HELLO SAADIA,
Your daughter had Epstein- Barr virus (EBV) infection, which can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. After that, her body became intolerant to cow’s milk, yeast, and some other foods
From a modern medicine point of view -The virus likely stress her immune system. -This may have caused her gut lining to become sensitive or “leaky” , leading to reactions to certain foods -Stress and overwork weakened her recovery.
FROM AN AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW -EBV infection + exam stress depleted her Ojas (corre immunity/ strength) -Agni (digestive fire) became weak and irregular-> food isn’t fully digest -> formation of ama (toxic waste) -Vata got aggravated due to stress, pitta irritated the digestion, and kapha became blocked in channels. -Milk and yeast are naturally heavier and can clog channels - in a weakened gut, they cause discomfort
TREATMENT GOALS -remove triggers that cause reactions until digestion and immunity improve. -Imporve digestive fire (deepana-pachana) so she can break down food properly. -Clear ama (detox) to reduce inflammation and sensitivity -strengthen immunity (Ojas Vardhan) so she doesn’t fall ill easily, -balance doshas and calm the mind body stress loop -gradually reintroduce foods in a safe, monitored way.
INTERNAL TREATMENTS
1) IMPROVE DIGESTION -SHUNTI + PIPPALI POWDER (dry ginger+long pepper) =2 pinches mixed I warm water before lunch and dinner for 6 weeks =stimulates digestive fie gently
2) REMOVE AMA (toxins) -GUDUCHI TABLET= 500mg tab twice daily after meals for 6-8 weeks =detoxifies without weakening body
3) BUILD IMMUNITY -CHYAWANPRASHA (sugar free) = 1/2 tsp In warm milk or water in morning for 3-4 months =nourishes tissues and strengthens resistance
4) SUPPORT STRENGTH AND NERVES -ASHWAGANDHA GRANULES= 1/2 tsp with warm water at night for 3 months =improves energy, reduces fatigue
5) GUT LINING REPAIR - AMLA POWDER OR FRESH JUICE= 1 tsp or 15 ml juice in morning for 3 months =cools pitta, rebuilds gut lining
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -SLEEP= 9-10 hours/night, especially before 10 pm -ROUTINE= eat, sleep, and wake at regular times- stability is medicine for vata -reduce screen time before bed -stress relief= avoid multitasking, include relaxation breaks -morning sunlight= 10-15 minutes for vitamin D and circadian rhythm balance
YOGA AND PRANAYAM (daily 20 minutes)
YOGA ASANA -balasana= calms mind and gut -bhujangasana= stimulates digestion -setu bandhasana= balances hormones -supta baddha konasana= deep relaxation
PRANAYAM -Anulom Vilom= 5-7 cycles -Bhramari= 5 rounds for stress relief
DIET -warm, fresh cooked foods -khichdi (rice + mung da), vegetables soups, lightly spices stews -stewed apple/pear in mornings for gut healing -almond milk (homemade), soaked almonds, dates, raisins -cow’s ghee (tiny amount, well clarified - if tolerated)
AVOID -cold drinks, iced foods -fermented yeast products (bread, pizza ) -processed snacks, deep fried foods -heavy dairy (cheese, cream) until reintroduction phase
HOMEREMEDIES -Sip warm water with a few cumin seeds boiled in it - improves digestion -golden milk substitue= almond milk + turmeric + cardamom- builds immunity without cow’s milk -ginger lemon honey tea (warm, not hot)= clears ama and boosts agni
Recovery here is slow rebuild, not a quick fix. Think of her system like a house that’s had a storm- first we clear the debris (ama), repair the foundation (agni), and then redecorate (Ojas)
If you follow -herbal supports to heal from inside -diet that is warm, light, and nourishing -lifestyle that reduces stress and gives the body a routine -yoga and breathing to calm the mind and improve energy flow …she should gradually tolerate more foods and have better energy, and feel mental stronger
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
HELLO SAADIA,
It sounds like your daughter’s health took a sharp turn after the EBV (Epstein–Barr Virus) infection, and since then, chronic fatigue, food intolerances, and a weakened immune response have been part of her daily struggle. For a young person, this is especially challenging — affecting not just physical energy, but also mood, focus, and confidence.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, a severe viral infection like EBV can leave behind Ojas Kshaya (depletion of vital immunity), along with Agnimandya (weakened digestion and metabolism) and Ama (toxic residues) circulating in the system. This can create food intolerances, poor nutrient absorption, and low resilience to stress. Exam-related pressure and mental strain further aggravate Vata, making recovery slower.
The Ayurvedic approach here would be to restore digestive fire, gently clear residual toxins, rebuild immunity, and calm the nervous system — without overburdening her already sensitive body.
Treatment Plan 1. Ama Pachana & Agni Deepana (First 2 weeks)
Goal: Lighten the system, improve digestion, and reduce food reactions.
