Indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) is a common condition where one feels discomfort or pain in the upper part of the stomach, often after eating. It is not a disease but rather a symptom of various underlying issues.
In Ayurveda, indigestion is called Agnimandya, meaning "weak digestive fire" (Agni). It occurs when the digestive system is unable to process food properly, leading to the accumulation of undigested toxins (Ama) in the body.
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion occurs due to a variety of reasons, which can be categorized into functional (no obvious cause) and organic (related to specific diseases or conditions).
1. Dietary Causes:
- Overeating or eating too fast.
- Consuming fatty, spicy, or acidic foods.
- Drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages.
2. Lifestyle Factors:
- Stress or anxiety.
- Smoking.
- Eating close to bedtime.
3. Medical Causes:
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
- Peptic ulcers.
- Gallstones.
- Acid reflux or GERD (gastro- esophageal reflux disease).
- Medications like NSAIDs (painkillers) or antibiotics.
4. Other Factors:
- pylori infection (a type of bacteria in the stomach).
- Food intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance).
- Functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion without an identifiable cause).
Symptoms of Indigestion
- Feeling full or bloated after eating.
- Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Excessive burping or flatulence.
- Acidic taste in the mouth or heartburn.
- Loss of appetite.
Complications of Indigestion
While most cases are mild, untreated indigestion can lead to:
- Ulcers or bleeding in the stomach.
- Scarring in the oesophagus from chronic acid reflux.
- Malnutrition due to poor food absorption
Ayurvedic Viewpoint on Indigestion (Ajeerna)
In Ayurveda, indigestion is called Ajeerna, meaning "weak digestive fire" (Agni). It occurs when the digestive system is unable to process food properly, leading to the accumulation of undigested toxins (Ama) in the body.
Ajeerna refers to indigestion, a condition where food is not properly digested due to an imbalance in the digestive fire (Agni) and the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Types of Ajeerna
Ajeerna is broadly classified into different types based on the aggravated dosha or cause:
Amajeerna (Indigestion Caused by Ama – Toxins)
Amajeerna occurs when undigested food transforms into Ama, a toxic substance in the body. This happens due to weakened digestive fire (Agni), leading to incomplete digestion.
Causes:
- Eating heavy or incompatible foods.
- Overeating or eating before the previous meal is digested.
- Consumption of cold or processed foods.
- Sedentary lifestyle and stress.
Symptoms:
- Foul-smelling burps or breathe.
- Heaviness in the abdomen.
- Sticky, foul-smelling stools.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue and sluggishness.
- Coated tongue (white or yellowish).
Treatment:
- Fasting (Langhana): To allow digestion of Ama.
- Herbs: Use detoxifying and Agni-boosting herbs like Triphala, Pippali, and Ginger.
- Diet: Consume light and warm foods like khichdi or vegetable soup. Avoid heavy, oily, and cold foods.
Vidagdhajeerna (Acidic or Pitta-Type Indigestion)
Vidagdhajeerna occurs due to excessive heat in the stomach caused by an overactive digestive fire (Tikshna Agni) and Pitta imbalance.
Causes:
- Eating excessively spicy, sour, or fried foods.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Stress, anger, or emotional imbalance.
- Skipping meals and overeating later.
Symptoms:
- Burning sensation in the stomach, chest, and throat.
- Acidic or sour burps.
- Nausea or vomiting with bitter or sour taste.
- Excessive thirst and heat intolerance.
- Headaches or dizziness.
Treatment:
- Cooling Herbs: Use remedies like Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Shatavari, and Coriander seeds.
- Diet: Consume cooling, light foods like coconut water, milk, and barley. Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
- Formulations: Use Avipattikar Churna, Praval Pishti, or Muktashukti Bhasma to reduce Pitta.
- Lifestyle: Avoid hot environments and practice cooling yoga postures.
Vishtabdhajeerna (Vata-Type Indigestion)
Vishtabdhajeerna results from the aggravation of Vata dosha, leading to dryness and irregular functioning of the digestive system.
Causes:
- Irregular eating habits or eating late at night.
- Consuming dry, raw, or cold foods.
- Excessive stress, anxiety, or worry.
- Eating on an empty stomach after long gaps.
Symptoms:
- Abdominal bloating and gas.
- Cramping or sharp pain in the stomach.
- Constipation or hard stools.
- Gurgling sounds in the stomach.
- Irregular appetite.
Treatment:
- Warm and Oily Foods: Use ghee, sesame oil, or warm soups to counter dryness.
- Digestive Herbs: Ajwain (carom seeds), asafoetida (hing), and fennel help relieve gas and bloating.
- Formulations: Use Hingvastak Churna or Trikatu Churna for Vata balancing.
- Lifestyle: Eat meals at regular intervals and avoid cold or raw foods.
Rasa Shesha Ajeerna (Incomplete Digestion or Leftover Essence Indigestion)
Rasa Shesha Ajeerna occurs when food is eaten before the previous meal is fully digested, leading to incomplete digestion and a build-up of undigested material.
Causes:
- Eating too frequently without proper meal intervals.
- Consuming heavy or rich foods that take longer to digest.
- Lack of physical activity after eating.
Symptoms:
- Feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
- Loss of appetite for the next meal.
- Lethargy and fatigue after eating.
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen.
Treatment:
- Fasting: Give the digestive system time to process leftover food.
- Warm Water: Sip warm water with a pinch of ginger or to enhance digestion.
- Light Diet: Stick to simple foods like rice gruel or clear soups.
- Herbs: Use mild digestive stimulants like Triphala, cumin, or coriander water.
- Lifestyle: Maintain proper gaps between meals and chew food thoroughly.
