Digestive Disorders Tips

Whether you eat to live or live to eat, everyone suffers from a gastrointestinal tract infection at some point or the other. This can range from acidity and mild indigestion to diarrhoea and stomach ulcers. Digestive problems can make day to day life uncomfortable and in some cases become embarrassing as well. Thankfully, most gastrointestinal tract infections can be treated and cured easily.

Stomach and digestive problems spare no person. At times, the stomach disorder is of a short duration and at other times longer. Both stomach and digestive problems indicate that there is something inherently out of order and the body needs immediate help. The discomfort that accompanies stomach and digestive problems can hinder life’s activities and become an embarrassment too. Homeopathy has a cure for both stomach and digestive problems. The natural Homeopathic remedies for stomach and digestive problems are not only of great help in getting rid of stomach problems but also eliminate the root cause of the digestive disorders. The Homeopathic treatment is completely safe with zero side effects and proves to be of immense benefit in the long run.

When it comes to such infections, homeopathy is a form of medicine that is preferred by many. This is because it has negligible side effects and can be prescribed for children and adults alike. Homeopathy treats not only the physical symptoms exhibited by the patient but his or her overall physical, mental and emotional health. Some homeopathic remedies used to treat digestion problems are:

1. Nux Vomica- This is considered the ‘go to’ remedy for almost all stomach problems. It can be used to treat heartburn, constipation, indigestion etc. It also relieves bloating and a sense of fullness after eating a heavy meal.

2. Pulsatilla- This homeopathic remedy can be used to deal with the gastric trouble that results from excessive consumption of fatty foods and for the treatment of loose stools. Most people who benefit from this medicine showcase an absence of thirst.

3. China- China helps relieve bloating caused by excessive gas in the abdomen. This bloating may also be accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Diarrhoea that is a result of eating fruits and that causes extreme weakness can also be treated with China. China can also be used to treat loose stools that are accompanied by blood.

4. Arsenic Album- Gastric troubles caused by food poisoning can be treated with Arsenic Album. Some of the problems it addresses are nausea, vomiting, stomach aches and loose stools. In such cases, the patient may also complain that the discomfort worsens on eating or drinking anything and may experience a burning sensation in the stomach.

5. Lycopodium- Homeopathic medicine for stomach feeling full after eating very little. Sometimes a person may feel full even though he or she has eaten very little. Lycopodium is the ideal remedy for this problem. It is also used to treat acidity caused by the intake of starchy food and gas in the stomach that causes burping.

6. Ipecac- This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat persistent nausea or simply an extremely nauseating feeling. This nausea may or may not be accompanied by other gastric complaints. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a homeopath and ask a free question.

Gallstones are bits of solid material that may be formed in the gall bladder. The gallbladder is a little organ located under the liver. You won't not know you have them until they've block your bile duct, causing pain that will need immediate medical intervention, and even hospitalisation in some cases.They may comprise of cholesterol, salt, or bilirubin, which consists of red platelets. Gallstones vary in size. They can be as little as a grain of sand or as even the size of an apricot in many cases.

Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. Read on to know more:

Causes: There are a number of causes for this condition, especially in women. These causes are as follows:

1. Intake of anti-conception medication pills, hormone trade treatment for menopause side effects, or pregnancy
2. Fasting
3. Malfunctioning of the gall bladder
4. High cholesterol levels
5. Gallstones may be created when there is excessive amount of cholesterol in the bile discharged by the liver. This bile normally separates the cholesterol and helps in the normal functioning of the liver and other digestive organs of the body.
6. Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a substance created when your liver wrecks old red platelets. A few conditions, like cirrhosis of the liver and certain blood issues causes the liver to create more bilirubin than it ought to. This can lead to complicated conditions like gallstones.
7. Bile: Your gallbladder needs to exhaust bile to be sound. In the event that it discharges its bile content, the bile turns out to be excessively thick which causes stones to shape.
8. Weight: Being overweight or underweight can also cause a malfunction which can lead to the appearance of such stones. The diet also has a bearing in such cases.

