Digestion issue

Question

Doesn't pass stool in proper shape...sometimes small pieces or sometime sticky sometimes having pain in below chest having mild tightness sometimes feeling hungry sometimes Doesn't feel hungry..what should be cause ..suggest diet chart and time of food

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Suggested Ayurvedic Diet Plan
Daily Routine (Dinacharya)

Morning (7:00 - 8:00 AM):
Wake Up: Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon to stimulate digestion.
Breakfast (8:00 - 9:00 AM): Warm oatmeal or porridge made with whole grains, topped with ghee, nuts, and a small amount of honey. You can add some fruits like bananas or apples.
Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 - 11:00 AM):
A small serving of fresh fruit (like a pear or apple) or a handful of soaked nuts (almonds or walnuts).
Lunch (12:30 - 1:00 PM):
A balanced meal consisting of:
Whole Grains: Brown rice or quinoa.
Legumes: Cooked lentils or beans (dal) seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
Vegetables: Steamed or sautéed seasonal vegetables, seasoned with ghee or olive oil.
Salad: Include a salad of cucumber, carrots, and lettuce with a dash of lemon.
Afternoon Snack (3:00 - 4:00 PM):
Herbal tea (ginger or peppermint) and a small serving of roasted chickpeas or a whole-grain cracker.
Dinner (6:30 - 7:00 PM):
Similar to lunch but lighter. Avoid heavy foods and opt for:
Vegetable Soup: A warm, nourishing soup made with seasonal vegetables and spices.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly cooked vegetables with a small portion of whole grains.
Evening Snack (8:30 PM):
If feeling hungry, have a small bowl of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric and a teaspoon of ghee.
General Dietary Guidelines

Hydration: Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day, and consider herbal teas like ginger or chamomile to aid digestion.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Include whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to promote regular bowel movements.
Healthy Fats: Use ghee or olive oil in moderation to support digestion and nutrient absorption.
Spices: Use digestive spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, and ginger in your cooking to enhance Agni (digestive fire).
Avoid: Processed foods, excessive sugar, dairy, and fried or heavy foods that can aggravate digestion.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Regular Meal Times: Eat at consistent times each day to help regulate your digestive rhythm.
Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by chewing food thoroughly and eating in a calm, relaxed environment.
Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise to support overall well-being.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

The irregularities in your stool shape and consistency, accompanied by occasional pain below the chest and fluctuating appetite, indicate a possible imbalance in your digestive system, referred to as Agni (digestive fire) in Ayurveda. To address these concerns, it's essential to adopt a balanced diet that promotes digestion and regular bowel movements. Favor warm, well-cooked meals that are easy to digest, avoiding cold and raw foods, especially in the evening. Include fiber-rich foods such as whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice, along with plenty of vegetables like spinach and sweet potatoes, and fruits like apples and pears. Healthy fats, such as ghee or olive oil, can help lubricate the intestines, easing stool passage. Incorporate digestive spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric into your cooking to stimulate digestion. Stay hydrated by drinking warm water throughout the day, and consider herbal teas like ginger or peppermint. A sample daily meal plan could include warm water with lemon in the morning, oatmeal for breakfast, a piece of fruit for a mid-morning snack, a balanced lunch with brown rice, dal, and vegetables, and a light dinner with vegetable soup or khichdi. Additionally, practice regular eating habits, avoid skipping meals, and manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Hey there, your situation sounds like it could be pointing to some kind of digestive imbalance, which is super common nowadays. Don't worry, let's try to sort it out together. In Ayurveda, the shape and consistency of your stool is closely connected to agni, or your digestive fire, and an imbalance might lead to what you're experiencing.

From what you've said, the varying nature of your stools (sometimes small, sticky, or irregular in shape), alongside the pain and tightness below the chest, might indicate an imbalance, possibly connected with, Pitta dosha. Also, feeling hungry sometimes and not at other times may reflect this up-and-down nature in your digestive process.

So, the first thing to consider is your daily routine, meal timings and the types of food you consume. Let's try a simple Ayurvedic plan:

1. **Meal Schedule**: Try to eat at consistent times every day. Breakfast around 8 AM, lunch by 12-1 PM, and dinner by 7-8 PM. Lunch should be your biggest meal since digestive capacity is at its peak then.

2. **Diet Suggestions**: Favor foods that pacify Pitta. This involves avoiding excessively spicy, sour, or fried foods. Instead, go for cooling and calming foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and ripe fruits. Warm, cooked, and slightly oily meals can help, think of kitchari, it’s really nice. Try to include a good amount of fiber, but don’t overdo it, as it might make things worse if your agni isn't strong enough to process it.

3. **Hydration**: Drink room-temperature water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts during meals—just sips should do.

4. **Other Tips**: Avoid stressors when possible, take a few deep breaths before meals, and try to sit in silence or listen to gentle music while eating. Chew your food thoroughly—it really helps with digestion.

5. **Herbal Support**: Consider Triphala before bed. About 1 tsp in warm water can support digestive health and promote regular, comfortable bowel movements.

If things don’t improve, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider to discuss further tests or interventions. Ayurveda can offer amazing support but combining approaches can be even more effective. Take care!

Digestion issue - #439

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