Kwashiorkor is a type of malignant malnutrition resulting from a severe deficiency of protein in the diet, which can result from famine, limited food supply, and poor education in very poor countries; however, the presence of this condition in children or the elderly in developed countries may be a sign of abuse and neglect. The common symptoms of this condition include weight loss, fatigue, skin and hair changes, diarrhoea, enlarged abdomen, rash, oedema, and - in an advanced condition - shock and coma. Provided treatment is started early, supplementation of adequate calories and protein usually suffices to treat this condition; however patients in an advanced state of the condition or in shock may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Kwashiorkor is aimed at treating the symptoms and providing nutrition in different forms so that the affected individual can recover at the earliest. Care needs to be also taken to avoid long term complications. Nutrition is supplied in the form of liquids which can be digested and absorbed easily. These include glucose water, electrolyte water, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, fruit juices, and soups made from vegetables, cereals and meat. Individuals who cannot ingest oral fluids can be given a rectal drip of the solutions mentioned above, if intravenous infusion is not possible.
Individuals with extreme weakness and shock can be managed with Ayurvedic medicines which improve the circulation, reduce weakness, treat the shock and provide strength so that the affected individual can move around. These medicines also help to maintain blood circulation and nutrition to vital organs of the body and thereby prevent long-term damage and complications. Herbal medicines also help in digestion and early absorption of nutrients, and treating or preventing diarrhoea.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus helps in reducing the treatment time for Kwashiorkor and brings about an early resolution of the condition.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
