Natural Remedies for Ascites - Effective Home Treatments

| Modified on Dec 17, 2024
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Milk Thistle for Ascites.
Ascites is a medical condition caused by excessive fluid buildup in the abdomen. It commonly occurs due to liver disease, heart failure, or kidney dysfunction. Managing ascites naturally through home remedies and dietary changes can provide significant relief.

What Causes Ascites?

  • Liver Disease: Cirrhosis, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.
  • Heart Failure: Poor heart function causes fluid retention.
  • Kidney Disorders: Impaired kidney function can lead to fluid imbalance.
  • Cancer: Liver or abdominal cancers may trigger ascites.

Symptoms of Ascites

Common symptoms include:

  • Severe abdominal swelling and tightness
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite and indigestion
  • Nausea or feeling of heaviness in the abdomen

Top 7 Natural Remedies for Ascites

These natural remedies for ascites help reduce abdominal fluid buildup and improve liver health:

  1. Garlic: Garlic reduces inflammation and helps flush toxins. Consume 1-2 raw garlic cloves daily on an empty stomach.
  2. Dandelion Tea: Dandelion is a natural diuretic that eliminates excess fluid. Drink 1-2 cups of dandelion root tea daily.
  3. Milk Thistle: This powerful herb supports liver detoxification. Take milk thistle supplements or tea as directed.
  4. Carrot Juice: Carrot juice provides essential nutrients and reduces fluid retention. Drink 1 glass daily.
  5. Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea promotes liver health and reduces inflammation. Drink 1-2 cups per day.
  6. Low-Sodium Diet: Avoid salty foods to prevent further fluid accumulation.
  7. DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide): Apply DMSO topically on the abdomen to disperse fluid buildup (consult a healthcare provider for guidance).

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Ascites

  • Adopt a low-sodium diet to minimize fluid retention.
  • Drink dandelion tea or green tea to support natural detoxification.
  • Stay active with light exercises like walking to improve circulation.
  • Monitor fluid intake under medical supervision.

*Always consult your doctor before starting any home remedies or supplements, especially if you are under medical treatment for ascites.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Edema (Swelling in the Tissues)


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Apple Cider Vinegar

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Beverly (Elkhart, IN) on 08/02/2021
★★★★★

ascites and apple cider vinegar

my husband started drinking apple cider vinegar one tablespoon in a glass of water, this seems to be making him go pee often and it seems to be relieving his swelling from just 2 days once a day of this, on 8/1/2021and 8/2/2021.

Am I correct that it helps to relieve water retention in his belly and his top part inside his legs, about 2 times since his top part of his inside legs he had some water come out through his inside of the leg swelling, it has not happened but twice on the one leg that is swelled the most then it stopped after about a few hours of this, this was before he started taking the apple cider vinegar just two days ago, and he is keeping this going because he did pee a lot today, so can you tell me this is helping with his ascites relieving water to help him get rid of the excess water?

Please, and thank you.

Replied by Joseph A.
(Stockton, Ca)
08/03/2021
73 posts
★★★★★

Hi young lady, regarding ACV, I use it for weight loss, it curbs my appetite so well, that I just don't even think about food, here is what I do. Use. 1/2 lemon in 2 cups of water and boil it for 5 minutes, this releases many juices from the skin.

I squeeze the juices from hot lemon with 2 forks (or you can wait until it cools down) I strain seeds out then pour into large cup or glass and add 1TBSP ACV and 1/2 teaspoon of honey, think slowly drink it on an empty stomach I do once daily, have lost 35 lbs without a struggle. Your husband is losing weight also, albeit thru urination. This is the Best site to learn and or post old traditional things that your grandparents done to help with different ailments. Just love this site. Joe A.

Replied by Jeanne
(Colorado)
02/06/2023

The apple cider vinegar makes sense, as it is also a mild antifungal, among other benefits, and swellings are often due to having too much yeast in the body. Just like yeast makes dough rise, it can make our body parts swell. Thank you so much for sharing that this helps your husband. At such a small dose!


Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Brenda Mc. (Canby, Mn) on 07/04/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My belly was swollen up like I was 9 months pregnant. Taking ACV, 2 tbsp, 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp baking soda brought it flat.

Replied by Rodney
(Greensboro, North Carolina)
07/22/2017

How often did you drink it and how much water did you use? How long did it take to work? Thanks

Replied by Mike
(Tampa, Fl)
08/23/2017

How often did you take this daily, and how long did it take to make it go away? I just went and picked up all 3 and took my 1st. Wasn't sure if you did it 1x a day or 5x a day. Thanks! Glad you got better, hope it can help me, I hate not being able to wear my nice clothes right now :)

Replied by Prerana
(India, Mumbai)
09/02/2017

Hello Mr. Brenda,

Did this combination of Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda worked in ascites along with liver cihrrosis?

Did you had an side effect? and for how many days did you had it?

Replied by Virginia
(Washington D.c.)
09/23/2017

How much do you take per day and for how long? Was your ascites due to liver cancer.

Replied by Linda
(Chicago, Il)
12/09/2017

How long do you take this before your stomach returned to flat? Also, did you mix the ACV, honey, and baking soda together or take individually? Thank you.

Replied by Jennifer
(St. Clair Shores)
04/07/2018

How long does it take to work on swollen stomachs? Thanks!

Replied by Rose
(British Columbia)
08/15/2020

I am really very interested in this remedy. I think a lot of other people are too, and could really benefit from this remedy. But from what I can see the questions have no responding answers . Why isn't anyone answering or am I just not looking in the right place?.Could someone please answer in respect to the ACV remedy. Thank You.

Replied by Brandon
(Canada)
10/16/2020

As these aren't invasive ingredients, 1-2 cups of water should be enough to take this mixture. Also look into natural diuretics, like Dandelion Tea. Coffee may be acknowledged as a 'diuretic' solely because of it's leeching capabilities, but it is NOT a valid solution for Ascites, so stick to the Dandelion Tea.

Also look into remedies that take some pressure off your liver and promote good bile production, and replace your coffees throughout the day with 2-3 glasses of water per cup. If you have a brita filter or access to alkaline water like Kangen water than even better. I'm not a doctor, just been involved with naturopaths my whole life and this is all from experience.

Replied by Renee
(San Francisco)
07/13/2021
Replied by Camille
(Chicago)
02/23/2022

I assume you mixed with water? How long did it take to work? What was cause of your ascites (liver? cancer?)?


Ascites Remedies and Supplements

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anon (Usa) on 11/23/2017
★★★★★

Ascites suggestions

I noticed no one mentioned vitamin a, b vitamins, or vitamin c, which one would think would help the liver do its work. I should think lecithin, raw eggs, mustard seed powder, horseradish, parsley, liver, organic foods, filtered water would also help. There is a recipe floating around for lowering blood pressure that may help, too. It involves combining 1 cup each garlic juice, ginger juice, lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar. You take some a couple times per day. I don't know the exact recipe.

My husband has been using it for a few months and his afib is improved and blood pressure is going down. His waist is reducing and his complexion is younger looking, too.


Brewer's Yeast

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Annlee (Indiana) on 09/05/2016
★★★★★

In her book, "Let's Get Well", Adelle Davis says to take 2 tablespoons of (brewer's ) yeast after each meal for rapid recovery from ascites-- I have seen this work. Good luck


Diatomaceous Earth

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Lyn (Boulder, CO) on 07/23/2015
★★★★★

Hello, I have had problems with ascites and I looked huge in the abdomen and felt heavy and miserable. For other reasons I began taking Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and it entirely has solved the abdominal problem. I don't know how it works but it has! I sincerely hope that it does the same for others.

I started with a small dose and worked up to three rounded tablespoons a day mixed with oatmeal or in water. I plan to increase this a little more based on my research. Best wishes.

