does ayurveda really work - #42306
I am feeling kinda lost and frustrated right now. Been dealing with these weird digestive issues for months. 😣 Like, one day I'm fine, and the next it’s bloating, cramps, and sometimes even a bit of nausea. I went to my doctor and got tests done, everything came back normal. They said it could just be stress, but I feel like there's got to be more to it. Friends keep telling me to try natural remedies, and then I heard about Ayurveda, which sounds interesting but, does ayurveda really work? I mean, can it really help with my gut problems? I read somewhere that it’s all about balancing doshas (or whatever those are). Not sure how that all ties into my situation though. Also, I’ve tried changing my diet but it’s been hard to stick to the same foods. Like one day I’m eating something healthy and I feel good but then the next day, I’m back to square one. I want to believe in alternatives, so I just don’t know—does ayurveda really work for someone like me? Has anyone here had success with it and what steps did you take? I could really use some guidance because this whole thing is just draining me. Thanks!!!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
Ayurveda, indeed, can offer valuable insights and effective strategies for managing digestive issues by focusing on balancing the body’s doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents different elements and characteristics in your body, and an imbalance can affect your health, particularly digestion. It sounds like your symptoms could be related to a Vata imbalance, which often leads to irregular digestion, bloating, and cramps.
First off, let’s talk about your diet - a crucial aspect in ayurveda. Aim for warm, cooked meals that are easy to digest, as cold or raw foods can aggravate Vata. Spiced foods with cumin, coriander, fennel, and ginger might help in improving digestion. Eating at regular times each day is key, as erratic eating behaviors can further disrupt your digestive fire (Agni).
Your lifestyle can also impact your digestion. Stress is a significant factor that disrupts Vata. Incorporating regular routines, especially sleep and meal times, can stabilize Vata. Gentle exercises like yoga or walking can calm your nervous system, which also aids digestion.
Herbal remedies can offer additional support. Triphala is often recommended to help regulate digestion and bowel movements. Take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water before bed, but make sure it’s suitable for you by consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Hydration is another factor to consider. Too much or too little water can affect Vata negatively. Room-temperature water, sipped throughout the day, is preferable to ice-cold beverages.
Mindfulness practices, including deep breathing and meditation, can alleviate stress and indirectly benefit digestion. If these suggestions align with your lifestyle, they may gradually ease your symptoms.
However, it’s crucial to stress that these recommendations should not replace conventional medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should complement your current medical care. Consulting with an experienced Ayurvedic physician can help tailor these general strategies into a specific plan for your unique constitution.
Ayurveda can indeed offer valuable insights and remedies for your digestive issues. The core of Ayurvedic philosophy focuses on balancing the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These are bioenergies that govern physiological functions and contribute to your unique constitution or prakriti. Digestive problems often stem from an imbalance in these doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, cramps, and nausea.
One practical step you can take is to observe your eating habits and try modifying them to align with Ayurvedic principles. For instance, meal timing can be crucial; try eating your main meal in the middle of the day when your digestive fire, or agni, is strongest. Avoid cold, raw foods that may aggravate Vata, and reduce spicy or sour foods that might imbalance Pitta.
Incorporating warm, cooked meals with easy-to-digest ingredients like rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables may help, along with sipping warm water throughout the day to maintain hydration and aid digestion. Herbs like ginger and fennel can ameliorate bloating—try a warm ginger tea before meals.
However, if your symptoms persist despite making these changes, it’s wise to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who can provide a detailed assessment tailored to your unique body constitution. They can create a personalized plan that may include specific herbal formulations, lifestyle modifications, and dietary guidelines.
Remember, Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach, so managing stress through practices like meditation or gentle yoga is also beneficial, as stress can be a significant factor affecting digestion.
It’s important to remain realistic; Ayurveda can be a complementary approach, but it’s always advisable to continue monitoring your condition with your regular healthcare provider, especially if you have persistent or serious symptoms.

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.
