Low stomach acid, poor digestion - #31285
Hypochlrohydria,Undigested Food in Stool: food is not being broken down properly in the stomach,fast digestion. After eating urge forgoing bathroom please tell me remedy for this poor digestion problem
Doctors’ responses
Avoid oily, spicy and processed foods. Regular exercise. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits. Regular use of buttermilk. Tab. Sunthi 2-0-2 Cap. Florasante 1-0-1
Start with Livomyn tablet 1-0-1 after food with water Kamdudharas 1-0-1- after food with water Kutaj ghanvati 1-0-1 after food with water Avoid processed fatty fast sugary street foods.
It sounds like you are experiencing a cluster of symptoms related to poor digestion, specifically hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), which can lead to undigested food in your stool and a rapid transit time (fast digestion). The urge to go to the bathroom soon after eating is also a common symptom of a digestive system that isn’t functioning optimally.
Here’s an overview of some potential remedies for these issues, from a holistic perspective that incorporates principles of Ayurveda.
Understanding the Root Cause from an Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, digestion is considered the cornerstone of health. The digestive fire, known as Agni, is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. Poor digestion is often attributed to a weak or imbalanced Agni.
The symptoms you’ve described—hypochlorhydria, undigested food, and rapid digestion—suggest a few potential imbalances:
Weak Mandagni (slow, weak digestive fire): This is a common cause of poor digestion.
Vata Imbalance: Vata dosha governs movement, and an excess of Vata can lead to rapid, erratic digestion and a feeling of urgency.
Pitta Imbalance: While Pitta is associated with strong digestive fire, an imbalanced Pitta can cause inflammation and a sense of urgency.
Remedies for Poor Digestion
1. Dietary Adjustments
Eat Mindfully: Avoid eating on the go or while stressed. Sit down for your meals and chew your food thoroughly. This is the first step of digestion and is crucial for breaking down food particles.
Warm, Cooked Foods: Favor warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods like soups, stews, and steamed vegetables. These are easier for a weak Agni to process.
Avoid Cold and Raw Foods: Cold foods and drinks can dampen Agni. Limit or avoid ice water, cold salads, and raw vegetables, especially on an empty stomach.
Eat Lighter Meals: Overloading your stomach can overwhelm your digestive system. Eat smaller, more frequent meals if needed.
Sour Foods: Foods with a sour taste, like a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar before a meal, can stimulate stomach acid production.
2. Herbal and Spice Remedies
Ginger: Known as a universal medicine in Ayurveda, ginger is excellent for kindling Agni. Drink a small amount of warm ginger tea before or with your meals.
Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel (CCF) Tea: This is a classic Ayurvedic digestive aid. It helps to balance all three doshas and improves digestion. To make it, add 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to 4-5 cups of water. Boil for 10 minutes, strain, and sip throughout the day.
Triphala: This is a powerful Ayurvedic blend of three fruits. It is not an immediate fix but works over time to cleanse and tonify the digestive tract. It is typically taken at night to support elimination.
Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch of hing cooked with your food, especially legumes and vegetables, can help reduce gas and aid digestion.
Pippali (Long Pepper): This is another potent herb for strengthening Agni. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using it, as it is very heating.
3. Lifestyle Practices
Stay Hydrated: Drink warm or room-temperature water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large quantities of water during meals, as it can dilute stomach acid.
Exercise: Gentle movement like walking or yoga can stimulate digestion. A short walk after meals can be particularly helpful.
Manage Stress: Stress can significantly impact digestion. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises (Pranayama), or gentle yoga into your daily routine.
4. Specific Remedies for Your Symptoms
For Hypochlorhydria:
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): A popular remedy is to mix 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered ACV in a small glass of water and drink it 15-20 minutes before a meal.
Lemon Water: Similar to ACV, drinking warm lemon water before a meal can help prime your stomach for digestion.
For Undigested Food and Rapid Digestion:
Chew Your Food Thoroughly: This is the most crucial step. It mechanically breaks down the food and signals to your body to release digestive enzymes.
Avoid Eating Fruits with Meals: Ayurveda suggests eating fruits separately, as they digest faster than other foods and can cause fermentation when combined.
No need to worry,
*Daily drink a glass of buttermilk just after having meal.
Start taking these medications, 1.Syrup livomyn of charak pharmacy 2tsf thrice in a day with Lukewarm water. 2.Kutajghanvati 1-1-1 3.Bilwa choorna 1tsf with buttermilk twice in a day.
Follow up after 45 days.
