Indigestion and Dyspepsia - Ayurvedic / herbal medicines

What is Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia means indigestion or difficulty in digestion which is related with gastrointestinal system due to dietetic errors.

Causes for Dyspepsia

The prime cause of dyspepsia or indigestion is due to wrong eating habits, and difference in quantity of food intake without considering appetite, eating too rapidly, by not chewing food properly, talking while consuming food, there may be disturbance in digestive process which may lead to indigestion. When there is undigested food collects, food may putrefies, and may become poisonous, apart from this, if an individual is not considering proper food combination, there may be chances of indigestion, there are many examples such as consuming fish and milk together, honey and ghee in equal quantities, too much heavy food, and consuming too much food repeatedly, consuming excess sour food items, or oily foods may lead to indigestion. If the indigestion process is continued for long term, there may be chances of malfunctioning of organs such as liver, kidneys, pancreas etc. other causes would be stress, smoking, alcohol, constipation, fear, anger, insomnia, are other factors which may aggravate dyspepsia or indigestion.

Other causes for Indigestion are history of Gallstones, Gastritis, pancreatitis, Ulcers, usage of antibiotics, aspirin, usage of NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Symptoms of Dyspepsia

Basic symptoms of Dyspepsia are Pain-abdomen, fullness of abdomen, heartburn, poor appetite, nausea or vomiting, excess flatulence, sour belching, heaviness in head, sour taste or foul smell in mouth, white to yellow coating over tongue, feeling of acidity are the main symptoms. In later cases, patient may feel irregular bowels, or repeated bowels, sticky stools, foul stools may be experienced.

Diagnosis of Dyspepsia

Based on symptoms of the patient, physician can diagnose Indigestion or Dyspepsia and severity can be assessed.

Managing Dyspepsia

• In allopath system, there are many methods of treatments which are given to the patient depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease and association of other complaints.
• However, one should follow good eating habits and lifestyle which is very important and Indian system of medicines especially Ayurveda do explained regarding the same.
• Follow proper timings of food intake, timings, chewing food properly, do not talk while consuming food, avoid sour food items, spicy foods items, too much oily foods or greasy foods, consuming food with anxiety or eagerly may aggravate indigestion. After consumption of food, one should walk for few blocks which is very important.
• One should be in touch with physician when consuming drugs like aspirin or NSAIDs, as doctor may suggest Antacids.

Natural diet for Dyspepsia

• There are few herbs and fruits which may help to promote digestion such as Lemon or lemonade juice, Grapes, Ripen Pineapple, Pomegranate, Carrot Juice, Fenugreek or Methi, Mint are used accordingly as needed.
• Some home remedies such as consuming Hingh or asafoetida can be consumed in smaller quantities like 1 or 2 pinch of which is fried in ghee and consumed with lukewarm water which is consumed before food is very helpful.
• Consuming fresh butter milk which is very helpful and one can add Pepper powder (3 or 4 pinch), consumption or adding Aniseed, Cumin are also helpful. One can consume Aniseed with honey which is also very useful.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Dyspepsia

Ayurvedic Medicines are helpful for improving digestion such as Triphala Capsules for easy digestion and excretion. Hing Goli, Digestive Churna which are propriety medicines for indigestion purpose. Lavan Bhaskar churna which enhances appetite and improves digestion. Consuming Trikatu Capsules, Dizomap Tablets for Intestinal Disorders, Divya Harar Vati are the medicines which can be consumed according to the symptoms to improve digestion and enhance proper absorption and assimilation.

Yoga and meditation for Dyspepsia

In order to improve the process of digestion, one can practice yoga which is very helpful such as Vajrasana, Salabhasana, Bhujangasana, Yoga Mudra, Surya Namaskara, Shavasana. Pranayama such as Anuloma-viloma pranayama, Bhastrika Pranayama, Shitali pranayama, and Shitkari pranayama. Certain procedures or Kriyas like Jallundhar Bandha and Kunjal Kriya, Yoga nidra are helpful. These yoga poses and meditation procedures should be done under guidance for beginners.

Natural Diet for Dyspepsia

There are some natural diet plans which is even explained in Naturopathy such as consuming only fruit diet for 4 to 5 days or according to their prescription is useful. Even pure water diet is also recommended. Even in severe dyspepsia, Fasting is also advised. Following fiber-rich food which is very useful, well-balanced diet, consuming light foods which is easy for digestion.