Pippali Churna – ¼ tsp with warm water after meals, twice daily (mildly stimulates Agni without overheating).
Guduchi Satva – 1 tsp with warm water or lukewarm milk, twice daily (supports immunity and liver detox).
Jeerakadyarishtam – 10–15 ml with equal warm water after meals, twice daily (aids digestion, reduces bloating).
2. Ojas & Immunity Restoration (From week 3 onwards)
Once digestion feels lighter and intolerances are more stable:
Chyawanprash Avaleha – 1 tsp daily in the morning with warm water or dairy-free milk.
Ashwagandha Lehyam – 1 tsp at bedtime (for strength, energy, and nervous system stability).
Shatavari Churna – ½ tsp twice daily with warm water (for hormonal balance and tissue nourishment, if applicable).
3. Daily Practices
Diet
Continue avoiding known triggers (yeast, cow’s milk, and others).
Include: Steamed vegetables, red rice or millet, moong dal, fresh seasonal fruits, soaked almonds, and warm herbal teas (ginger–tulsi or cinnamon–cardamom).
Add ½ tsp ghee to meals for tissue lubrication and repair.
Lifestyle
Gentle morning sun exposure (15–20 min) for vitamin D and mood support.
Anulom Vilom pranayama — 5–7 min morning and evening.
Rest periods between study sessions to prevent mental burnout.
4. Investigations
Vitamin D3, B12, ferritin.
Thyroid function test (TSH, T3, T4).
Gut health evaluation (stool microbiome or basic stool test).
Please feel free to connect for follow-up or adjustment in medicines.
With warm regards, Dr.Sumi.S
Hi saadiya since your daughter is intolerant to milk and yeast products we need to think about other options like alternatives other than giving the same and creating gut problems.
Advice her to avoid sugary items, processed foods which can feed the yeast growth , incase of milk /lactose intolerance better to avoid those or you can check for threshold amount of milk that can tolerate by the kid, so that particular amount of milk you can give, if she is not adapting even little amount please do avoid. You can improve her diet with other nutritional products such as millets, Sprouted grains, fruits (especially pomegranates, papaya, orange,berries , etc)
DON’T WORRY,
NEED PERSONAL CONSULTATION. Please visit nearby Ayurvedic practitioner to receive a personalized assessment and tailored treatment plan for your daughter’s specific constitution and imbalances. TAKE CARE😊
Saadia plsconsult an bal rog visheshagya in ayurved hospital Till then do- Abhyanga (warm sesame oil massage before bath, twice a week) — calms Vata and boosts circulation.
Morning sun exposure (10–15 min) for vitamin D and mental health.
Gentle yoga — Balasana, Bhujangasana, Viparita Karani (legs up the wall) — to restore energy without strain.
Brahmi ghee — ½ tsp at night with warm water/milk for stress resilience and concentration.
If you your daughter is intolerant to cow’s milk, it is better to avoid., instead you can give her almond milk, sesame milk, Soya milk. Start with Giloy ghanvati 1-0-1 after food with water Chyavanprash 2tsp in the morning after breakfast with water This will help improve her immunity.
Give her chyawanprash that having only 20% sugar only (as per textbook original chyawanprash) from the mkt…you can buy from digvijayam clinic haryana also
This is a very challenging situation for your daughter, and it’s understandable that you’re seeking a holistic perspective. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a detailed framework for understanding and addressing chronic conditions like the one you describe
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Chronic Fatigue and Viral Infections
In Ayurveda, health is seen as a state of balance among the three fundamental energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. A chronic illness like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is seen as a deep imbalance in the body. The symptoms you describe—fatigue, food intolerances, and a weakened immune system—are all signs of this imbalance.
Vata Imbalance: Chronic fatigue is often linked to an aggravated Vata dosha. Vata governs movement, the nervous system, and energy. When Vata is out of balance, it can lead to dryness, weakness, anxiety, insomnia, and the profound exhaustion your daughter is experiencing.
Ama (Toxins): A key concept in Ayurveda is Ama, which refers to undigested food and metabolic waste that can accumulate in the body. When the Agni (digestive fire) is weak, food isn’t properly digested, and Ama is created. This Ama can then circulate and block the body’s channels, leading to fatigue, pain, and a compromised immune system.
Ojus (Immunity and Vitality): Ayurveda sees the immune system as Ojus, the ultimate essence of all the body’s tissues. When the immune system is failing, it’s considered a depletion of Ojus, which results in low vitality and susceptibility to infections. The stress from exams and the EBV infection would have contributed to this depletion.
The Ayurvedic View on Food Intolerances The development of new food intolerances, such as to yeast and cow’s milk, is also a sign of a weak digestive fire (Agni) and the presence of Ama. The body is unable to properly digest these foods, and they are treated as foreign invaders, triggering an immune response.
Cow’s Milk Intolerance: In Ayurveda, milk is considered heavy and difficult to digest. If a person’s Agni is weak, milk can produce Ama and lead to digestive issues and allergies.
