Malabsorption Syndrome refers to disorders in which the small intestines are unable to properly absorb enough nutrients (like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals) from the food. Homeopathic remedies for malabsorption syndrome help in providing symptomatic relief and improving absorption power of the intestine.
Reasons
The small intestine plays the major role of absorbing nutrients from the partially digested food into the bloodstream. In case of malabsorption syndrome the small intestine is not able to absorb nutrients from foods properly. Malabsorption can also occur if there is a lack of the right amount of digestive enzymes.
Causes
Firstly, it can occur if there is inflammation or an infection in the small intestine that causes its damage and hinders in carrying out its normal function of absorption. The damage can also arise from some injury, trauma or surgery of the small intestine. Second important reason is celiac disease (It is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye causes damage in the lining of the small intestine and hinder its function of absorption of nutrients from food in the sufferer. The main symptoms that result include diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, weight loss, and anaemia). Third main cause is Crohn’s disease (It is one of the IBD-inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause inflammation in any of the segments of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. The symptoms that it causes mainly include diarrhoea, abdominal distension, pain in abdomen and weight loss). It can also result from excessive use of antibiotics and some other drugs like colchicine, tetracycline, irritant laxatives and radiation therapy. Another cause is parasitic disease (eg. giardia, or helminthiasis). Lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency is also one of the reasons behind it. Apart from these it can also occur in case of cystic fibrosis (It is an inherited disorder that mostly cause damage to lungs , but can also cause damage to also the intestines, pancreas, liver and kidneys) and from disease of liver, pancreas (pancreatitis) or gallbladder.
It can also result if the stomach does not produce enzymes properly and if there are problems with mixing of the eaten food with stomach acid and its enzymes.
Some of the rare causes includes tropical sprue (This disease is usually found in tropical regions in which there occurs inflammation of small intestine and flattening of villi which are finger like projections extending in lumen of small intestine that increase the surface area of intestine on inner side for absorption of nutrients), Whipple’s disease (It is a rare disease caused by bacteria Tropheryma whipplei that mostly affect gastrointestinal tract and the joints but may also affect other organs like brain, lungs, eyes, heart, joints, skin), short bowel syndrome (a condition in which some part of the small or large intestine has been removed / missing or damaged that doesn’t function properly)
Malabsorption syndrome may also be seen in case of congenital defects like biliary atresia which is a serious liver disorder in which the one or more bile ducts that carry bile from the liver are absent, narrowed or blocked.
Symptoms
Its symptoms depend upon the cause behind it, the type of nutrients which are not absorbed, the duration and severity of the condition. The symptoms also occur from deficiency of unabsorbed nutrients. Some of the main symptoms include diarrhoea, abdomen bloating, tiredness, gas, bad smelling stool, greasy / sticky stool, pale / white stool, bulky stool, cramps in the stomach and weight loss. Other than this if there is deficient absorption of fat then the stool is sticky, stool has an offensive odour and stool is light coloured. In case of protein deficiency there arise hair loss or dry hair and fluid retention. There may also occur anaemia, muscle wasting and bones may become brittle. In case of children the growth may be hindered and the weight gain in them is not at the right pace as compared to same age grouped children.
Homeopathic Remedies for Malabsorption Syndrome
Homeopathic medicines play a great role in managing malabsorption syndrome. These medicines help in providing symptomatic relief and improving absorption power of the intestine. Use of homeopathic medicines is recommended in these cases when they are of mild to moderate intensity. But in case the intensity of symptoms is severe or there is some serious / surgical cause behind it then it is strictly advisable to take help from conventional mode of treatment. The causes and the symptoms for this syndrome are highly variable and the homeopathic medicine is selected individually for every cause based on symptomatic picture. So one should take any homeopathic medicine for it after consulting a homeopathic physician who can best judge the medicine that will suit a given case of malabsorption syndrome after detailed case analysis.
Aloe – To Manage Diarrhoea
It is a natural medicine prepared from gum of a plant Aloe Socotrina that belongs to the family liliaceae. It is a very useful medicine for managing diarrhoea. The indication for using this medicine is watery, lumpy stool soon after eating or drinking anything. Sometimes mucus passes in the stool. Cramp in the abdomen is felt with this before and during stool. Another attending symptom to it is constant bearing down sensation in the rectum.