Symptoms:

1. Fever
2. A yellowish tint in your skin or eyes, which can demonstrate jaundice
3. Sickness or retching
4. Clay coloured stools
5. Pain in the right upper quadrant of your stomach area
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Other digestive issues

Treatment:

Numerous individuals with gallstones may be asked to go through surgery to remove the gallbladder. These include the following:

1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: The specialist passes instruments, a light, and a camera through a few little cuts in the midsection.
2. Open cholecystectomy: The specialist makes bigger cuts in the belly to expel the gallbladder. You may have to spend a couple days in the hospital after the operation.
3. Without getting operated: If you have a mild condition and your specialist feels you shouldn't have an operation, he may recommend medicines like chenodiol, ursodiol, or both. These medications work by dissolving cholesterol stones. One may experience mild loose motions as a side effect.

When there is improper digestion, there is a sluggish material produced which is known as Ama. Amavata is also known as Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation in the joints.

Ama is caused by poor eating habits such as excessive consumption of processed foods, lack of exercise, poor digestive system, eating high-calorie foods and poor metabolism.

Ayurveda believes that a healthy body is the result of 3 components – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ama is formed due to excessive Vata, which over the period of time damages the tissues. The most commonly affected joints include pelvis, low back, knees, and hips. These joints experience pain and stiffness which reduces mobility.

As evident from the progression of the disease, the symptoms start in the digestive system and gradually reach the joints and muscles. Some of the common symptoms include indigestion, increased thirst, poor appetite, constant bloated feeling, weight gain, vomiting and nausea. Few people may also experience swelling in the joints and muscles leading to pain and stiffness. Most commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, fingers, toes, head and neck, and hips.

There are certain diet and lifestyle changes and few home remedies that can help deal with Amavata. Let us read on to know more:

Diet and lifestyle tips:

1. Avoid consuming milk and jaggery together
2. Say no to oily and fried foods instead of opt for nutritious food.
3. Maintain a proper sleep schedule.
4. Take bath with lukewarm water
5. Avoid direct exposure to cold winds
6. Pungent and bitter foods which help improve digestion
7. Exercising on a daily basis with increase mobility in the joints.

Home remedies to deal with Amavata

1. Fasting or following a semi-liquid diet for one complete day every week can go a long way in clearing the toxins from the body.
2. Hot fomentation - Applying moist heat on the joints can give instant relief from the pain and stiffness. you can do this by soaking the cloth in warm water and compressing over the affected areas.

There are various treatment options offered by Ayurveda to effectually deal with Amavata or Rheumatoid arthritis. So, visit an Ayurvedic practitioner today and he can help you choose the treatment option that works best for you.

Amlapitta is the Ayurvedic term for a medical condition when your stomach produces more acids than you need for digesting food. It is a very common disorder today, which is triggered by our unhealthy lifestyle choices. Amlapitta or acid peptic disorder needs medical attention because if it continues for too long, you could end up with painful peptic ulcers.

What are the causes behind Amlapitta?

According to Ayurveda, your diet and lifestyle mainly lead to Acid Peptic Disorder-

Diet -

• Consuming spicy, fried food

• Excessive consumption of pickles and oily food

• Excessive intake of sour and salty foods

• Eating fermented, stale food

• Intake of hot beverages, like tea/coffee and soup

• Skipping meals

• Irregular meal times

Lifestyle -

• Lack of sleep at night

• A fast-paced lifestyle with no time to rest

• Overexposure to fire and sun

• Excessive anxiety and stress

Signs and Symptoms - 

The obvious signs and symptoms of the acid peptic disease include –

• Bitter or sour blenching

• A burning sensation in the chest 

• Nausea and vomiting

• Throat burn

• Abdominal pain

• Foul-smelling bowel movement

• Fatigue and tiredness

• Giddiness

How is the condition cured?

Since the primary causes of acid peptic disease are dietary, Ayurveda suggests the selection of the right kinds of food and healthy lifestyle changes to cure the condition.

Follow these guidelines to get rid of amlapitta –

• Take small meals twice a day

• Eat your food in a loving manner with awareness and attention

• Eat at fixed time regularly

• You should eat your meal during Pitta period i.e. between 10 AM and 2 PM

• Eat light food like Rajgira Laddoo, Dry black resins decoction in morning

• Pomegranate is useful in Amlapitta

• Coconut sweets is also eaten in Smlapitta to get rid of it

• Drink plenty of water and juice of raw vegetables

• Avoid eating/drinking foods that are too hot or too cold

• Avoid consumption of carbonated beverages 

• Cut back on fatty meat

• Include sufficient amount of rice, wheat, bitter gourd, cucumber, pumpkin and cow’s milk in your diet

Ayurveda also believes that yoga and exercise can heal the condition from within and restore the balance of the doshas causing the disease. 