Replied by Wendy
(North Carolina)
06/14/2016

I have ascites, and I have DE. I had no idea it would work for ascites! That's exciting! I have used it to kill slugs off my beans, worms out of my dogs, and I read it was good for people too.......but I did not know this! Thank you! I've been drinking birch tea for ascites and many other benefits, I crave it! You'd often see me out in the woods clipping of the new birch branches to make a gallon of tea. It does make me pee a lot,,,, but it does keep me hydrated, plus it's a good blood purifier.

Replied by Taryn
(Wisconsin)
07/06/2016

Does diatomaceous earth also work for ascites dogs?

Michele
(Texas)
06/22/2024

Although this is an answer years after you posted the question ... Our Aussie became very bloated looking and began losing his hair along his back. It was discovered that he had non-tomorus adrenal Cushing's Disease which was treated for years with homemade diet, prescribed Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients and eventually had to go on a Rx medication.

Replied by Gerry
(Marshall)
07/06/2016

Sure seems like it would be worth a try to use DE for your dog. It would take care of parasites, too.

Replied by Sandra
(Fraser Hot Springs, Ca.)
01/09/2017

All I have to do is mix it in my oatmeal. Do I do it daily for how long. Thank you so much. God bless you sandra

Replied by Monica
(Ut)
01/16/2017

About how much water were you retaining? Mine currently equals 3-8" difference in my waist for water. Do you recall how long it took? Thank you for sharing. I recently started DE but very small amounts & not consistently. Going to increase & do daily.


DMSO

2 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  50%
1 star (1) 
  50%

Posted by Dan (Manchester, Uk) on 06/28/2014
★☆☆☆☆

After reading some of the reports on how effective DMSO lube is for ascites (fluid in the abdomen cause by portal hypertension), I was quite excited when I ordered mine.

I have been using the 70% Gel 120ml from PH Health, for two days now, when I apply the cream I get a slight burning sensation which lasts for about half an hour or so (the sensation is tolerable).

My ascites has only come on in the last week, and the DMSO lube has been absolutely no help, it has not been effective at all. The only effective is the uncomfortable irritation when I apply it. Is this stuff doing more harm than good?

I am desperate to get rid of this fluid-I follow a strict diet, take all the right supplements and herbs. Maybe my liver is coming to the end of the road. Any thoughts out there?

Replied by D Gibson
(Ohio)
07/24/2015

DMSO is capable of killing yeast infections. A lot of bloating in the belly is caused by yeast, notice I did not say all.


DMSO
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 03/24/2013
★★★★★

Hi, I was reading in the ascites section and I would like to add a suggestion from something I read. A man's sister had cancer and had been taking on terrible amounts of water. The doctors could not help her. Her brother applied DMSO to her belly and over 2 days he lost 20 pounds of water! I use DMSO not for this but have had other wonderful results. I recommend it to everyone. Mary

Replied by Ramona
(Usa)
09/18/2014

Anyone know how often to apply DMSO? We've applied twice per day with no ascites relief. Thank you!

Replied by Tony
(Tenn., US)
09/18/2014

I've tried DMSO topically for a number of health issues. It didn't do me any good. I was applying it to aid Colloidal Silver to penetrate the skin into the places needed. Didn't give me any results & I tried it for quite a while. The only thing it did for me was cause burning sensations on the skin.

I even tried rubbing raw honey on the skin pre & post-application & that didn't work to stop the burning. I thought DMSO would be a Godsend for all of my health issues but just like many other supplements it didn't have any good effects for me. Thanks!

Replied by Connie
(Huntington)
10/23/2015

I just read your article as I have been desperately seeking a remedy for my husband's abdominal ascites due too early cirrhosis. I've also read where dMSO is very dangerous, what do you think about this? What happened when DMSO was applied to his sister's abdomen? Was she taking any other medication or has she had any other treatment can you give me any details? I'm dying to do this for my husband.

Replied by Julie
(New South Wales, Australia)
02/08/2016

Hello, What is DMSO and how is it used for Ascites in End Stage Liver Disease?

