Category: Brain / Memory Health

Demyelinating Diseases – Causes, Symptoms, Types and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

The nervous system is the main commanding center for the body. It is responsible for the various processes of the body. One of which is the transmission of signals to and fro between the organs and brain. The proper functioning of the nervous system is very essential for the maintenance of the bodily systems. There can be numerous abnormal conditions related to the nervous system, one of which is the demyelinating disease. Demyelinating diseases is a category of diseases which affects the nervous system adversely. This condition along with its ayurvedic aspect will be discussed in detail in the following article.

INTRODUCTION

Demyelinating diseases are a group of diseases that destroy the myelin sheath of the nerves. The myelin sheath is a protective covering around the nerve fibers. When this protective covering of the nerve fibers namely the myelin sheath gets destroyed, the nerve impulses are slowed down. When there is destruction of myelin sheath, the particular region gets scared. The nerve impulses or signals are unable to transfer through the scarred region and hence, the impulses are slowed down. In severe cases, it might even stop. This will result in a variety of neurological conditions. There are various types of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, etc. We will look into these conditions one by one, but let us first discuss the common causes and symptoms of the demyelinating diseases.

CAUSES & SYMPTOMS OF DEMYELINATING DISEASES

There can be numerous reasons lying beneath the condition of demyelinating diseases. Although there is no specific known cause yet, some of the causes believed to be responsible for these conditions can be a viral infection, autoimmunity, genetic conditions, ischemia of the brain i.e. lack of oxygen supply to the brain. The symptoms of demyelinating conditions will include various types of difficulties depending upon the region affected. Some of them could be vision loss, muscular weakness, stiffness in the muscles, etc. The person may also lose control or reduced control on the bladder. He/she may also experience sensory changes. Let us now discuss the types of demyelinating conditions as follows.

Demyelinating Diseases

TYPES OF DEMYELINATING DISEASES

As earlier said, demyelinating diseases are a group of conditions that are known to destroy the myelin sheath. The general causes and symptoms have already been discussed. There can be numerous types of demyelinating diseases, let us discuss a few of these as follows.

  1. Multiple Sclerosis – Multiple sclerosis is the one of the most common types of demyelinating disorders. It is a result of autoimmunity and targets the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord. The condition of multiple sclerosis usually presents with feelings of extreme fatigue, problems related to vision, etc. He/she may also face trouble in moving along with tingling or burning sensation sensations.
  2. Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) – ADEM is usually observed in children. It is an inflammatory condition that leads to destruction of myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord. It targets the optic nerve and is considered to be a result of autoimmunity. It presents with various features such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, reduced eyesight, headache, fever, etc. 
  3. Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic’s Disease) – The devic’s disease is a rare type of demyelinating disease, it is a result of autoimmunity. Devic’s disease usually targets the eyes, arms and legs. The person may face various difficulties related to the vision such as blurred vision, total loss of vision, pain in eyes, which may be accompanied with complaints of weakness or numbness in legs and arms, problems related to bladder and bowel movements, etc.
  4. MOGAD – The term MOGAD refers to Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease. It is an inflammatory condition. MOGAD is observed in patients suffering from recurrent inflammatory attacks of the nervous system. The patient suffering from Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease complains of blurred vision, loss of color vision, sensation loss, lost control on bladder functions, seizures, etc.
  5. Balo’s Disease (Concentric Sclerosis) – Balo’s disease is a rare type of demyelinating disease. There can be various symptoms such as high fever, headache, seizures, paralysis, memory loss, etc. The symptoms may appear suddenly and get worse in a short span of time.

DIAGNOSIS And TREATMENT OF DEMYELINATING DISEASES

The diagnosis of demyelinating diseases will require detailed history of the symptoms along with appropriate diagnostic tests such as EMG (Electromyography), Nerve conduction studies, Evoked potential, Lumbar puncture, etc. The line of management will vary from patient to patient and severity of the condition. The treatment modalities will help to deal with the symptoms and focus on stopping the demyelination process. The myelin is a covering that regenerates on its own. So, if the nerve damage is on a lower extent, it can resolve and recovery of the neurological condition is possible. So, the treatment of demyelinating disease will include immunosuppression, rehabilitation, and avoiding different types of toxins. After discussing the modern concept of these demyelinating conditions, let us now learn about the ayurvedic perspective of the same through the following article.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF DEMYELINATING DISEASES