China – For Diarrhoea Attended With Marked Weakness
It is a natural medicine prepared from the dried root of plant Cinchona Officinalis also known as peruvian bark. It belongs to the family rubiaceae. This medicine is beneficial medicine for cases where diarrhoea is marked. In cases needing it the stool is loose, watery, profuse, frequent and passed along with much gas. The stool can be frothy and may also have an offensive smell. The stool occurs especially after eating. It is attended with intense weakness. Weight loss can also be present. Other than this there is excessive gas in the abdomen along with its bloating or distension. Persons needing this medicine may also be anaemic.
Lycopodium – For Gas And Abdominal Bloating
This medicine is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum also known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It is very effective for cases of gas and abdominal bloating. People who need it feel fullness and bloating in the abdomen soon after eating even a little amount. Rumbling, croaking, rattling in the abdomen is there from gas. They may also have gnawing, constrictive or burning pain in the stomach with this.
Silicea – For Weakness, Weight Loss, Diarrhoea
Silicea is another valuable medicine for many complaints arising when food is not properly assimilated in the body. Here this medicine firstly helps persons who have weight loss and who feel exhausted easily. Next it benefits persons who have chronic loose stool. In this condition they have frequent, liquid stool. The stool may contain undigested food particles. The stool has an horribly offensive odour. There may be bloating and hardness of the abdomen. Apart from all above this medicine also helps in cases where the bones have become weak, brittle.
Arsenic Album – For Managing Tiredness
Arsenic Album is a prominent medicine for managing tiredness, fatigue in these cases. Persons requiring it start to feel exhausted after little exertion. They want to lie down from fatigue. Other than this it is also well indicated for managing diarrhoea with copious stool having highly offensive odour. Lastly it is helpful for persons who are having weight loss issues.
Colocynth – For Relieving Stomach Cramps
It is prepared from pulp of fruit Citrullus colocynthis also known as cucumis colocynthis or bitter apple. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. It offers great help in managing stomach cramps. It gets worse by eating or drinking where it is required. Bending double, lying on stomach or pressure gives relief. Abdominal bloating can be present with this.
Alfalafa – To Improve Body Weight And Manage Exhaustion
This medicine is prepared from plant Medicago Sativa also known as California Clover or Lucerne. This plant belongs to the family papilionoideae. This medicine is known as a fat producer and helps in weight gain. Next it helps in managing weakness, exhaustion and improving stamina and energy levels in a person. Persons who need it may have a complaint of gas in the abdomen, distension of abdomen and cramping / griping pain in the abdomen.
Phosphorus – For Hair Loss Or Dry Hair And Exhausting Diarrhoea
This is a very valuable medicine for managing hair loss and hair dryness in these cases. Hair fall is excessive and is in bunches where this medicine is required. Sweating on the scalp may be present with this. Scalp may be itchy also. This medicine is also significant for cases where exhausting diarrhoea is present. In such cases the stool is yellow, or green, watery, profuse and gushing. It has a fetid or sour smell. It may have flakes of mucus or blood in it sometimes.
Ferrum Phos – To Manage Anaemia
This medicine is well indicated to manage anaemia in these cases. In cases needing it the face appears pale and earthy. There is marked weakness both on the mental and physical sphere. There is aversion to doing any exertion. Along with this there is thinning and weight loss. Loss of appetite may also be there.
Calcarea Phos – When Bones Become Weak Brittle Bones
Calcarea Phos is considered in cases where bones has become weak and brittle that are prone to break easily. The person needing it may also be anaemic. They may have green loose stool which is very fetid. Cutting or sharp pain in the abdomen may be felt before stool.
FAQs
What is the homeopathic medicine for sluggish digestion? ›
Natrum carbonicum
This remedy can be helpful to mild people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and ulcers can occur if offending foods are eaten.
Homoeopathic remedies
Abrotanum, Argentum nit, Barytacarb, Calcarea phosphorica, Calcarea carbonica, Cina, Chamomilla, Hepar sulphur, Iodine, Magnesia carbonica, Natrum muriaticum, Silica, Sulphur and Tuberculinum are the common remedies to be thought of in malnutrition.
- Nux Vomica- This is considered the 'go to' remedy for almost all stomach problems. ...
- Pulsatilla- This homeopathic remedy can be used to deal with the gastric trouble that results from excessive consumption of fatty foods and for the treatment of loose stools.
- SBL Nux Vomica 10M CH Dilution. 3.8. ₹265. ₹300.