Replied by Scott
(Murfreesboro)
03/23/2016

I have a Whippet with and enlarged heart and tons of fluid build up on his abdomen. We had him tapped last week but they only got 5 pounds of fluid of and much of that has came back over the past few days. We have him on the highest dose of lasix. Looking for alternatives to deal with the fluid.

Replied by Richard
(Kaduna State Nigeria)
09/05/2016

I read about the good work of Dmso. My wife is having ascites all has been done no improvement. Where & how can I get DMSO pls. my wife is suffering. I am a Nigerian from kaduna state.

Replied by Eddy
(Vancouver)
09/30/2016

Try to consume less salt and reduce water intake, also dry sauna sessions can help, also look into taking milk thistle injections, only available in Germany, god bless

Replied by Lisa
(Louisiana)
06/22/2017

Did you find a solution for your whippet? I have a dog with the same problem, and I'm searching for a solution.

Replied by Marius
(Romania)
07/07/2017

What kind of DMSO did he apply? Water or gel or cream?

Thanks!

Replied by Sharon
(St Louis)
03/14/2018

You can get milk thistle caps at vitamin store, I take a small amount daily, but I still have ascites, but its hard to increase the dose because I have kidney issues.


Milk of Magnesia

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by beverly (elkhart, in) on 10/18/2024
★★★★★

Milk of magnesia has helped my husband with ascites/ swollen body from water in all the cells of his body, his stomach protruded with water and his inside legs swollen with water, he takes one whole capful that comes with the bottle every night and the next morning he is pooping like diarrhea is happening when it is not. It is taking all the water from his swollen body cells and putting all this through his intestines and getting it out. Of course, it has taken every day to continue cleaning him out. Some days are twice of the removing of the water and poop/he is continuing on once a night one full cap and it has been a month now. Little by little, the water is coming out, and he feels a lot better from all that pressure relieving the water in all his cells. He has lost 20 lbs in a month and two weeks now. He feels so much better with his overall health and walking and breathing better, too. Ever since I saw he has ascites as I figured out, I started thinking of ways to help him and milk of magnesia has the right amounts of magnesium and calcium in the right ratios, I noticed his inside legs were leaking out water one day that`s when I started to think that he has water buildup then I read about ascites .from there I figured out that milk of magnesium pulls water into the intestines safely and he gets rid of the excess buildup in his water cells and pooping it out once a day or even twice a day, looks like diarrhea but it is not it stops coming out after you relieve it out, but we continue on with the once a night full cap dosage every night and it continues to clean out his water cells and poop. Fantastic milk of magnesia miracle worker and is safe and gentle on the body. He just eats a banana once a day to keep natural potassium in his body when getting rid of the water in his cells, he is feeling great.


Milk Thistle

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Desiree (Branson, Missouri) on 12/02/2011
★★★★☆

My mother has had liver cirrhosis for many years now and had many different health problems due to this. For probably 15 years at least, she has suffered from ascites. I can tell you that in her experience, the draining of fluid and medications barely changed anything with the ascites condition. Ascites is not a problem in itself, but a side effect. For it to be cured, one must first cure the problem.

She also suffers from dependent edema at times, and she has been able to get the fluid out of legs and feet using only herbs. I gave her milk thistle seed, dandelion leaf and root in tincture form and as tea. The milk thistle seed is great for the liver. It has a liver rebuilding substance called silymarin that literally rebuilds liver cells. The dandelion is a very effective diuretic that contains potassium. Most diuretics drain potassium, but dandelion leaf contains quite a bit of it so it's far superior to other diuretics that my mom has taken. She takes the tinctures in the morning and the tea at night and hasn't noticed any edema in months. The ascites is still there because her nutrition isn't perfect and she still drinks a few alcoholic drinks a week. Since her liver and kidneys are still quite damaged, her ascites hasn't been able to go away. I have read that garlic can cure it, along with doing many other amazing things for the body so my mom has been taking kyolic supplements. She refuses to eat raw garlic. This has helped her circulation, but hasn't treated the ascites. Next we are going to try bitter melon and see if that helps. I will keep you posted.


