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The world is increasingly recognizing the importance of overall health and moving toward a holistic approach. Common medical treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, particularly GERD and food allergies, include antacids, histamine-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and proton-pump inhibitors.
However, when medical treatment fails, patients may need to undergo surgical interventions, such as anti-reflux surgery, which carry varied long-term outcomes. In such cases, Ayurveda offers effective remedies, especially when clinical symptoms indicate food allergies and conventional allopathic treatments fail to provide sustainable relief.
Abstract
Allergic conditions, particularly food allergies, are among the most commonly encountered issues by both primary care physicians and gastroenterologists worldwide. Conditions such as food allergies, GERD, and esophagitis require long-term management through lifestyle modifications and medical therapy.
In Ayurveda, the line of treatment for food intolerance and gastrointestinal disorders primarily consists of Shodhana Karma (purification therapies).
The present case study highlights an effective Ayurvedic intervention for food allergies, gastrointestinal imbalance, and GERD in a 35-year-old female international patient, who was successfully treated at IAFA®, India, under the supervision of Dr. Gupta.
Keywords: Ayurveda for Allergies, Amalpitta, food intolerance treatment, lactose intolerance successful treatment, esophagitis ayurvedic treatment.
Introduction
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastroesophageal reflux, hyperacidity, and intolerance to certain foods such as lactose, affect many people worldwide. These conditions adversely impact patients’ quality of life, making dietary choices difficult, causing sleep disturbances, hampering social life, and contributing to increased medical costs.
IAFA® is one of the leading Ayurvedic institutes in India, dedicated to ensuring the best and smoothest possible treatment process for both national and international patients who consult us.
The present case study discusses the successful Ayurvedic treatment of a 35-year-old female patient suffering from multiple food allergies, gastrointestinal imbalance, GERD, and anaemia. She approached IAFA® on February 18, 2022, via online consultation, and her treatment was initiated under the supervision of Dr. Gupta.
She had previously been treated by other doctors, but only experienced transient relief, followed by recurrence of symptoms. During the course of her illness, she underwent various investigations to rule out other conditions and establish a diagnosis. Endoscopy revealed inflammation of the abdominal lining along with a hernia and GERD.
Following this, she consulted IAFA® for an Ayurvedic opinion. The therapeutic evaluation of treatment was carried out based on the improvement in her signs and symptoms.
Ayurvedic Concept
In Ayurveda, the root cause of allergies is considered to be Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Hyperacidity is referred to as Amlapitta in Ayurveda. Amlapitta is classified into two types: Adhoga Amlapitta and Urdhwaga Amlapitta.
When Pitta moves in an upward direction, it produces symptoms such as vomiting, a burning sensation, loss of appetite, and headache; this condition is known as Urdhwaga Amlapitta. In contrast, Adhoga Amlapitta presents with symptoms such as anorexia, heaviness in the abdomen, constipation, headache, nausea, and acid eructation.
Tikshna Agni leads to excessive secretion of gastric juices, which irritates the gastric mucosa. The Pitta dosha, particularly Pachaka Pitta, along with Samana Vayu and Kledaka Kapha, weakens the Jatharagni (digestive fire) responsible for digestion, resulting in Jatharagni Mandya (diminished digestive capacity).
At this stage, consumed food becomes Vidagdha (improperly digested). Over time, it turns into Shukta (acidified) and remains in the stomach for a prolonged period. This leads to Vidagdha Ajirna (indigestion caused by acidified food), which represents the premonitory stage of Amlapitta.
As the condition progresses, the vitiated Pitta dosha combines with Ama (toxins formed from undigested food) through Ama–Visha Sammurchhana (a pathological interaction between metabolic toxins and undigested material), resulting in disorders such as Amlapitta and Grahani.
Case History
- UID: 6928
- Age/Gender: 35/F
- Date of Consultation: 18/02/2022
Chief Complaints
As per the patient’s history, she was having:–
- Multiple food protein in-tolerances: Milk and Dairy products, capsicum, chicken and poultry, Pepper and spicy foodstuff.
