Gastro-intestinal Diseases

The Gastrointestinal (GI) system/gastric system is also called the digestive system and includes the various organs of the human digestive tract from the mouth to the anal opening, plus the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Any disease in the GI system that affects the functioning of this system is called gastrointestinal disease. According to Ayurveda causes of gastric problems are inappropriate eating habits accompanied by certain poor lifestyle choices.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is caused when the valve between the oesophagus and stomach becomes weak. Normally, this valve opens to allow food in and then it shuts tightly.

With GERD, the valve stays open, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and many other symptoms. It leads to a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the oesophagus. If you have heartburn that occurs more than twice a week and/or does not get better with over-the-counter antacids, you may have GERD. Consumption of pitta (fire) aggravating foods and foods of incompatible nature (virudh aahar) vitiates all the doshas, predominantly pitta dosha.

Peptic Ulcer: Peptic ulcer is an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining of the stomach. People with gastritis, acidity and heartburn are more prone to the peptic ulcer. This disease affects 20% people with chronic gastritis. Peptic ulcer is caused due to various reasons. No single cause can be held responsible for peptic ulcers. Excessive production of acid from gastrinomas corrodes the inner surface of esophagus, stomach or intestine. A bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the development of ulcers in stomach.

Chronic Constipation: Inability to completely evacuate the bowels or passing very hard stools is known as Constipation or Vibandh in Ayurveda. This prevalent problem is due to an incorrect lifestyle and poor eating patterns. Although constipation is often looked upon as a common problem, if not treated or if Constipation treatment is delayed, it can lead to further problems such as fissures, fistulas, piles, lack of appetite and indigestion. To provide root-cause Constipation treatment, it is important to understand the root-cause first.

According to Ayurveda, undigested food and occult stool slowly accumulate in the stomach and large intestines respectively and impair Vata Dosha, resulting in obstruction of the digestive tract. When the digestive tract is not clear, the body will not be able to facilitate proper bowel movement, thereby leading to the condition of constipation.