Hyperacidity , IBS , Indigestion

Hyperacidity (Amlapitta)

Symptoms:

• Burning sensation in the stomach or chest

• Acid reflux or regurgitation

• Bloating and heaviness after meals

• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth

Ayurvedic Perspective:

• Hyperacidity is known as Amlapitta in Ayurveda and is primarily caused by an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs digestion and metabolism.

• Factors such as stress, irregular eating habits, consumption of spicy or oily foods, and excessive intake of tea or coffee can aggravate Pitta, leading to increased acid production.

Treatment Approaches:

• Panchakarma Therapies: Detoxification treatments like Vamana (medicated emesis) and Virechana (purgation) help eliminate excess Pitta and toxins from the body.

• Dietary Modifications: Incorporating cooling and easily digestible foods while avoiding spicy, sour, and fried items.

• Herbal Remedies: Use of herbs such as Amla (Indian gooseberry), Licorice, and Guduchi to soothe the digestive system.

 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Alternating diarrhea and constipation

• Bloating and gas

• Urgency to pass stools

Ayurvedic Perspective:

• IBS is termed Grahani Roga in Ayurveda, referring to disorders of the small intestine.

• The condition is associated with a weak digestive fire (Agni) and an imbalance in the Vata dosha, leading to irregular bowel movements and digestive discomfort. 

Treatment Approaches:

• Panchakarma Therapies: Procedures like Basti (medicated enemas) and Abhyanga (oil massage) help balance Vata and strengthen Agni.

• Dietary Guidelines: Consuming warm, cooked foods and avoiding cold, dry, and heavy meals.

• Herbal Formulations: Herbs such as Triphala, Ashwagandha, and Bael are used to regulate bowel movements and enhance digestion.

 Indigestion (Ajeerna)

Symptoms:

• Feeling of fullness or heaviness after meals

• Bloating and gas

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

Ayurvedic Perspective:

• Indigestion, or Ajeerna, occurs when the digestive fire (Agni) is weak, leading to incomplete digestion of food.

• This can result from overeating, irregular eating times, or consuming incompatible food combinations. 

Treatment Approaches:

• Panchakarma Therapies: Detoxification treatments to cleanse the digestive system.

• Dietary Adjustments: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding heavy, greasy, or hard-to-digest foods.

• Herbal Remedies: Use of digestive aids like Hingwastak Churna and Chitrakadi Vati to stimulate Agni and improve digestion.

At Vishwa Vrida Ayurveda, Dr. Avinash Shimpi emphasizes a personalized approach, considering individual dosha imbalances, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits to provide effective treatment plans for these digestive disorders.