Celiac disease diagnosis, can Ayurveda help manage symptoms? - #16940
For years, I had no idea what was wrong with me. Every time I ate wheat or anything with gluten, I would feel bloated, get stomach cramps, and sometimes even have diarrhea. I thought maybe it was just occasional indigestion or food poisoning, but it kept happening. Then, last year, things got worse—I was constantly tired, my hair started falling out more than usual, and my skin looked really dull. No matter how much I ate, I felt weak and drained. After months of dealing with this, I finally got tested, and the results confirmed celiac disease. My doctor told me I need to completely avoid gluten, but it's been really hard. Even when I think I’m eating safe foods, I sometimes still get symptoms. Maybe there’s hidden gluten in something, or my gut is just really damaged from years of eating the wrong things. Now I’m wondering if there’s anything in Ayurveda that can help heal my digestion and improve nutrient absorption. Does Ayurveda have treatments to repair the gut lining after damage from celiac disease? I read that some herbs like triphala and licorice root are good for digestion—do they help in my case? Also, are there specific Ayurvedic diets that can be followed for celiac disease that don’t just focus on avoiding gluten but also strengthen the digestive fire? Another thing I struggle with is anxiety, which I’ve heard can be connected to gut health. Can Ayurveda help balance both my digestion and my stress levels? I really don’t want to rely only on Western medicine. If anyone has used Ayurvedic remedies for celiac disease, I’d love to hear about what worked.
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Doctors’ responses
In Ayurveda, healing from conditions like celiac disease focuses on balancing the digestive fire (Agni) and repairing the gut lining. Herbs like Triphala are excellent for improving digestion, regularizing bowel movements, and detoxifying the body, while Licorice root is known to soothe the mucous membranes and support healing of the digestive tract. Ayurvedic treatments like Aloe Vera and Ghee can also help to calm inflammation and promote the healing of the gut lining. In terms of diet, Ayurveda emphasizes eating easily digestible, warm, and nourishing foods, such as rice, quinoa, soups, and well-cooked vegetables, while avoiding heavy, processed foods that can irritate the gut. It’s also crucial to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten, so awareness around food sources is essential. For managing stress and anxiety, Ayurveda suggests herbs like Ashwagandha for calming the nervous system and reducing the emotional impact of chronic health issues. Eating at regular intervals, following a routine, and incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation can help manage both your gut health and mental well-being. While Ayurveda can complement Western treatment, working with both approaches is key for optimal healing. Consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner can help tailor remedies specifically to your constitution and needs.
Celiac disease is definitely a tricky one, affecting not just digestion, but overall wellbeing too. Ayurveda can indeed complement your current treatment, aimed at healing the gut, supporting digestion, and improving nutrient absorption. It’s true, triphala and licorice can be beneficial. Triphala, with its mildly laxative action, can help cleanse the gut and support a healthy agni, or digestive fire. Licorice, known for its soothing properties, may help with inflammation in the gut lining.
But it’s more comprehensive than just taking herbs. Let’s chat about practical dietary and lifestyle changes. Try starting each day with a cup of warm water infused with ginger and a dash of honey. Ginger’s great for reigniting that digestive fire. Eat mindfully—slowly, and avoid distractions, like phone or TV, during meals. This can enhance your digestive process.
For meals, consider kichari—it’s warm, nourishing, easy on your gut. Cook white basmati rice with mung dal, and season it with turmeric, cumin, and a bit of asafoetida to enhance digestion. Avoid raw foods as they can be hard to digest right now. Stick to cooked vegetables carrots, pumpkin, etc.
On anxiety; Brahmi and Ashwagandha are two herbs known for stabilizing mood and reducing stress. However, they’re not quick fixes. Think about adopting a routine of regular yoga or meditation. Even just 10-15 min daily can aid in stress reduction and improve digestion. Breathwork exercises like Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) can be effective too.
It’s all about balance. Since this is a chronic condition, patience is key with implementing these changes. And while you’re doing this, keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider. Sometimes tests and symptoms can be dynamic, so it’s good to keep everyone in the loop.

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