Milk Thistle, Glutathione

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by June (Cincinnati ) on 01/26/2017
★★★★★

I had this ascites problem temporarily after having a toxic response to an antibiotic and getting mononucleosis. Not completely over it but milk thistle helps, and glutathione is something I'm also trying now. I know that the liver really needs glutathione to function. The type that melts in your mouth is best I think. Hope this helps.


Natural Diuretics

5 User Reviews
5 star (5) 
  100%

Posted by Ed2010 (Oakville, Canada) on 10/18/2012
★★★★★

For Ascites, try

Sarasaparilla - diuretic
Dandelion - diuretic
Mint - Mildy diuretic

For sarasaparilla, take one root soak in 1 litre of water over night, and drink this water throughout day.

Drinking Dandelion tea - is diuretic - it is a liver medicine as well

Just eating Raw Mint leaves is diuretic.

Sarasaparilla is a body coolant too.


Natural Diuretics
Posted by Fibe (Terrigal, Nsw) on 10/17/2012

Hello, My husband was diagnosed 11 months ago with terminal liver cancer, cirrhosis and hepatitis C.

He still seems to be defying the dr's diagnosis of only havine 1 year max to live.

The main problem we have control on is the ascites which has been going up and for months but this week he has put on 1 kilo of fluid per day. His dr has increased his diuretics, and we have been using he following natural method which usually helps get rid of the ascites however it does not seem to be working this time: Watermelon, celery seed and parsley juiced together 2 glasses per day to be taken.

Can anyone please suggest any other natural diuretic which could help without the liver needing to metabolise it?

Many Thanks, Fibe

Replied by Alicia
(Syracuse, Utah)
10/18/2012
★★★★★

Cayenne pepper.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
10/18/2012
2043 posts

Fibe from Terrigal, Nsw: There must be a stop to the progression of hep/cancer to stop the ascites, not simply slow it down. Are you not fallowing any of the Natural Therapies or protocols for liver cancer here on E.C. or other sources???

http://www.liversupport.com/

BHT reverses Hep. High dose Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is being used w/ good results. R-FractionALA is the best & most potent form.

Replied by Roec
(Los Angeles, Ca)
10/19/2012
★★★★★

Take a look into L-Onithine. Definitely continue with the watermelon. I'd even juice a half a water melon with a whole lemon.

Also one avocado daily in a green leafy salad. Easing up on sugar, carbs and meats will lesson the burden as it is easiest for the liver to process veggies.

Carrot and apple freshly juiced. (Gerson Therapy)

Also do some research in taking alpha lipoic acid, daily selenium supplement.

Replied by Mel
(Sydney)
05/23/2015

Chylous ascites is made up of trigylcerides and proteins and lymph. It is not water and does not respond to water pills. It is completely different to lymphedema.

Replied by Jerry
(California)
07/02/2015
★★★★★

Try stinging nettle tea.

Replied by Tessa
(Ca)
04/25/2017
★★★★★

Try Chaga mushrooms.


Pawpaw

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Bundy (Bali) on 12/19/2017
★★★★☆

try Paw paw.....it.s supposed to be very good for the liver..my Liver is bad..with Edema..ascites...don/t know how long I got cus still drink..

my edema..swelled up...pus blood...couldn/t walk...used coconut oil and paw paw cream on legs..they r just scarred now..will buy some garlic tabs and mango juice to day.for the tummy..lookn pregnant..think some small weight lifting as well. Sit-ups too.


SamE, Selenium, Milk Thistle, Vit C

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Barb (Fl, Usa) on 07/21/2015
★★★★★

First off, Ascites isn't cancer, it's the fluid leaking out of the damaged blood vessels and spilling the liquid into the surrounding tissue......

Secondly, STOP EATING ANIMAL PRODUCTS. Use a whole food diet of plant based materials and fresh/natural/organic/etc foods. Don't eat things from packages. Shop the outside edge of the supermarket and stock up on fruits and veggies. Limit salt to no more than 2,000 mg a day. It's hard when eating processed food, just to warn ya!

