Ayurveda's Approach towards Diarrhoea
31 July 2020
'Diarrhoea' as a condition is termed as Atisara in Ayurveda. It basically means passing loose or watery bowel movements due to the diet that's incompatible with your Prakriti, intake of foods that are not well cooked; contaminated water or other beverages etc.
It's a very common digestive issue, fairly easy to control within a couple of days. However, if your diarrhoea is unusual and occurring more than occasionally, you should consult with your doctor once. Ayurveda provides you with some practical tools in support of healthy bowel movements and if your symptoms are due to a more complex disorder like the Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the herbal & dietary changes will benefit you in many ways.
When it is serious?
In addition to the frequent watery bowel movements, diarrhoea is accompanied by abdominal bloating/cramps, nausea, vomiting, or an urgent need to have a bowel movement. More serious symptoms include -
- More than 10 watery stools within 24 hours
- Fever
- Generalised weakness
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Black, tarry stools
- Weight loss
The common causes are -
- Infection
- Change in diet
- Food intolerance
- Drinking excess alcohol
- Bowel conditions (e.g. IBS)
AYURVEDA'S APPROACH
According to Ayurveda, when the digestive fire (Agni) is weakened, Diarrhoea occurs (usually due to excess pitta). Absorption & assimilation is slowed, the movement of the food through the system is accelerated- causing watery stools. The ideal process is to pacify pitta through customized diet, home remedies & herbs, which soothes the inflammation, pain, loose motions remarkably well.
DIETARY GUIDELINES
Diet is one of the most effective ways to treat diarrhoea. A pitta pacifying diet focuses on simple, grounding, nourishing foods, and maintaining energetically cooling foods, drinks, and spices—things like coconut, coriander, fennel, and mint.
It is also important to avoid hot, spicy foods, especially salty foods, intensely sour foods, alcohol, caffeine, and fermented foods, as they can further complicate pitta. Also, steer clear of sugary drinks and some sugar substitutes. These substances draw more water into the intestines and can intensify diarrhoea.
As per the ayurvedic treatment, completely stop gluten, dairy products and red meat from the diet.
Your diet should only contain khichdi or simple moong dal/rice & nothing else, while you're suffering from the symptoms.
Some of the specific dietary changes that can help to curb an acute case of diarrhoea include -
- Consume a drink made with ghee, salt & hot water remove
- Cooked rice with yoghurt
- Cooked Bottle gourd is best for hydration
- Incorporating spices like turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds, coriander, and hing (asafoetida) in the diet
- Taking small sips of warm water during a meal to aid digestion
These guidelines will help you keep your gut good, grateful, and happy!
AYUSHAKTI’S EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDY
Apart from the changes in the diet, if you consume half glass pomegranate juice every day (2-3 times), it will help in balancing those immune functions. I would like to share with you one of the powerful ways, with which you can support your digestion & bowel movements.
Try this following home remedy & let me know if you found it supportive -
- • 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- • 1 tsp cumin seeds powder
- • 2 tbsp yoghurt
- • pinch of rock salt
Mix everything well & take this 3-5 times a day (Your diet should only contain simple moong dal/rice while you're taking this home remedy)
POMEGRANATE PEEL IS A MAGIC REMEDY IN RELIEVING DIARRHOEA. Boil fresh or dried pomegranate peel (peel from one pomegranate) in 5 glasses of water and make it 2 glasses. Drink this water 2-3 times a day. Gradually you can see a great reduction in the number of motions, relief from pain and improved digestion.
One of our clients from abroad had huge abdominal pain & irregular digestion; classical medicines weren't showing any progress. She thought of trying the alternatives, Ayushakti's herbal treatment & customized diet brought a step by step improvement in a short period.
Ayushakti's herbal supplements Aampachak & Dyromukti relieves inflammation of the colon and acts against diarrhoea causing parasites. It assists in comforting the soreness of the stomach and irritable indigestion.
We at Ayushakti, share a mission to help people in every possible way. Even these pandemic times cannot stop us; you can consult me or our experts on phone or video. Or you can visit your nearest Ayushakti centre for a personal consultation. We will suggest diet & home remedies for maintaining your wellbeing in these difficult times. Book your consultation here https://rzp.io/l/bZ2M84i
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