- Dr. Willmar Schwabe India Berberis Aquifolium Q Mother T... 3.7. ₹153. ₹195. 21% off.
- Dr. Reckeweg Nux Vomica 30 CH Dilution. 4.2. ₹125. ₹135. 7% off.
- SBL Berberis Aquifolium Q Mother Tincture. 4.2. ₹179. ₹230. 22% off.
- Exercise for 30 minutes a day. Food and digested material is moved through the body by a series of muscle contractions. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Eat yogurt. ...
- Eat less meat. ...
- Drink more water.
Drugs used in the management of intestinal motility disorders include parasympathomimetics, prokinetic agents, opioid antagonists, antidiarrheals, and antibiotics. The agents that are most useful in the treatment of these disorders are neostigmine, bethanechol, metoclopramide, cisapride, and loperamide.
What is the fastest way to cure malnutrition? ›- having a healthier, more balanced diet.
- eating "fortified" foods that contain extra nutrients.
- snacking between meals.
- having drinks that contain lots of calories.
- getting supermarket deliveries at home.
- Iodine.
- Vitamin D.
- Calcium.
- Iron.
- Vitamin B-12.
- Folate.
Yes, food allergies can be treated. Homeopathy offers safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate food allergies. The best part of homeopathic allergy treatment is that it has no side-effects.
Which herb is used to cure in digestion? ›Ginger: Ginger has been India's favourite go-to remedy to treat all tummy woes, from indigestion, nausea to bloating. According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "Ginger protects and heals the gut, hastens the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, and reduces wind, bloating and cramps.
Which plant is used to treat stomach disorders? ›
One of the plants most employed in traditional medicine against nausea and emesis is ginger (Zingiber officinalis- Zingiberaceae).
What is the strongest digestive enzyme? ›There is no single digestive enzyme that is more effective than all others; rather, it's simply a matter of finding the enzyme supplement that contains the enzymes that your body needs the most. What you need will vary based on your diet and your body. Common digestive enzymes include lactase, lipase, and protease.
How do you rebuild digestive enzymes? ›However, it is possible to replenish your enzyme levels through dietary changes. These may include eating more protein, chewing your food longer, taking digestive enzyme supplements and more. Additionally, certain foods, such as pineapple and papaya, are naturally rich in enzymes.
How do you rebuild stomach enzymes? ›Foods that contain natural digestive enzymes include pineapples, papayas, mangoes, honey, bananas, avocados, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kiwifruit and ginger. Adding any of these foods to your diet may help promote digestion and better gut health.
How do you cure sluggish digestion? ›Dietary changes
Delayed or slower bowel movements can be caused by a lack of fiber in your diet. A diet that emphasizes natural, unprocessed fruit and vegetables can kick-start digestion and help make you more regular unless you have IBS, gastroparesis or other chronic gastrointestinal condition.
On the other hand, berries and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, contain less fructose, making them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas. Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that are fiber-rich and contain inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
Does apple cider vinegar help with digestion? ›ACV is naturally acidic, and so for people with low stomach acidity, using ACV may help raise stomach acid levels to aid digestion. In theory, this could prevent gas and bloating, which a slow digestion can cause. ACV is also an antimicrobial substance , meaning it may help kill bacteria in the stomach or intestines.
Does magnesium increase gut motility? ›Stool softener: Magnesium draws water into the intestines, working as an osmotic laxative. This increase in water stimulates bowel motion, or motility. It also softens and increases the size of the stool. This prompts a bowel movement and helps to make stools easier to pass.
What hormone slows gut motility? ›Glucagon retards gastric emptying of liquids and inhibits motility throughout the gastrointestinal tract [63].
How can I increase my gastric motility naturally? ›- small, frequent meals.
- avoiding raw or uncooked fruits and vegetables.
- avoiding fibrous fruits and vegetables.
- eating liquid foods such as soups or pureed foods.
- eating foods low in fat.
- drinking water during meals.
- gentle exercise following meals, such as walking.
How long does it take to reverse malnutrition? ›
The median nutritional recovery time was estimated to be 16 days (IQR: 95% CI; 14.233–17.767) (Fig.
How do you break the cycle of malnutrition? ›Break the cycle of malnutrition by establishing health mother groups, conducting growth monitoring, rehabilitating malnourished children, and building health clinics and washing facilities.