Exercising regularly helps to control acidity. Morning walks are good for health and may prevent the occurrence of acid peptic disease. 

Yoga works well to keep your digestive system healthy. As we know, certain mental disorders like anxiety and depression can worsen acid peptic disease, it is imperative that you live a happy and stress-free life. Yoga helps relieve stress and elevates your mood, and helps to strengthen your overall system.

Some yoga postures that may help include – 

• Bhujangasana 

• Naukasana - 

• Suryanamaskara

• Vajrasana

 Amlapitta or acid peptic disease can be distressing and extremely uncomfortable to live with. The best way to treat and prevent the condition is to adopt Ayurvedic remedies and precautionary measures. These not only help reduce the symptoms of acidity but also build your immune system.

Cover small intestine is very significant in maintaining proper digestive health by jogging nutrients are fluids that we eat or drink. Yourself in delivering the waste products in the large intestine. This surgery which is the small bowel resection is done to remove part or the entire small bowel. This is basically done when part of our small bowel as blockage or when the diseased.

Importance of intestinal surgery or small bowel resection
There are several conditions which may affect our small bowel. Generally, your doctor might advise you to remove a portion of your small bowel but in some cases, a portion of your small Bible might have to be removed to confirm that disease has been ruled out if tissue diagnosis might be required. Some situations where you may require surgery involves:

1. Severe ulcers that develops in the small bowel leads to bleeding and in some cases infection also
2. A situation where there is either a congenital blockage in the intestine or maybe from a scar tissue
3. Cancer is an obvious option
4. Some injuries to the small bowel is an obvious situation
5. In some cases, there may be a pocket of intestines present there since birth
6. Several diseases which cause inflammation in the small bowel

Risks Involving Small Bowel Resection
It is very obvious that any kind of surgery has some potential risks so does the small Bowel resection, which includes:

1. There may be some difficulty in breathing
2. Infections are very common
3. There might be some damage in the structures surrounding it
4. There may be a case of heart attack
5. Abnormal bleeding
6. Bleeding resulting in blood clots
7. Pneumonia
8. Bleeding in the stomach area
9. The abdomen might start collecting pass which is known as intra abdominal abscess
10. If the intestinal blockage is formed by a scar tissue then it requires more surgery
11. They might be problems while absorbing the vitamins and nutrients which is commonly known as short bowel syndrome
12. Due to some infections, diarrhoea is always a frequent risk.

A Long-term Outlook after small bowel resection A majority of people have recovered well from the surgery. You can definitely resume your normal day to day activities even if you had ileostomy and you are required to carry a drainage bag. Diarrhoea might still be a concern for you if you had a big section of your bowel removed and you still might have a problem in digesting foods. Inflammatory diseases might still require for the medication.

According to Ayurveda, Vata controls the movement of the mind and the body. It governs the blood flow and the elimination of waste, breathing and the movement of thoughts in a person. Vata is therefore considered the leader of three Ayurvedic principles of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In order to keep the mind and body in order, it is essential to have a Vata specific diet that will help in balancing Vata to the optimum level.

Vata takes care of the bodily senses, creative thinking, reasoning and movement of thought. It helps in the movement of food through the digestive tract. Vata is known to take care in eliminating waste, sexual functions and the menstrual cycle. The blood flow, heart rhythm, perspiration and the sense of touch is due to the right Vata that makes the body function the right way.

When the Vata is out of balance in the body, it can become restless and the person would experience difficulty in breathing. Dry coughs, earaches and general fatigue can be experienced often. The digestion gets affected leading to slow or rapid digestion, gas, intestinal cramps and weak tissues. Dry or rough skin, nervousness, poor blood flow and excessive stress are symptoms for a poor Vata.

If the Vata is optimal in a person, it leads to an energetic and creative mind. When the Vata is in a balanced state, then the person is generally lively, enthusiastic and with a lean body. In case Vata becomes predominant in a body, people would experience sudden bouts of fatigue. When the Vata is imbalanced then it manifests in the body as weight loss leading to other symptoms like constipation, hypertension and digestive problems.

