
Ways To Treat Jaundice:
Talking about the underlying causes of jaundice Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy, who is the Director and Senior Consultant of Gastroenterology at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, shared, “The approach to jaundice management varies based on its underlying causes, which are categorized into three types. Hepatocellular jaundice results from liver damage, obstructive jaundice stems from bile duct obstruction, and hemolytic jaundice occurs due to the breakdown of blood haemoglobin.”
He then went on to share the treatment strategies which are tailored to the specific cause of jaundice.
- For hepatocellular jaundice, which is associated with liver damage, supportive treatment is typically administered through medication. The treatment plan is contingent upon identifying and addressing the root cause.
- In the case of obstructive jaundice, prompt intervention is crucial, especially if there is a delayed obstruction. Procedures such as Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) may be employed to remove obstacles like CBD stones or address biliary strictures, relieving the obstruction and alleviating jaundice. Dietary considerations also play a role in jaundice management, with recommendations varying based on the specific cause.
- In instances of hemolytic jaundice, a low-fat diet is often advised, and dietary restrictions may be implemented in the initial days
In addition, Dr. Prasanta Debnath, who is an Associate Consultant of Gastroenterology at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, shared ways to treat jaundice through diet and medications:
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