does ayurvedic medicine cause weight gain - #42122
I am really confused about something — started my journey with Ayurvedic medicine about three months ago. At first, I was excited, you know? I was feeling more balanced and my digestion seemed better. My Ayurvedic doctor prescribed some herbs and changed up my diet, which I thought would help me lose weight. But lately, I've noticed I seem to be putting on weight, like 5 pounds in just a few weeks! I wasn't expecting that at all. Does Ayurvedic medicine cause weight gain? I mean, I’ve been sticking to the recommendations and not really cheating on my diet. Also, I noticed my energy levels have increased but I can’t shake off this feeling that something's off. Maybe it's the herbs? Or could it be the ghee they recommended? I've read some stuff online, but every blog says something different. It’s like, why would this be happening when I’m trying to improve my health overall? Does anyone else have experience with this? Did you see any weight changes after starting Ayurveda? Should I be worried? It would be great to hear your thoughts cause I'm feeling a bit lost.
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Doctors' responses
Ayurvedic medicine itself doesn’t typically cause weight gain, but the effects it has can vary depending on your unique body constitution, or prakriti, and any imbalances you may have. Ayurveda is deeply personalized, aiming to restore balance rather than providing one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s essential to consider the intricacies of your specific treatment plan.
Several factors could contribute to unexpected weight gain. If your Ayurvedic treatment involves consuming ghee, it’s important to note that while it’s a valuable rasayana, promoting health and strengthening tissues, it is also calorie-dense. If not balanced correctly with other dietary components or physical activity, it might contribute to weight gain.
Herbs prescribed in Ayurveda often aim to improve digestion and metabolism by enhancing agni. However, if your body’s Kapha dosha—linked with heavier qualities and slower metabolism— is being increased inadvertently by your current regimen, it could also lead to weight gain. Since energy levels have improved, it’s probably indicating a positive metabolic change, but the balance between energy intake and expenditure might need re-evaluation.
Considering your experience, it might be beneficial to re-consult with your Ayurvedic physician. Discuss your concerns about weight gain and energy levels, provide details on your current diet, activity level, and any new symptoms you’ve noticed. This will help in fine-tuning your treatment. They might adjust the herbal formulae, dietary recommendations, or lifestyle changes to better align with your health goals, perhaps incorporating treatments like Panchakarma to better balance the doshas.
Engaging in regular physical activity that suits your dosha and lifestyle is crucial. If feasible, yoga or walks can be excellent complements to your regimen. Monitoring portion sizes and meal timings could also ensure that your dietary intake matches your body’s needs without excessive accumulation. Be observant of any new symptoms or changes and communicate these. Ayurveda thrives on incremental adjustments and patient feedback to meet health targets effectively.

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