In order to balance Vata, it is important to avoid cold foods and take only warm or hot foods that are cooked well and mushy in texture. In a Vata pacifying diet, it is important to eat a sufficient quantity of food that helps in digestion. All dairy products are good for pacifying Vata. For instance, boil milk before drinking and never drink milk after a heavy meal. All sweets eaten in moderation are good to balance Vata. It is good to eat root vegetables in the rainy season. Avoid eating raw vegetables and if you must have raw vegetables it should be eaten at mid-day when digestive strength is at its best.

While most fruits are good, it is important to eat sweet, sour or heavy fruits like oranges, bananas, avocados, grapes cherries and papaya. It is good to avoid fruits like apples, pears and dry fruits. All nuts are good. Vegetables should always be cooked and never taken raw. Avoiding sprouts and cabbage is good for a Vata specific diet. Legumes like red lentils, moong dal and soy can be taken if they are well cooked and spiced. These are easier to digest than other varieties of lentils.

The digested food particles in our intestine are constantly in motion. Intestinal obstruction can hamper the normal movement of the particles and cause many other complications. In this case, the small or large intestine is blocked. All the fluids, food, gastric acids and gas accumulate at the place of blockage.

If the pressure builds up in this area, harmful bacteria and other intestinal contents may leak into the abdominal cavity. These blocked parts of the intestine can lead to serious health problems like blockage of the bowel.

Causes

The most common reasons for intestinal obstruction are as follows –
• After a pelvic or an abdominal operation, strands of fibrous tissues may form in the abdominal cavity that could lead to intestinal blockage
• Among children, it is mostly caused due to intussusceptions
• Colon cancer
• Bowel inflammation diseases such as the Crohn’s disease
• Volvulus where the intestines get twisted
• Small intestine tumours
• Impacted Stool
• Malformations in the intestinal region, especially in newborn children may cause blockage
• Diverticulitis, where small pouches are infected and may get swollen
• Hernia
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea

There is another condition called paralytic ileus or pseudo-obstruction of the intestine, where the regular muscle contractions of the region are interrupted due to neural or muscle complications. This slows down the movement of food and fluids in the intestine.

Symptoms

The symptoms that are usually observed in this case are –
• Swelling in the abdominal area
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Inability to pass gas
• Improper bowel movement

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of obstruction you are suffering from and its severity. In the case of paralytic ileus, the doctor might give you intravenous fluids and instruct you to rest your bowels. You will not be given food, only clear liquids. The fluids are given to prevent dehydration and balance the electrolytes in the intestine
For children suffering from intussusceptions, air enema or barium is used for treatment. Here, barium is passed into the intestine through a small tube inserted into the rectum
For partial obstruction where some fluids or food can pass through the intestine, the doctor may prescribe you a low fibre diet that will ease up the blockage.

Surgery
Surgery will be needed if all the measures mentioned above fail and the situation becomes worse. In that case, you will have to stay in the hospital. You will be given IV fluids to prevent any kind of shock during the operation.
The surgeon may operate and remove the part of the intestine that is damaged or dead tissues that are causing the blockage. The healthy ends of the intestine will then be joined by stitches.

Another method of treating this is through a metal stent. Using an endoscope placed into your colon or mouth, a wire mesh tube is put inside the colon. It clears the obstructions by forcing the colon open.
Intestinal obstruction may cause the affected tissue in the intestine to die if left untreated. It can create a hole or infection in the intestinal walls. Therefore, consult a specialist at the earliest if you are facing the symptoms mentioned earlier.
 

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), also called pancreatic deficiency, is a disorder where the pancreas is unable to produce a sufficient amount of enzymes that are required to digest food. The pancreatic enzymes help to break down and absorb nutrients from the food in the small intestine. So, this disease causes nutritional deficiencies.

Causes of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

This condition is generally caused as a complication of other diseases because EPI develops only as a result of severe damage to the pancreas. The following reasons can cause EPI:

1. Inflammation of the pancreas
After surgery in the pancreas, stomach or the intestines, there may be inflammation in the pancreas as a post-surgical complication. A high content of triglyceride fat in the blood can also cause pancreatic inflammation and hinder the secretion of the enzymes.

2.  Chronic Pancreatitis
In this disease, the pancreatic ducts are swollen and blocked and so the digestive enzymes cannot be passed into the small intestine. This condition is often caused by heavy consumption of alcohol.

