Diarrhoea

All You Need to Know About Diarrhoea, Causes and Ayurvedic Treatment

Nothing is worse than being hit with diarrhoea, which many different types of triggers can cause. From contaminated food to illness and stress, understanding the causes and treatment of diarrhoea is essential. Fortunately, Ayurvedic treatment offers an effective remedy for this uncomfortable issue - join us to learn more about the causes and treatments available to tackle your diarrhoea.

Importance of Ayurveda in Treating Diarrhoea

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine which has been practiced since thousands of years. It focuses on holistic healing, considering one's health's physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. In treating diarrhoea, Ayurveda seeks to treat the root cause rather than manage the symptoms. This makes it a powerful tool for preventing and treating acute or chronic cases of diarrhoea.

Each year, around 3-5 billion people worldwide are affected by diarrhoea, with children under five particularly vulnerable to this serious problem. By following the principles of Ayurveda, it is possible to address this concern with a more holistic approach.

Types

• Acute Diarrhoea: Acute diarrhoea is also known as Grahani samprapti, caused by the aggravation of vata dosha. It can be caused due to an unhealthy diet or lifestyle, including stress and overconsumption of cold food items.
• Persistent Diarrhoea: Persistent diarrhoea, also known as Atisara samprapti, is caused by a combination of vata and pitta dosha. It can be caused due to an unhealthy diet or lifestyle, including excessive consumption of hot and spicy foods.
• Severe Persistent Diarrhoea: In Ayurveda, severe persistent diarrhoea is known as Atisāra, and an imbalance of Vāta dosha causes it. It results in loose stools that may contain mucus or pus and are accompanied by burning sensations in the abdomen and other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, etc.
• Dysentery: Dysentery is a form of acute diarrhoea that can cause mucus and blood in the stools. In Ayurveda, dysentery is known as "Picchila." It can be caused due to imbalance of all three humours—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite or thirst, fatigue, and weakness.

Causes

Eating food that is not fresh or has been improperly cooked. This cause toxins to accumulate in the body, creating an imbalance that leads to Diarrhoea.

Eating too much sour, spicy, fried, or processed foods. These can irritate the digestive system and lead to Diarrhoea.

Taking certain medications that can disrupt the balance of your digestion. Antibiotics are especially known for triggering diarrhoeal episodes.

Stressful emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety can also affect your digestion and cause Diarrhoea in some people.

Drinking cold water during meals can upset your digestion and may lead to Diarrhoea.

Symptoms

Diarrhoea is a common health problem due to toxins in the body. In Ayurveda, specific symptoms associated with diarrhoea can help identify the condition and find applicable treatments.

Common signs and symptoms of diarrhoea include:

• Loose stools or watery stools more than 3 times a day
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Loss of appetite

Natural Remedies

• Triphala Churna: Triphala is commonly used to promote healthy digestion. Studies on animals have demonstrated that Triphala's aqueous and alcohol-based extracts can help prevent Diarrhoea. Triphala Churna combines three fruits—Amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki. People can mix one teaspoon of Triphala powder with water and drink it daily.
• Kutaja Ghana vati: Kutaja Ghana Vati is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for diarrhoea, used in India since at least 600 B.C. The formulation includes herbs such as Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), and Haridra (Curcuma longa). It helps reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea, such as frequent watery stools, abdominal cramps, and urgency.
• Bilwa or Bael fruit: Bilwa or Bael fruit is a remedy used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating diarrhoea. The laxative and astringent properties of the fruit help soothe the digestive system and relieve intestinal issues like diarrhoea, dysentery, and colitis.
• Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice is packed with antioxidants to help improve gut health and relieve Diarrhoea symptoms. This sweet-tart juice contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and K, which makes it an ideal choice for a natural remedy to heal the digestive tract.
• Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds are known to be an effective remedy for diarrhoea. They can reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea, like stomach cramps and excessive wind, while also helping the body to restore its normal electrolyte balance.
• Mint leaves: Mint leaves are a natural remedy for diarrhoea and can help treat the symptoms of abdominal cramps. They are thought to stimulate bile production in the liver, which helps with digestion and prevents loose stools.
• Ginger: Ginger is another natural remedy for diarrhoea. It helps reduce the inflammation in the digestive tract, as well as helping to promote better digestion. Ginger tea can be prepared and drank several times a day to help with symptoms of diarrhoea.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural remedy that can help to relieve diarrhoea. It works by helping to reduce the amount of water in your intestines, which helps to slow down your bowel movements. The citric acid in lemon juice also helps to reduce bacteria growth.

Ayurvedic Dietary Recommendations

• Avoid eating cold, raw foods and drinks, such as salads, ice cream, and yogurt.
• Reduce or avoid consuming processed foods like white flour, sugar, and canned food.
• Try to follow a regular sleep schedule and ensure adequate rest.
• Practice relaxation techniques including yoga and meditation to reduce stress levels.

Natural Herbs Formulations

Natural herbal formulations may include ginger, garlic, turmeric, and ginseng, which can help reduce inflammation and improve the body’s natural immunity. Certain herbs may also effectively fight infection and reduce the risk of certain illnesses. Herbal remedies are known to provide general support for well-being and specific therapeutic effects on various organs and systems.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda, the ancient system of natural healing, has many therapies and remedies to correct digestive imbalances. In particular, ayurvedic treatments can be successful in relieving diarrhoea. Generally speaking, Ayurveda recommends fasting for a day before introducing diet modifications to help control diarrhoea. You should then focus on consuming simple, easily digestible foods such as cooked rice or boiled vegetables with light spices like ginger or coriander. Try taking herbal teas made from fennel seeds and cumin seeds and adding some honey to help soothe your stomach.

Ayurvedic Detoxification Techniques

• Panchakarma: an ancient Ayurvedic detoxification technique that involves five stages of purification. It helps remove toxins from the body, restore balance to the body's systems, and improve overall health.
• Abhyanga: a full-body oil massage that helps to reduce fatigue and stress, increase circulation and promote deep relaxation.
• Nasya: an Ayurvedic practice that involves inhaling herbal oils through the nose, which helps to clear sinuses and congestion, reduce headaches and irritability, and improve mental clarity.

Foods to Avoid

Certain types of food can make your diarrhoea worse and should be avoided. Here are these foods be avoided:

• High-fat foods and fried foods.
• Dairy products
• Spicy foods
• Foods that are high in sugar
• High-fiber foods

Food to Eat

BRAT foods can be helpful when you have Diarrhoea as they can aid in a faster recovery. Some good BRAT Foods to eat during diarrhoea include:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Apple
• Toast

Zanducare Products and Solutions

Amlapitta Har Vati & Acidity Regulator tablets: This powerful Ayurvedic herbal remedy helps regulate acid production in the stomach and effectively relieves acidity. It strengthens the digestive system and improves bowel movements, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their gut health. This unique combination of ingredients helps reduce hyperacidity, heartburn, bloating, and discomfort by neutralizing excessive acid in the stomach.