Have you ever experienced a "gut feeling" or butterflies in your stomach when you're nervous or anxious? This shows the strong connection between our gut and brain. These 2 are constantly communicating through a system known as "Gut-Brain axis".

How does it Work?

Gut- Brain axis is the connection,

1. Vagus nerve - sends signals from the gut to the brain, informing it about digestive processes and gut health.

2. Brain to gut signaling-The brain sends signals to the gut through hormones and neurotransmitters,

influencing appetite, digestion, and gut function.

3 ways in which gut-brain axis work-

1. Digestive health:

Have you ever had a stomach ache while you were feeling stressed or anxious? That stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system.

2. Mood disorders:

There is link between the gut microbiome and mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria that live in gut. Some researchers called gut microbiome as

second brain as they have impact on mental health.

Eg: People with depression may have lower levels of certain types of bacteria in their gut, while those with anxiety may have higher levels of certain hormones.and Serotonin, the "happy hormone", is 90% released in the gut.

3.Immune Function:

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. That means taking care of your gut health is very important for supporting immune system.

For eg: certain types of bacteria in your gut can fight off harmful pathogens.

Now let's take a look at these diseases on Ayurvedic perspective !!

GERD

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) is defined as the occasional retrograde flow of gastric contents into the oesophagus in healthy individuals.

What Causes GERD?

●Obesity and food habits – Irritating, spicy foods, fatty foods, acidic foods.

●Smoking and alcohol .

●Stress

●Hormonal changes during Pregnancy

In Ayurveda, GERD correlates with Amlapitta, caused by an imbalance of Pitta Dosha. A weak Agni (digestive fire) leads to Agnimandya (poor digestion), forming Ama (toxic waste).

This undigested food in the Amashaya (stomach) vitiates Pitta Dosha, causing Amlata (acidity).

Mental stressors like chinta (anxiety), krodha (anger), and bhaya (fear) further disrupt digestion and result in GERD symptoms.

Presenting symptoms like, Avipaka (indigestion), klama (fatigue), Utklesha (nausea), Vaktamla Udgara (sour eructations), Gaurava (heaviness), Hritkanthadaha (burning sensation in the heart and throat), and Aruchi (anorexia). Related conditions include Ajirna (indigestion), Annadravashoola (pain relieved by vomiting) and Parinamashoola (pain during digestion).

GERD Treatment in Ayurveda:

●Restoring the balance of the Doshas

●Improving Agni

●Eliminating Ama

Through dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments and Panchakarma therapies which cleanse and detoxify the body, balance the Pitta Dosha, and restore digestive health.

GASTRITIS

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

The triggers are,

1. Excessive consumption of spicy or junk food.

2. Eating habits like skipping meals or eating late at night.

3. Mental stress.

4. Long-term use of pain relievers or NSAIDs.

5. Excessive intake of alcohol, smoking, or caffeinated beverages.

In Ayurveda, gastritis is often referred to as Urdhwaga amla pitta.ie.., a disease involving upward movement of pitta in the body.

This is why people of Pitta body constitution (Pitta Prakriti) usually suffer from hyperacidity, heartburn, peptic ulcers etc.Factors that aggravate the Pitta dosha, like stress, anger, hot and spicy foods, and the scorching environment, can add to acidity.

Ayurvedic treatment for gastritis aims to address the root cause of the condition by balancing the aggravated doshas and supporting the digestive fire (Agni).

Ayurvedic Treatment For Gastritis involves:

1. Samshamana Therapy-Internal medications to pacify aggravated doshas.

2. Samshodhana therapy - Panchakarma detoxification therapies:

●Virechana (Purgation Therapy) Removes excess Pitta and detoxifies the digestive system.

●Vamana (Emetic Therapy): It restores the natural kapha dosha and pulls out excess pitta dosha from the body.

●Asthapana Vasthi(Decoction Enema):

●Takradhara (Buttermilk Therapy): A cooling therapy where medicated buttermilk is poured over the forehead

to reduce pitta.

Hence, the drugs incorporated here help pacify the Pitta dosha and stabilize the Kapha dosha. These drugs work on subjective symptoms and physical, mental, and emotional health.

What we can do to prevent,

●Consumption of light,easily digestible foods with cooling properties.

●Foods to favor: bitter gourd, leafy vegetables , wheat, old rice, cucumber, gooseberry, dry grapes, pomegranate.

●Warm milk with a pinch of  Shatavari powder.

 ●Stay hydrated with water and coconut water.

●Consuming colored vegetables has many benefits, as it increases the alkalinity in your body.

A balanced Ayurvedic lifestyle focuses on a healthy diet, stress management techniques, and regular physical activity that is suited to your constitution.

How to take good care of gut!!

In Ayurveda, one of the important pillars of health is food.

 DIET

●Eat warm cooked meals instead of old / processed meals .

●Use spices like ginger,cumin, fennel to aid digestion.

●Eat mindfully.

●Pay attention to how different foods make you feel.

●Drink warm water with lemon in morning to stimulate digestion.

●Sprouts is a renowned Superfood and one of the revolutionary change in the food industry  

What does Ayurveda say?

1. Don’t use it Raw.

It is healthier to take it after steaming or cooking which helps to make it lighter in digestion. 

2. Don’t add sprouts to your menu every day.

As there is chance of indigestion and constipation,  even hemorrhoids.   

3. Don’t mix sprouts with other proteins. 

Time of digestion for both are different which can lead to improper digestion.

4. Avoid using it if you have a weak digestion. 

 These skinny little veggies are best to be added once or twice in a week’s menu as it contains many nutrients, minerals and vitamins in a much easly absorbable form.

LIFESTYLE

●Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding eating close to bedtime.

●Getting adequate sleep and rest.

●One should walk a little after eating food.

●Avoid skipping meals or overeating.

●Reduce exposure to heat and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.

YOGA

●Twist and forced bend (Trigona and parivritha)

●Savasana / guided meditation

●Reduce stress through Yoga and

 ●Pranayama such as Vajrasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Shitali Pranayama and Shitkari Pranayama.

"The journey toward better health is unique for everyone, and having expert support can make all the difference."

Dr. Shifzadi (B.A.M.S)

Medical Officer
Dr. P. Alikutty's Ayurveda and Modern Hospital - Kottakkal