Take care😊
Kind Regards, Dr.Isha Ashok Bhardwaj
Hello Ram ji, Considering your problem,I recommend these - 1. Abhyaristha - 2 tsp with 2 tsp water after breakfast and dinner 2. Udarkalpa churna- 1 tsp with lukewarm water at bedtime 3. Chitrakadi vati 1-0-1 before meals 4.Arogyavardhni vati. - 2 tab each after breakfast and dinner
Diet and lifestyle - Buttermilk is beneficial for you.
. Avoid fast food, fried food,non veg and heavy meals. . Walk for 30 minutes after 20 min gap after dinner. . Stress management -Through meditation, yoga, walking and journaling. .Chew food properly while eating. . Don’t eat without hunger. . Don’t eat when you are feeling sad,angry or frustrated. . Foot massage with warm coconut oil for better sleep. Follow these and don’t worry, your condition will improve. Regards, Dr. Anupriya
1.Chitrakadi Vati 2 tab twice daily with Warm water before meals 2.Trikatu Churna 1/2 tsp with honey twice daily before meals 3.Shankha Vati 2 tab twice daily with warm water after meals
Adv: - Sit in Vajrasana for 5–10 minutes after meals to aid digestion - Avoid cold drinks and raw foods - Sip warm water throughout the day - Practice Anulom Vilom and Bhramari pranayama daily
HELLO RAM,
-With infection the acid gets disturbed-> either too high or too low. In your case, it’s low stomach acid (hypochorhydra)
Because of this -Protiens and fats are not digested properly -> bloating, heaviness, discomfort -Nutrients (iron, B12, etc) are not absorbed-> weakness, weight loss, other health issues -Gut flora (microbes) get disturb -> bloating, gas
In Ayurveda, this is explained as -Mandagni (weak digestion) -Amla pitta (acid disturbance) -Krimi (microbial overgrowth)
So the core problem= weak digestion + bacteria +damaged stomach lining
TREATMENT GOALS -Eradicate bacteria -restore digestive fie -heal stomach and intestines -improve absorption and nourishment -prevent recurrence
PHASE WISE TREATMENT PLAN
PHASE 1= CLEANSING AND KRIMI NASHANA (0-6 weeks) Goal= reduce bacterial load, remove toxins, prepare stomach for healing
INTERNALLY
1) VIDANGA CHURNA= 2 gm with honey, empty stomach =anti bacterial, deworming
2) NEEM TABLET= 500mg once daily in morinng =cleanses infection, balances pitta-kapha
3) TRIPHALA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime =detox, bowel cleansing, supports flora
EXTERNALLY
-Oil massage with sesame oil=reduces stress, balances vata -Ushnodaka (warm water sipping) throughout the day to clear toxins
HOME REMEDIES -Chew 4-5 tulsi leaves daily -Garlic clove raw in morning if tolerated -Jeera + ajwain + saunf tea after meals
PHSE 2= HEALING AND AGNI DEEPANA (6-12 weeks) Goal= heal stomach lining, slowly increase digestive strength
INTERNALLY
1) YASHTIMADHU CHURNA= 1 gm with warm milk twice daily in morning and night =heals ulcers, mucosal protection
2) SHATAVARI CHURNA= 3 gm with warm milk in morning =cooling, nourishing
3) HINGWASTAKA CHURNA= 1/2 tsp with warm water before meals =improves digestion, reduces bloating
LICORICE + SHATAVRI-> protect stomach from acid and help absorption
HINGWASTAKA-> stimulates agni without harming mucosa
HOME REMEDIES -Amla juice= 10-15 ml daily= vitamin c, heals lining
-Buttermilk with roasted jeera + rock salt after meals improves digestion
PHASE 3= RASYANA AND STRENGTHENING (3-6 MONTHS) Goal= nourishment, weight gain, prevention of recurrence
INTERNALLY
1) CHYAWANPRASH= 1 tsp daily =rasayana, immunity, tissue nourishment
2) ASHWAGANDHA LEHYA= 1 tsp at night with warm milk =strength, weight gain
3) AMALAKI RASAYANA= 1 tsp daily =antioxidant, rebuilds gut lining
HOME REMEIDES -Soaked almonds 5-6 daily -warm milk with ghee at night -papaya, pomegranate, apple= gentle fruits for digestion
DIET -warm, freshly cooked meals- khichdi, moong dal soup, rice gruel -cooked vegetables bottle gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, carrots -Light proteins= moong dal, mung sprouts (lightly cooked), panne (if tolerated) -cow’s ghee small amounts -Fruits= pomegranate, apple (stewed), papaya, amla
AVOID -very spicy, sour, fermented food -pickle, curd at night -coffee, strong tea, alcohol, smoking -raw salads, heavy oily fried food -refined flour, bakery products
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -Eat at regular timings, don’t skip meals -eat calmly, chew properly -avoid lying down immediately after meals -sleep early 10 pm, wake up early -manage stress- avoid overthinking and late night screen use
YOGA ASANAS= for digestio , Vata-pitta balance -vajrasana sit 5-10 min after meals -pawanmuktasana - gas release - bhujangasana- improves agni, strengthens stomach -ardha matsyendrasana-stimulates digestion
PRANAYAM -Nadi sodhana= balances doshas -Bhramari= calms nerves, reduces stress
- low stomach acid is reversible if treated systematically. -Ayurveda treats by removing bacteria, restoring agni, healing lining, and strengthening body. -This needs phase wise , patient approach -Along with medicines, discipline in diet, lifestyle, yoga and stress management is equally important
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid, results in poor digestion and quick bowel movements. It typically involves an imbalance in the Vata and Pitta doshas. Ayurvedic approach can help address this issue by strengthening agni, the digestive fire, focusing on enhancing the digestive capabilities.