- Hypersensitivity reactions or allergic responses to many foodstuffs.
- Gastrointestinal imbalance
- GERD
- Anemia
Health History of the Patient
On February 18, 2020, she underwent a myomectomy due to 10 fibroids and 2 cysts. After the surgery, the patient began experiencing gastrointestinal issues and developed slight lactose intolerance. She was prescribed probiotics, but she did not complete the course, which further contributed to her lactose intolerance.
On June 18, 2021, she started feeling extremely lethargic and, by 4 a.m., was rushed to the emergency room. The doctor informed her that her illness was caused by the food she had consumed that day. Following this incident, her gastrointestinal issues worsened.
In December, she visited a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy. The findings revealed inflammation of the stomach lining, a small hernia, and a small ulcer.
Diagnosis
Based on the patient’s history and assessment of clinical features, Dr. Gupta made the final clinical diagnosis of Amalpitta and Grahani (lactose intolerance), with special reference to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Treatment Plan
Internal Medication
- IAFA Swaras Chikitsa (Aahar Amrutham Ras)
- IAFA Pitpapra Capsules
- Triphala Capsules
Dosage
- Aahar Amrutham Ras: 30 ml with water to be taken twice a day with an equal amount of water after meals.
- IAFA Pitpapra Capsules: 2 capsules to be taken twice a day in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening 30 minutes before meals with water.
- Triphala Capsules: 2 capsules to be taken once a day at bedtime with water.
Diet and Regimen
Ahara (Diet) and Vihara (Lifestyle) have a very important role in the causation and management of disorders. Hence, detailed instructions were explained to the patient.
Pathya (Wholesome Diet and Lifestyle):-
- The patient was asked to take light and freshly prepared food, coconut water, pomegranate, vegetables like white pumpkin, bitter gourd, green leafy vegetables, wheat, old rice, green gram, sugar candy, and fruits like gooseberry, sweet lime.
- Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation on a regular basis were also recommended.
Apathya (Unwholesome Diet and Lifestyle):-
- Avoid excess spicy, sour, salty substances, fried and junk food, tea, coffee, and alcohol.
- Avoid untimely and irregular food habits, food containing excess oil, chilies, etc.
- Avoid lying down immediately after position and in the supine position.
Follow–Up and Outcome
The patient was reviewed after one month of treatment. The treatment plan, along with the diet and regimen provided by IAFA®, resulted in highly significant relief. Symptoms such as lactose intolerance, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort after consuming certain foods showed marked improvement. The patient experienced substantial relief after one month of treatment. Therefore, this Ayurvedic treatment protocol by IAFA® proved to be an effective alternative therapy for the patient.
Happy Note
The patient is quite satisfied with the treatment provided by Dr. Gupta at IAFA®. Below is a Happy Note from our Patient:–
“I am happy to report that I have seen – and continue to see – great improvement in my digestive health. I have been able to add more foods to my diet without any major issues. I cannot thank you enough. For example, last year I was unable to digest peppers, but now I can eat them in small amounts without any significant complications.”
– K. Watson
Conclusion
The excessive formation of vitiated Pitta is the primary pathological mechanism underlying the manifestation of Amlapitta. In the present case study, IAFA® selected a medication with Madhur-Tikta Rasa (sweet-bitter taste), Sheet Virya (cool potency), Madhur Vipaka (post-digestive sweet effect), and Laghu (light) and Ruksha Guna (dry) qualities. The diagnosis and treatment approach, based on Dosha-Dushya Vighatan and the assessment of Doshik imbalance by Dr. Gupta at IAFA®, proved to be beneficial in this case.
The Institute of Applied Food Allergy (IAFA®) is a center dedicated to the successful treatment of various types of allergies. IAFA® provides Ayurvedic treatments for conditions such as esophagitis, lactose intolerance, and food intolerances, following the highest standards and principles dating back to Vedic times. The institute aims to offer natural treatments without adverse effects, promoting holistic health and well-being. Book your appointment now to receive a personalized Ayurvedic treatment plan.
