Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance from the point of view of Ayurveda
Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest lactose, which is the main carbohydrate in dairy products.This makes the body intolerable to milk and dairy products. But lactose intolerance does not mean that a person is allergic to milk. The sugar inside dairy products is known as lactose and the enzyme lactase in the intestine is responsible for using this sugar. If there is not enough lactase in the body to digest the sugar lactose, the body reacts differently and exhibits unpleasant symptoms. Lactose intolerance can cause various symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, gas, nausea, frequent urination, and occasional constipation. Lactose intolerance is called “Dugdha Aasatmyata'' in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, the inability to digest milk or dairy products is a sign of poor digestion. Poorly digested or undigested food is the root cause of all diseases according to Ayurveda, which produces Ama ( toxins) in the body. Digestion can be affected by factors such as: stress, lack of routine, excessive travel, excessive intake of stimulants such as coffee, hot peppers, or eating stale or heavily processed foods. Ayurveda says that in case of Dugdha Aasatmyata (lactose intolerance), Kapha dosha is aggravated. More specifically, Vata dosha is impeded by Kapha dosha. It is necessary to restore the balance of the doshas with a specific diet and herbal medicine that calm Kapha and reduce the Vata. In Ayurveda, milk is concidered a rejuvenator. Milk is a high-quality product that can provide great benefits when consumed properly. It has the amazing ability to nourish all the 7 dhatus (body tissues) within 24 hours. It also improves Ojas (the pure essence of the 7 dhatus), thus it also gives immunity to the body. Milk is important for our physical and emotional state.
How Ayurvedic doctors treat lactose intolerance
Ayurvedic doctors recommend the use of shunti and pippali for the treatment of lactose intolerance. Doctors also recommend eating foods that are pungent and bitter, as they increase the metabolism, getting a specific course of treatment is highly recommended too.
More tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of lactose intolerance
- Never drink milk with fresh fruits or fish
- Using ghee is better than butter. Ghee is sweeter and lighter to cook with, as it encourages digestion
- Drink warm ginger tea
- Lemon essential oil neutralizes the acids in the stomach and that will save you from digestion problems caused by lactose intolerance
- Take ½ cup of aloe vera juice at least twice a day
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Negative emotions and thoughts overlap us with a thick layer, which interferes to perceive and “taste” life. Food – is the ability to process, digest the situation. If there are problems with the digestive system, it indicates that there are problems in assimilating life.