3.  Cystic Fibrosis
The digestive fluids and enzymes become thick and sticky and block the passageways of the pancreas and other organs like the lungs and the kidneys. This can obstruct secretion and passage of enzymes afterwards.

4.  Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome
This is an autosomal recessive genetic condition where enzyme-producing pancreatic cells are not formed properly. This rare disorder causes a number of associated disorders like bone marrow diseases, skeletal defects and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Symptoms of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

The symptoms appear in the middle stages of the disease when the process of absorption of nutrients has already been affected. The common warning signs are:

1.  Digestive problems like gas, diarrhea and indigestion because the food remains mostly undigested.
2.  Severe and frequent stomach pain in the lower abdominal region
3.  Greasy stools due to the excretion of undigested fat
4.  Rapid loss of weight and body mass due to mal-absorption of nutrients
5.  Constantly feeling bloated and full even if you have not eaten anything
6.   A general sense of fatigue and exhaustion
7.   Excessive bleeding from small wounds because protein deficiencies hamper blood clotting
8.   Pain in the muscles and bones
9.   Increased susceptibility to infections of the body systems
10. Anemia
11. Joint pains
12. Abnormal swelling of the limbs or edema
 

• Overindulgence in carbohydrates, heavy foods only leaves us feeling slow and sluggish. In Ayurveda, the digestive process is considered central to the development of good quality of Tejas (intelligence), Ojas (vitality) and prana (life force).
• Digestion is the key to converting good food into good nutrition for the body while separating out and eliminating the waste.
• Ayurveda recommends warm, spiced foods and hot herbal teas made from fennel, ginger, liquorice, cinnamon, cardamom and ajwain.
• Simple well-cooked foods like ginger carrot soup are a great way to pacify Vata and maintain balance.
• Ginger and black pepper and promotes circulation and digestion, thus reducing congestion and sluggishness from overly oily foods.
• Carrots are high in antioxidants which are beneficial for immune function. 

Knowingly or unknowingly, people often end up consuming food items that affect their digestive health negatively, instead of providing health benefits. Yes, the majority of people think that they can digest any kind of food and won't suffer from any side effects at all. But in reality, based on the preparation, processing, and ingredients present in them, some foods end up triggering digestive problems.

Let's take a look at some such foods that can be bad for the digestive health.

1. Processed Foods: Processed or packed foods are high in carbohydrates, and can cause various digestive issues, such as bloating, cramping, gas formation, hypertension, and diabetes, when consumed in large amounts.
2. Alcohol: Technically speaking, alcohol may not be a food; but if you consume alcohol every time you eat, it can be counted as a food item. When the consumption of alcohol is moderate to high, it can cause acid reflux or heartburn, inflammation in the stomach lining, stomach cramps, and even diarrhea.
3. Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners may work great for keeping your blood sugar in control but may affecctyour digestive system adversely. Artificial sweeteners contain ingredients that can increase the chance of bloating, gas, diarrhea, and inflammation.
4. Fried and Greasy Foods: Fried foods and greasy food are not only difficult to digest but they can also cause minor digestive problems, which later lead to intense stomach conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, tummy upset, belching, etc.
5. Chocolates: Are you fond of eating chocolates? Having a sweet tooth can cost you your digestive health. From heartburn to an upset stomach, eating too many chocolates or candies can result in loose stools and diarrhea.
6. Foods Rich in Spice: Eating too much of spicy foods and those that contain chili peppers for a tangy flavor can often lead to heartburn and acidity. While you may enjoy eating something delicious with a tangy and spicy taste, the damage it may cause to your digestive health can be a cause forconcern.
7. Too Much of Caffeine: Drinking too much coffee or drinks with a high caffeine content cannot only irritate the stomach but also damage the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Heartburn, inflammation, constipation, and dehydration are some of the common digestive problems posed by coffee.
8. Raw Vegetables and Acidic Fruits: While consuming too many acidic fruits can cause acid reflux and stomach inflammation, eating raw vegetables leads to cramps, diarrhea, bloating and gas as they pass through the digestive system undigested.

For those who are concerned about their digestive health, consulting a doctor is recommended. In case you already have a stomach related ailment or disorder or have suffered from any in the past, a doctor can suggest and advice you and what are the best foods to incorporate in your diet.