Dumping syndrome is also known as rapid gastric emptying and is likely to occur after surgery in which the stomach or part of it has been removed. This condition occurs due to the undigested content of the stomach been transported or dumped into the small intestine too rapidly. The common symptoms of this condition include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, dizziness, weakness, and palpitations. This condition requires dietary adjustments in order to prevent recurrence of symptoms and minimise the severity. Such individuals are advised smaller meals, preferably without fluids and to avoid extra carbohydrate, fat and acidic foods.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for dumping syndrome is aimed at helping in digestion of food both within the stomach as well as in the intestines. Herbal medicines which have a strong digestive action are used so that the majority of the ingested food is digested, absorbed and assimilated properly. Herbal medicines can also be given to reduce the motility of the remnant part of the stomach as well as the intestines, so as to effectively reduce the dumping seen in this condition.
In addition to the above-mentioned treatment, such individuals can be given long-term specialized Ayurvedic treatments known as ‘Vardhmaan Rasayan’. Medicines which have a specific action on the small intestines are given in gradually increasing doses on a regular basis till reaching a maximum predetermined those, after which the dose is tapered gradually and then stopped. This course of treatment is usually given for a period of 19 days, and can be repeated after a gap of one or two weeks. Medicines selected for this type of treatment depend upon the presenting symptoms in the affected individual. Such treatments have a very good effect in improving the strength and function of the stomach and small intestine and thereby effectively reduce symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of dumping syndrome.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
