Ayurvedic Name: Grahani
Description:
Grahani is malabsorption syndrome, where the small intestine fails to absorb nutrients properly, which leads to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating. It is linked to weak Agni and aggravated Vata and Kapha. Ayurvedic management includes Panchakarma, Buttermilk therapy, and herbs like Pippali and Bilva.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Pachaka Vata (Malabsorption Syndrome): Difficulty in absorbing nutrients, leading to weight loss, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Aruchi (Loss of Appetite): Loss of appetite due to improper digestion and nutrient deficiencies.
- Dourbalya (Weakness): Fatigue and weakness from poor nutrient absorption.
- Shwasa (Breathlessness): Difficulty breathing or exertion due to poor overall nutrition.
- Gaurava (Heaviness): A sensation of heaviness in the stomach or abdomen, particularly after meals.
- Rukshata (Dryness): Dryness in the skin, hair, and mouth due to malnutrition.
Diagnosis:
Stool Test, Endoscopy, and Absorption Tests
Risk Factors:
- Dietary Factors
Low Nutrient Intake: A poor diet lacking in essential nutrients (iron, vitamins) can cause malabsorption.
Excessive Processed or Sugar-rich Foods: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and low in fiber can impair nutrient absorption in the intestines. - Lifestyle Factors
Chronic Stress: Chronic stress can affect digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to malabsorption.
Irregular Eating Habits: Skipping meals or eating late can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients. - Medical Conditions
Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that impairs nutrient absorption in the small intestine.
Crohn’s Disease or IBS: Inflammatory bowel diseases that can impair the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system.
Complications:
- Nutrient Deficiencies (Ahar Kshaya): Malabsorption causes the body to fail in absorbing essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Chronic Diarrhea (Atisara): Malabsorption syndrome often causes chronic diarrhea, which exacerbates nutrient loss and dehydration.
- Weight Loss (Ksheena): Persistent nutrient malabsorption can lead to significant, unexplained weight loss due to inadequate absorption of calories.
- Osteoporosis (Asthi Kshaya): Malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Anemia (Pandu): Poor absorption of iron and other essential nutrients can lead to anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Epidemeology:
Prevalence varies between 1-5% globally, depending on the underlying condition causing malabsorption, such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease, or pancreatic insufficiency.
Affects both adults and children, though children are more frequently diagnosed due to inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis or celiac disease.
Higher incidence in developing countries, especially due to parasitic infections or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin B12 and iron).
More common in individuals with gastrointestinal conditions, such as IBS, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or post-surgical gastrointestinal bypass.