I struggle to keep food down
Dr VL Shyam, MD (Ay), M Phil is a certified ayurvedic consultant who answers health-related beauty queries exclusively for readers of Friday
I am 15 years old and weigh 56kg. Two years ago I was diagnosed with an appendicitis and underwent surgery. Since then I have not been able to eat much. If I overeat even a little I end up throwing up. Because of this I have now lost a lot of weight. Please advise.
- X, by email
More questioning and examination is required for a proper diagnosis. Some simple causes for vomiting immediately after eating could be inadequate sleep, excessive exposure to heat, high altitude, motion sickness, indigestion, emotional stress or fear, certain smells or odours, fever etc. Improper eating habits or certain foods which do not suit your body can also lead to vomiting after eating.
If you are not used to spicy food, consumption of such food may lead to vomiting. Food allergies lead to discomfort and nausea after eating. Some people have lactose intolerance and others are allergic to food colouring. Serious causes can include blocked intestines, gall bladder diseases, gluten intolerance, ulcers, migraine headaches and dehydration. If it hasn't been done, you could consider an upper endoscopy to exclude other upper gastrointestinal diseases like an ulcer or inflammation or anatomic stricture. You may consult your surgeon to rule out any post-operative complications too. Some common sense remedies are as below:
- Keep a food diary and avoid food which causes an allergic reaction.
- Avoid congested rooms and exposure to heat as far as possible.
- Eat fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, wholegrain foods.
- Avoid fried, acidic, greasy, sweet, fatty foods.
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals.
- Eat slowly, avoid eating late at night.
- Drink beverages slowly. n Avoid any stressful activity after eating.
My daughter has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary disease (PCOD). She is only 15 years old and weighs 45kg. She does have a thalassaemia trait. Her thyroid, sugar and haemoglobin readings are all within normal limits. She has been following an iron-rich diet, lots of nuts and dried fruit, vegetables and fruit as well as taking an iron supplement. However in spite of all this, she has not attained puberty.
- Y, by email
The Ayurvedic concept of physical health revolves around three energy concepts. Vata and its types governs the principle of movement and therefore can be considered as the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation and respiration, etc. Pitta is responsible for the process of transformation or metabolism. Kapha is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit.
All three doshas play important and distinctive roles in the processes behind female reproduction which includes the ovarian cycle and the menstrual cycle. Kapha nourishes the development of the tissues that form and support the reproductive system including the growth of the follicle during the ovarian cycle. Vata is responsible for movement of the follicle during the ovarian cycle, the rupture of the ovary wall releasing the matured ovum, the movement of the ovum into the Fallopian tubes and the movement of the ovum towards the uterus. These actions are due to Apana vata, which is also responsible for the movement of menstruation. The action of the hormones expresses the nature of Pitta. Menstrual problems manifest due to the imbalance of all three doshas, but mainly due to Apana vata.
PCOD in Ayurveda is a disease marked by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha; therefore, a Vata (Apana Vata) and Kapha balancing treatment helps in such cases. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor for medication like Sapthasaram kashayam, Sukumaram kashayam, Varanadi, etc. Some tips:
- Take a tablespoon of black sesame seeds in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Include horse gram, asparagus, fennel seeds, fenugreek in your food.
- Take 3-5 grams of powder triphala powder mixed with water at bedtime.
- Available at stores selling Ayurvedic products