What are the two immediate causes for malnutrition? ›The causes of malnutrition are at different levels. The immediate causes are inadequate dietary intake and disease. Inadequate dietary intake and diseases are caused by food insecurity, inadequate care for women and children, insufficient health services, and unsanitary environments.
What is a person lacking if they suffer from malnutrition? ›Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or overnourished.
How do you tell if you are not absorbing nutrients? ›Malabsorption is when your body has trouble digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Common symptoms include bloating, weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, abdominal discomfort, bad smelling stools, rashes, swollen feet and hands, and nausea and vomiting.
What is the number one nutritional deficiency in the world? ›1. Iron. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and is one of the leading factors contributing to the global burden of disease. Iron deficiency can also lead to anemia, a blood condition that results in fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low immune support.
Can damage from malnutrition be reversed? ›Malnutrition is treatable, but some effects can linger. Effects of severe undernutrition, such as blindness from vitamin A deficiency, soft bones from vitamin D deficiency and stunted growth from protein-energy undernutrition in children may not be reversible, even after rehabilitation.
What are the three most common signs of malnutrition? ›Common signs and symptoms of malnutrition include: loss of appetite and lack of interest in food or fluids. unplanned weight loss - this might cause clothing, rings, watches or dentures to become loose. tiredness or low energy levels.
Can you reverse the effects of malnutrition? ›Those who are particularly susceptible to malnutrition include older adults and adults experiencing a chronic health illness such as cancer or arthritis. The good news is that malnutrition can be prevented and the effects can be reversed with proper nutritional restoration.
How can I heal my gut from food sensitivities? ›How is a food intolerance managed or treated? You may need to change your diet to limit or eliminate problem foods. Many people with food intolerances find that consuming small amounts of food causes few symptoms if any. When symptoms occur, over-the-counter medicines like antacids or antidiarrheals can help.
Can probiotics cure food intolerances? ›
Probiotic supplementation
Probiotics (substances that promote the proliferation of microorganisms) alleviate food allergy via several mechanisms. They increase the number of commensal gut bacteria that interact with the gut's immune system to help it tolerate food.
- Identify Reactive Foods. It can be difficult to pinpoint which foods you're intolerant to without effective intolerance testing. ...
- Eliminate Offending Foods. ...
- Repair The Gut. ...
- Balance Your Gut Microbes. ...
- Improve Digestion.
- Chamomile.
- Dandelion root.
- Fennel.
- Gentian.
- Ginger.
- Globe artichoke.
- Lemon balm.
- Licorice.
Burns and skin disease: Aloe. Pain: Thyme. Digestive problems: Juniper, mint, garlic, and sandalwood. Bad breath: Mint, caraway.
What herbs help with delayed gastric emptying? ›Other herbal prokinetic combinations such as bitter candytuft, angelica root, chamomile, and caraway, commonly found in the herbal formula Iberogast, have also improved dysmotility by helping the stomach muscles function appropriately.
Which flower is used to improve digestion? ›Still, human studies of chamomile tea are needed to confirm its digestive benefits. The chamomile flowers contain the most beneficial components, including flavonoids.
Which herbal remedies are often used for gastrointestinal disorders? ›Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile are all good for discomfort in the upper part of the GI tract. You can use them as teas, and in the case of ginger, as a candy. Something to keep in mind is that ginger- and mint-flavored products are just that…”flavored”; they do not contain any actual peppermint or ginger!
Is there a downside to taking digestive enzymes? ›There can be. Popping a digestive enzyme supplement if you don't have a specific deficiency can trigger the symptoms you're trying to avoid, such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Allergic reactions can also be an issue for some people, such as itching, rash, stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing.
What is the #1 digestive enzyme? ›The most important digestive enzymes are: Amylase.
What enzyme speeds up digestion? ›The main digestive enzymes made in the pancreas include: Amylase (made in the mouth and pancreas; breaks down complex carbohydrates) Lipase (made in the pancreas; breaks down fats) Protease (made in the pancreas; breaks down proteins)
Is it better to take probiotics or digestive enzymes? ›
Digestive enzymes may speed up and improve digestion. However, current research suggests that taking a supplement offers the most noticeable benefit for people who have a specific deficiency or need. Probiotics on the other hand offer benefits for almost everyone of all levels of health, age, or gender.
How do you reset bacteria and enzymes in the stomach? ›- removing foods that feed harmful bacteria and cause inflammation.