The demyelinating conditions present similarities with various conditions described in ayurveda categorized under vata vyadhi. Therefore, it should not be correlated with one particular disease but can be associated with the dushti of the vata dosha. There are five types of vata dosha mentioned in the ayurvedic texts namely, prana vayu, udana vayu, samana vayu, vyana vayu and apana vayu. In the condition of demyelinating diseases, there is vitiation or dushti of the vata vaha srotas also. The vata is said to be responsible for numerous activities in the body such as utsaha (enthusiasm), uchwas & nichwas (breathing), cheshta (sensory & motor movements), vega pravarthana (releasing the natural urges from the body). These activities are carried out by the vata dosha when present in the natural form. The diseases of the nervous system are majorly a result of vitiation of the vata dosha which will hinder the normal activities of vata and ultimately resulting in diseased state. The treatment methodology will target the equilibrium of the vata dosha levels to restore the health of the body. The treatment can include sanshodhan chikitsa and sanshaman chikitsa. The shodhan chikitsa will aim at expelling the aggravated dosha out of the body while the shaman chikitsa targets the vitiated dosha by lowering their levels back to normal range. The most suitable sam shodhan chikitsa for aggravated vata dosha is the basti karma (Medicated enema). The samshodhan chikitsa will aim at decreasing the aggravated vata dosha through the administration of various vata pacifying ayurvedic components.This can be achieved by using various ayurvedic formulations such as vrihat vat chintamani ras, ashwagandha capsules, brahmi capsules, etc. These ayurvedic formulations beneficial for the patients of demyelinating diseases will be described as follows.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR DEMYELINATING DISEASES

Planet Ayurveda prepares medicinal formulations that contain natural herbs beneficial for the health of the body. Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs such as ashwagandha capsules, vrihat vat chintamani ras, musli strength, atirasadi churna, etc. which is prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of demyelinating disorders. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting the health of the patient and managing the diseased state effectively. The products beneficial for improving the condition of demyelinating disorders is described as follows.

A LIST OF MEDICATIONS THAT CAN BE USED ARE

  1. Brahmi Capsule
  2. Ashwagandha Capsule
  3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  4. Musli Strength
  5. Atirasadi Churna

Ayurvedic Treatment For Demyelinating DiseasesHerbal Supplements for Demyelinating Diseases

Product Description

1. Brahmi Capsules

The Brahmi capsules prepared by Planet ayurveda contain natural extracts of the ayurvedic herb namely brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is known to be a very effective ayurvedic component for improving the health of the nervous system. Brahmi is a potent neurotonic as it is an excellent vata pacifier. Thus, brahmi capsules help to manage the various types of demyelinating diseases.

Dose – One to two capsules two times a day, after meals.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are being prepared by planet Ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of a very beneficial ayurvedic herb known as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is very helpful in balancing the vata dosha and hence, also useful in improving the neurological condition of the body. Balancing the vata dosha will help to improve the condition of demyelinating diseases.

Dose -Two Capsules to be taken two times a day, after meals.

3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat vat chintamani ras is a classical ayurvedic formulation which is very effective in managing the imbalanced levels of the vata dosha. It contains various beneficial ayurvedic components such as Swarna bhasma (Ash of gold), Abhrak Bhasma ( calcined mica ash), Pravala Bhasma (Coral calyx), etc. Hence, it is useful in managing various vata disorders such as demyelinating disease, paralysis, hemiplegia, etc.

Dosage – One tablet two times a day, to be chewed, after meals.

4. Musli Strength capsules

Musli Strength Capsules are prepared by planet ayurveda containing natural extracts of safed musli (Asparagus adscendens) and gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These capsules help to pacify the vitiated vata dosha from the body. It is also known to increase the strength of the body. Thus, improving the condition of demyelinating disease.

Dose – One capsule to be taken two times a day, after meals.

5. Atirasadi Churna

Atirasadi churna is being prepared by planet Ayurveda. It contains a combination of a variety of beneficial ayurvedic components such as musli (Chlorophytum borivillianum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), akarkara (Anacyclus pyrethrum), etc. Atirasadi churna is very beneficial for improving the overall strength of the body. It contains a combination of excellent vata pacifiers, thus manages the condition of demyelinating disorders effectively.

Dosage – Take one teaspoon of atirasadi churna two times a day, after meals.

CONCLUSION

Putting the above provided information regarding the demyelinating diseases in a nutshell briefly, it can be concluded that although, it might not be a fatal or life threatening condition but if not medically managed timely and properly, may hinder the quality of life of the patient adversely, upto a great extent. The main aim of treatment of the demyelinating diseases will be to pacify the vitiated vata dosha. This will be achieved with the use of ayurvedic formulations such as ashwagandha capsules, vrihat vat chintamani ras, musli strength, atirasadi churna, etc. along with strictly following a healthy diet and lifestyle. So, it can be said that ayurveda can effectively manage the cases of demyelinating diseases and improve the health status of the patient through the above said ayurvedic formulations.