Thirdly, Supplements are great. Sam-e, selenium, milk thistle, vit C. Drinking hot (warm) lemon water first thing out of bed is great. Also coffee enemas are helpful, but graphic. I tend to stay away.

Fourthly, I'm no doctor. I'm telling you what worked for me!


Serrapeptase

3 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  33%
4 star (2) 
  67%

Posted by Dean Propps (Sw Missouri, Usa) on 03/14/2016
★★★★☆

I just had closest friend of 38 years pass after having ascities and a paracentesis done in 2012 and up until now was doing well. I guess there was not cancer in the fluid in 2012, haven't got that far yet but just in Feb 1, 2016 had ascities again and pulled a lot of fluid again. Going through his things I noticed Serrapeptase bottle he had almost finished. It's the only bottle I found and evidently had been taking it since 2012 without letting me have any knowledge of it. It's brand name is SerraGold NON GMO Enzymedica. and also Venastat for help in circulation to keep the edema down.

The last time in February they wrapped his legs with stretch bandages and the fluid on his legs was down, I'm thinking just pushed up into the stomach. I tried to get him to go in sooner but the fluid got between the lining of the abdomen and the outside skin so they said they couldn't get to the fluid to draw it off.

Does anyone know anything about this lining as to where they couldn't get to to draw it off?? They sent him home after they couldn't draw any more fluid off with hospice care. He ate one meal of Avacado, Yogurt, and Kiwi juice. Avacado causes the liver to give off a chemical that helps because his kidneys got rid of a lot of fluid shortly after the meal. Kale, beets, betacaratene in carrots, brocolli all are helpful to eat.

The last time in February they found cancer in the fluid and said once it's in the abdominal fluid there isn't much can be done because they cannot tell where the cancer is coming from so there was no chance for chemo. He had Hep C for many years and developed cirrosis due to one holiday had a few drinks of alcohol caused the cirrosis. I've also read you can live with only 5% of liver function, I'm thinking if you keep the right diet.

Also note that the spice Turmeric can be taken to slow cancer growth, stop it from forming by cutting off blood flow to cancer tumors. We didn't know he had cancer until this last paracentesis in 2016. He was spitting up a tea colored fluid with cancer cells in it which was the dark fiber looking cells in the fluid spit up. There remains a lot of unanswered questions as to what else he was taking to slow this down. He was an avid Marijuana user and not saying for sure but possibly could have beat the cancer with strains of the green plant. He also said that a half lemon juiced in the mornings with warm water the amount of a 8 oz cup of coffee helped to detox his liver and helped the pain lessen. I hope this helps someone and will keep you posted as to what else I find as to what he was taking to ward off the 2nd paracentesis draw in the 4 years between the two draws.

Replied by Mary
(Arcadia, Ca)
03/16/2016
50 posts

Hello I am sorry your friend died. My friend died all of a sudden. He didn't believe in natural herbs to cure illnesses. He too had Hepatitis C and was given an anesthetic and he died shortly after the anesthetic. Could it be they gave your friend some kind of anesthetic for some procedure? Anyway that is why my friend died suddenly. God bless you and take care.

Mary from Arcadia

Replied by sheereen
(new jersey)
05/29/2022

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's demise and long term suffering :( Thank you for sharing so much information for us to learn from...Ascites is a pain condition and I'm glad that there are natural, safe remedies that can help provide relief and address the underlying causes..Please be careful of supplementing with serraptase because it's a proteolytic enzyme that can make cancer grow and metastasize. I used to take alot of enzymes and eventually got very sick. I used to think it was a bloated stomach that looked pregnant, but now I realize it was probably ascites since it was accompanied by severe chronic coughing/lung inflammation.

Integrative cancer treatments and live support/lymph detoxification and drainage formulas by the homeopathic Pekana brand would probably help keep this painful condition from getting worse/causing debilitating discomfort.

Thank you for posting this information..I think my dog may have this since her belly looks bloated on the days her cough is severe( Thankfully not that often). We do give her a liver support formula and she is also administered Intravenous vitamin C treatments by her holistic vet and regenerative treatments.



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