Understanding and Treating GI Disorders

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Gastrointestinal Disorders

What are Gastrointestinal Disorders?

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders refer to conditions that affect the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. These disorders can range from mild discomfort to serious, chronic conditions that impact quality of life.

At Deergahyu Hospital, our experienced doctors specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of GI conditions with a personalised, patient-centered approach.

What are Common Gastrointestinal digestive disorders?

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Chronic condition causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Frequent acid reflux that can damage the esophagus if left untreated.
  • Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) causing inflammation of the digestive tract.
  • Celiac Disease - Autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, leading to small intestine damage.
  • Gallstones - Hardened deposits in the gallbladder causing pain, nausea or infection.
  • Liver & Pancreatic Disorders - Including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and pancreatitis.
  • Constipation & Diarrhea - Chronic or acute conditions affecting bowel movement regularity.

What are the warning signs of GI Problems?

  • Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Bloating or excessive gas
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in stool or dark-colored stools
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing

How are GI disorders diagnosed?

To identify the root cause of GI symptoms, the following tests are commonly used:

  • Colonoscopy
  • Upper endoscopy (EGD)
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • CT or MRI scans
  • Stool and blood tests
  • Breath tests for H. pylori or lactose intolerance

How to treat Gastrointestinal digestive disorders?

Ayurveda approaches gastrointestinal disorders by balancing the digestive fire (Agni) and correcting imbalances in the body's three doshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha. GI disorder treatment typically includes a personalised diet, good lifestyle practices and panchakarma detox therapies

Learn more about common treatments for each specific anorectal GI disorder. Select a disorder below to see detailed options.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Grahani is often linked to a weak digestive fire (Agni) and imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas.

  • Herbs: Bilva, Kutaj, Musta, Nagarmotha
  • Panchakarma: Basti (medicated enema) to regulate Vata
  • Diet: Easily digestible foods, avoiding cold and raw foods
  • Lifestyle: Stress management through yoga and meditation

Acid Reflux / GERD – Amlapitta is caused by an aggravated Pitta dosha leading to excess acid.

  • Herbs: Avipattikar churna, Yashtimadhu (licorice), Amla
  • Diet: Avoid spicy, oily, and acidic foods; include cooling foods like coconut water and buttermilk
  • Lifestyle: Avoid late-night eating and excessive screen time before bed

Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease – Pittaja Grahani is chronic inflammation caused by pitta imbalance and impaired Agni.

  • Herbs: Kutajghan Vati, Dadimashtak churna, Giloy, Ashwagandha
  • Panchakarma: Virechana (purgation therapy) for Pitta detox
  • Diet: Warm, bland, and nourishing foods; avoid dairy, spicy, and sour items
  • Rejuvenation: Rasayana therapy for tissue healing

Constipation – Vibandha happens usually due to vata imbalance and weak digestive fire.

  • Herbs: Triphala, Isabgol (psyllium husk), Castor oil
  • Diet: Fiber-rich foods, ghee, warm water, and prunes
  • Lifestyle: Regular sleep, oil massage (Abhyanga) and yoga (especially Pawanmuktasana)

Diarrhea – Atisara is caused by weak digestion and aggravated vata or pitta.

  • Herbs: Kutaj, Bilva, Musta, Pomegranate peel
  • Diet: Rice gruel (kanji), buttermilk with spices, ripe banana
  • Lifestyle: Rest, hydration, and avoiding raw or heavy foods

Liver & Gallbladder Disorders are linked to Pitta aggravation and poor bile metabolism.

  • Herbs: Bhumyamalaki, Kalmegh, Punarnava, Sharpunkha
  • Therapies: Virechana (to cleanse liver), herbal decoctions
  • Diet: Bitter and astringent foods; avoid fried and alcohol