Herbal Alternatives to Pantoprazole/Omeprazole – Gas And Acidity

ABSTRACT

The problems related to the stomach are getting more and more common. The main credit goes to the food we eat. One of the most common problems faced by today’s population is acidity and gas. Haveyou ever thought about what causes acidity or gas? Have you ever noticed which food article has irritated your stomach or intestine? Have you ever thought to totally avoid intake of things causing trouble to your digestion? The main problem with human beings is that they respond when the damage is done but will not take care of things before. In this article we will discuss drugs like Pantoprazole/Omeprazole which are being prescribed in various digestive issues and what are the best alternatives to these medications in Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION

The pantoprazole/Omeprazole is two proton pump inhibitors which are given in various types of digestive conditions. Mostly these two drugs help in subsiding the acidity problems, acid reflux problem and also help in infection based acidity like in case of helicobacter pylori or H.pylori infections. They are also given in duodenal and stomach ulcers as well. The drugs are given to both children and adults. Pantoprazole and omeprazole tablets come with a delayed release capsule, tablet and suspension. They even come in the form of IV injections. These drugs are generally prescribed as a short term treatment.

Pantoprazole

Key Highlights

  • Pantoprazole and omeprazole are proton pump inhibitors

Pantoprazole

  • It is used to treat erosive esophagitis associated with GERD
  • Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis.
  • It is also given in pathological hypersecretory conditions including zollinger ellison syndrome.
  • Marketed in 2000 under brand name protonix

Omeprazole

  • It is given in duodenal ulcer
  • Choice of drug in H.pylori
  • Given in Gastric ulcer and also for GERD
  • It is prescribed to paediatrics patients as well.
  • Marketed in 1989 under brand name prilosec

Purpose of prescribing a proton pump inhibitor?

  • The proton pump inhibitors, as mentioned before, are generally prescribed to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
  • They help in reducing acid reflux. Acid reflux is something that happens due to the upward movement of food or liquid.
  • The use of proton pump inhibitors is also done in ulcers. In Stomach ulcers these drugs are generally prescribed.
  • In infections like helicobacter pylori use of PPIs is common.

The main purpose in every situation is to reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

Now moving further let’s understand the working of Proton pump inhibitors

How do proton pump inhibitors work

  • So, let’s understand this working in the most simplest way. Our stomach normally produces acid to help the digestion of food  and also help in killing germs or bacteria. This acid is corrosive in nature and to counter this corrosive property of stomach acid, there is the barrier of mucous in the stomach that helps in protecting the stomach from getting worn away.
  • In certain people this barrier breaks down thus the situation allows the acid to damage the stomach or erode it or result in the formation of ulcers. In some other cases there might be some problem with the sphincter, the sphincter is like a cap placed at the top of the stomach. This helps in keeping the stomach tightly closed and the content of the stomach inside. But when the sphincter muscles gets weak then it is not able to close properly and this allows acid to to reflux back. This refluxed back acid can damage the lining of the oesophagus thus causing situations like heartburn and inflammation of gullet.   
  • As mentioned before PPIs help in reducing the acid production in the stomach thus preventing ulcers and esophageal irritation.  The proton pump inhibitors are called proton pump inhibitors because they work by blocking or inhibiting the chemical system called the hydrogen potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system or simply called proton pump. The cells in the stomach lining have this chemical system. These cells in the stomach lining are responsible for producing acid.
  • As mentioned before PPIs help in reducing the acid production in the stomach thus preventing ulcers and esophageal irritation.  The proton pump inhibitors are called proton pump inhibitors because they work by blocking or inhibiting the chemical system called the hydrogen potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme system or simply called proton pump. The cells in the stomach lining have this chemical system. These cells in the stomach lining are responsible for producing acid.

Side effects/Adverse effects of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole

Side effects of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole are divided into two parts based on their short term and long term use.

Firstly, we will start with side effects or Adverse effects of short term use of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole.

  1. Short term use of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole or proton pump inhibitors result in headaches followed by dizziness.
  2. A person can experience some gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain followed by flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea. Symptoms on skin  include the appearance of rashes.
  3. The Gastrointestinal symptoms may also induce severe lack of appetite and weight loss at last.

Next, coming on to the side effects due to long term use of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole

  1. The long term use of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole results in the increased risk of bone fracture. This only happens if a person is taking multiple doses of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole per day for a duration of more than a year.
  2. There are possible chances of vitamin B12 deficiency which in turn leads to serious nerve damage and also results in the deterioration of brain functions.
  3. There is chronic inflammation of the stomach’s lining.
  4. There is a significant lack of magnesium. This is most common in people taking pantoprazole.
  5. When hospitalised and treated with pantoprazole, patients can suffer from clostridium difficile bacteria infection.
  6. Though the allergic reactions are rare, pantoprazole can cause allergic responses in the body.
  7. Moreover PPIs can cause cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus.