Yeast Intolerance: This would also be attributed to a compromised digestive system and a build-up of Ama. Foods that are heavy, processed, or fermented are often difficult for a weak digestive system to handle.
Ayurvedic Treatment and Management Principles An Ayurvedic approach to your daughter’s condition would be highly individualized, but it would likely focus on the following principles:
Correcting the Agni (Digestive Fire): This is a primary goal. The practitioner would recommend a diet of warm, light, and easily digestible foods. This helps to reduce the formation of Ama. Spices like ginger, cumin, and fennel are often used to kindle the Agni.
Removing Ama (Detoxification): Panchakarma, a set of five cleansing therapies, is often recommended to eliminate deep-seated toxins and Ama from the body. These therapies might include medicated enemas (Basti), purgation (Virechana), or nasal administration of oils (Nasya). These procedures should only be performed under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Balancing the Doshas: Based on your daughter’s specific constitution and symptoms, the practitioner would recommend a diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to bring Vata, Pitta, and Kapha back into balance.
Rejuvenating the Ojus (Immunity): Once the Agni is strong and Ama has been removed, the focus shifts to rebuilding the immune system. This is done through Rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs and therapies. Herbs commonly used for this purpose include:
Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and boosts vitality.
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps to strengthen the immune system.
Giloy (Guduchi): Known for its immune-modulating properties, it’s often used to treat chronic fevers and infections.
Chyawanprash: A traditional herbal jam that is a powerful immune booster.
Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management is a critical component. Practices like gentle yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) are recommended to calm the nervous system and reduce stress. Establishing a consistent daily routine (Dinacharya) is also considered vital for regulating the body’s natural rhythms and promoting healing.
The combination of exam stress and a viral infection leading to chronic fatigue and food intolerances is a classic example of how stress and a compromised immune system can create a cascading effect. Ayurveda’s holistic approach addresses these interconnected issues by focusing on the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
Chronic fatigue following an EBV infection can indeed lead to various dietary intolerances, as the immune system gets quite sensitive. In Siddha-Ayurvedic terms, such conditions often arise from imbalances in the doshas, particularly kapha and vata, which might affect her agni (digestive fire) and disrupt nutrient assimilation.
Firstly, let’s address the immune system. To bolster her immune function, integrate turmeric and ashwagandha into her daily routine. Turmeric milk can be made by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric in a warm plant-based milk, ideally once in the evening to soothe and rejuvenate the tissues. Ashwagandha can be consumed as a powder - about half a teaspoon mixed in water or ghee - in the morning and evening to help rebalance vata and kapha.
For the yeast and milk intolerances, focus on healing her gut. This can be achieved by including triphala powder nightly; its blend of three fruits aids in detoxification and gentle cleansing process. Start with a quarter teaspoon in warm water before bed, and gradually increase to half a teaspoon as tolerated. Meanwhile, ensuring her diet is rich in freshly cooked, easily digestible foods like steamed vegetables and warm soups can support her agni.
It’s also essential to address the mind-body connection through practices like pranayama or gentle yoga which can harmonize her stress response. Deep breathing exercises, done for 10 minutes each morning, could be really beneficial in calming any lingering exam stress.
If despite these efforts her intolerances persist, or if the fatigue worsens, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professional for tailored medical advice to her condition.
Chronic fatigue following an EBV infection often indicates a disturbed balance in the body’s systems, particularly affecting the immune system and digestion. In Ayurveda, this can be connected to weak Agni (digestive fire) leading to ama (toxins) accumulation and imbalanced doshas.
Focus on digestive health is critical. Start with warming, easy-to-digest foods like kichadi (a mix of rice and mung beans). Add spices like ginger, cumin, and fennel to aid digestion and balance Vata and Kapha doshas. Ginger, particularly, can be made into a tea and sipped throughout the day to boost digestion and immunity.
Eliminating yeast and cow’s milk is key right now, as toleranes might be temporary. Gradually reintroduce them by first consuming fermented dairy like yogurt or buttermilk, which are easier on digestion. This should be done only when the gut feels more stable and symptoms reduce.
Incorporating Ashwagandha could offer support. It’s an adaptogen known in Ayurveda to support the immune system and manage stress, which may help with recovery from chronic fatigue. Take this under the guidance of a practitioner as it needs to be tailored to her Prakriti (constitution).
Yoga and pranayama can help balance stress and support the nervous system. Simple practices like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) calm the mind and are easily done at home.
Consider professional guidance to tailor an herbal protocol or Panchakarma (purification therapy) if accesible and suitable. Monitoring stress levels, ensuring adequate rest, and focusing on a regular sleep cycle are fundamental.
These interventions must be gradual. Rushing improvements can aggravate symptoms, so patience is necessary as her system finds balance again. Seeing an Ayurvedic professional or healthcare provider regularly for evaluations could be beneficial.