- introducing plenty of prebiotic foods, which feed beneficial bacteria.
- encouraging healthful practices, such as getting enough sleep and exercise and staying hydrated.
...
Foods That Are High In Enzymes Include:
- Avocado.
- Papaya.
- Sauerkraut.
- Mango.
- Banana.
- Miso.
- Kiwifruit.
- Ginger.
As a result, replacement digestive enzymes can help prevent malabsorption and related digestive discomforts. Because they're meant to mimic your natural pancreatic enzymes, replacement digestive enzymes must be taken just before you eat. That way, they can do their work as food hits your stomach and small intestine.
What causes your body to stop producing digestive enzymes? ›Chronic pancreatitis is the main cause of EPI in adults. As many as 8 in 10 adults with this disorder develop EPI. Pancreatitis causes inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage the pancreatic cells that make digestive enzymes.
What foods heal the gut lining? ›To combat leaky gut, eat foods that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including fruits, cultured dairy products, healthy fats, lean meats, and fibrous and fermented vegetables. Avoid processed and refined junk foods.
What medicine is good for slow digestion? ›Metoclopramide (Reglan)
It's also a prokinetic medication. This means it helps move food through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (the stomach and intestines) faster. Metoclopramide works for gastroparesis by helping the stomach muscles have better contractions. It also relaxes the area where food leaves the stomach.
Nux Vomica- This is considered the 'go to' remedy for almost all stomach problems. It can be used to treat heartburn, constipation, indigestion etc. It also relieves bloating and a sense of fullness after eating a heavy meal.
How do you get rid of a sluggish gut? ›Dietary changes, such as increasing water and probiotic intake (i.e. yogurt or supplements) while limiting dairy, caffeine, and heavily processed foods may be an effective treatment for lazy bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.
How do you cure a sluggish gut? ›- eating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- exercising regularly.
- taking probiotic supplements to encourage a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
- not postponing bowel movements once the urge arises.
How can I speed up my gastric emptying naturally? ›
- small, frequent meals.
- avoiding raw or uncooked fruits and vegetables.
- avoiding fibrous fruits and vegetables.
- eating liquid foods such as soups or pureed foods.
- eating foods low in fat.
- drinking water during meals.
- gentle exercise following meals, such as walking.
- avoiding fizzy drinks, smoking, and alcohol.
A damaged vagus nerve can't send signals normally to your stomach muscles. This may cause food to remain in your stomach longer, rather than move into your small intestine to be digested. The vagus nerve and its branches can be damaged by diseases, such as diabetes, or by surgery to the stomach or small intestine.
What can I take daily to help with digestion? ›Fiber Helps
To get the 20-35 grams of fiber your body needs each day, choose plant foods like cherries, grapes, crunchy bell peppers, beans, whole grains, and nuts. These help with digestion and constipation and are also good for your heart and blood sugar.
- Probiotics for Diarrhea. When it comes to the best supplements for digestion, especially diarrhea, probiotics are high on the list. ...
- Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum for Diarrhea, Constipation & SIBO. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a type of prebiotic fiber. ...
- Digestive Enzymes. ...
- Magnesium Citrate.
A 2021 study also looked at the efficacy of individualized homeopathic treatments on 41 patients with IBS. They found that 100% of the patients showed some improvement, and 63% showed major improvement.
How do you stimulate a lazy bowel? ›Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.
What causes bowel muscles to stop working? ›The anal sphincter muscles can also become weakened for other reasons, such as diabetes or neurologic conditions. They can also be damaged during other surgeries, such as surgery to fix an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. This can cause decreased strength resulting in problems controlling passage of bowel movements.
What is the best sleeping position for digestion? ›As such, which is the best sleeping position for improved digestion? “Left-side sleeping has more health benefits as it easily transfers our digested food from our small intestine to the large intestine.
How do you heal gut rebalance? ›- Change Your Diet. Diet has a huge impact on gut health and the balance of good and bad bacteria. ...
- Get More Sleep. Getting enough sleep can help promote a healthy gut. ...
- Avoid Unnecessary Medications. ...
- Supplement with Prebiotics and Probiotics. ...
- Drink More Water. ...
- Avoid Stress. ...
- 617 969-1227.
There is no cure for slow transit constipation. Treatment options may include: medication to improve bowel motility. regular enemas to flush the rectum of faeces.