Firstly, dietary choices must support digestion. Consume warm, freshly cooked meals and avoid cold, raw, or stale foods which are hard to digest. Start meals with a small piece of ginger, sprinkle with lemon juice and a pinch of salt, could stimulate digestive enzymes. Sipping on warm water or herbal teas like ginger, cinnamon, or fennel throughout the day is beneficial.
Herbal remedies include Triphala. Take about 1 gram of Triphala powder before bedtime with warm water for helping regulate bowel movements and improving digestion. Also, Shatavari aids in balancing Pitta, so consider taking it under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Eating routine matters too. Eat at regular intervals, about every 3-4 hours, and ensure dinner is lighter than lunch, ideally before sunset. Smaller, more frequent meals might reduce digestive distress, preventing undigested materials reaching the stool.
Practicing yoga asanas such as Vajrasana, meanwhile, after meals can encourage digestion. Pranayama techniques, like Nadi Shodhana and Anulom Vilom, help balance internal energies and enhance metabolism. Incorporating these for about 10 minutes daily can have a long-term positive impact.
Stress can impact digestion significantly. Incorporate stress-relieving activities into daily life. Whether it’s walking, meditating, or reading, find what brings peace.
However, if symptoms persist, consider visiting an Ayurvedic professional who can provide personalized diagnosis and treatment and ensure conditions are managed properly. If symptoms worsen, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to rule out conditions like infections or inflammatory diseases.
Avipattikara churna-1/2 tsp with water before meals Hingwastaka churna-1/2 tsp after meals with warm water
Avipattikara churna-1/2-0-1/2 tsp before meals Hingwastaka churna 1/2-0-1/2 tsp after food Triphala churna- 1 tsp at bedtime with water Drink plenty of fluids Avoid spicy sour processed fermented foods
Low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, results in poor digestion and can indeed cause food to pass through the stomach without proper breakdown. In Ayurveda, this is often connected to weak agni, or digestive fire, which may be due to imbalanced doshas, particularly vata and kapha. To address this, consider incorporating these approaches:
First, begin your day with a glass of warm, slightly salted water to stimulate digestive secretions. This helps prime your digestive system for the day. During meals, you can chew a small piece of fresh ginger with a bit of rock salt; this can ignite digestive fire and aid in breaking down foods more efficiently.
Include spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and hing (asafoetida) in your cooking as they naturally enhance digestive power. These spices can help to stimulate appetite and regulate the digestive process. You can take a pinch of ajwain with warm water before or after meals to avert post-meal digestive discomfort.
Avoid cold foods and beverages as they can dampen agni and slow digestion. Instead, opt for warm, soupy diets that are easy to digest. Pay attention to meal timings – eat at regular intervals and avoid overeating or undereating.
Breathing exercises (pranayama), particularly the Anulom-Vilom technique, can restore balance and improve digestion. Practice this daily, preferably on an empty stomach, for around 10-15 minutes.
Monitor chronic symptoms closely. If there’s no improvement within a few weeks, or if you experience severe discomfort, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions that may require immediate attention. Addressing the root cause through a balanced approach will ultimately improve digestion and overall well-being.
100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
Related questions
Popular questions
Doctors online
Latest reviews