Even beside the drastic effects of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole, people use them blindly and later on their body is prone to too many conditions. You might be thinking, then what to do, what to have if not Pantoprazole/Omeprazole?

The answer to this question is simple and its Ayurveda.

  • Ayurveda is a science that describes how one should live a healthy life and if someone faces any difficulty then how it can be solved. That’s the beauty of Ayurveda. This science does not believe in subsiding the or suppressing the symptoms but it believes in the  elimination of disease from the body. Yes, that sounds difficult and indeed it is difficult because it requires efforts from both sides, that is from the physician’s side of the physician as well as from the side of the patient as well. These efforts include following all the dietary changes, managing a proper lifestyle and having herbal formulations, which will correct the disbalance going on inside your body.
  • Many of the readers might know and many of the readers might not know that there are three energies of the body that are responsible for maintaining the whole body system. These three energies are potential energy or kapha dosha, thermal energy that is pitta dosha and kinetic energy which is vata dosha. Any imbalance in any of these three energies will definitely cause some symptoms in the body. Excessive production of acid in the stomach is one of such symptoms and is due to imbalance in the thermal energy of the body.

Herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda as an alternative to Pantoprazole/Omeprazole

Planet Ayurveda is an ISO certified company which is also having certification of HALAL, KOSHAR, FDA and others. The herbal preparations manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are in the form of tablets (vati), capsules, syrups, decoctions (kwath), jams (avaleha) and others. The products prepared by Planet Ayurveda are totally herbal and do  not contain any type of adulterants, fillers, dyes, flavour enhancing agents, binders etc. The herbal preparations manufactured or prepared by Planet Ayurveda are potent and are used in various types of conditions. The formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda as an alternative to Pantoprazole/Omeprazole are as follows:

  1. HEART BURN CAPSULES
  2. DIGESTION SUPPORT
  3. AMALAKI RASAYAN
  4. MAHASHANKH VATI

Herbal Alternatives to Pantoprazole

Herbal Alternatives to Pantoprazole - Gas and Acidty

Product Description

1. HEART BURN CAPSULES

Heartburn capsules as their name suggests are typically for managing the heartburn which is quite common in patients who are having excessive acid production in the stomach along with weak sphincter muscles. The product has ingredients like Praval Pishti (coral calcium), Akik pishti (agate calcium), mukta pishti (Pearl calcium) and Ayurvedic calcium compounds like jahar mohra pishti and kamdudha ras. All of these ingredients are having cold potency that is opposite to the thermal energy inside the body. Due to this cold potency they are likely to balance the excess of pitta dosha in the body. This results in reduction in the production of stomach acid and thus symptoms like heartburn are solved.

Dosage:  One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

2. DIGESTION SUPPORT

Digestion support is a herbal formulation which is manufactured with nature’s best herbs for all kinds of digestive system related problems. The ingredients of this formulation are amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bahera (Terminalia bellerica), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriander sativum), pippali (Piper longum) and Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum). As the name suggests the digestion support capsules are specifically prepared with a combination of herbs that can help in supporting the digestive fire and also helps in balancing the disbalance going on inside the body. Having digestion support not only ignites or balances your digestive fire but also prevents your body and other organs from various kinds of diseases.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

3. AMALAKI RASAYAN

Amalaki rasayan is a rasaynik formulation that has only Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) as its ingredient. Amalaki is known to improve appetite and taste as well. As an alternative to Pantoprazole/Omeprazole, amalaki rasayan helps in maintaining the acid production in the stomach by balancing the pitta dosha or thermal energy of the body. As now we know that excess acid production can cause loss of appetite, anorexia, lack of taste etc. but with Amalaki rasayan these conditions can be improved. Amalaki rasayan corrects the gastrointestinal symptoms caused due to the short term use of Pantoprazole/Omeprazole. The formulation can be given in case of ulcers and acid peptic disorders as well.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

4. MAHASHANKH VATI

Mahashankh vati is a really effective classical herbomineral formulation which is mainly used in all kinds of digestive troubles. The formulation has ingredients like shunti (Zingiber officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Shankh bhasma (Calx of conch shell) and many others. The formulation has its impact on improving the digestion and thus gives very great and effective results. As an alternative to Pantoprazolea and Omeprazole, the formulation fits best as it helps in getting better without causing other gastrointestinal symptoms. Mahashankh vati is safe to be used in ulcers, acid peptic conditions and has healing effects. It helps in rejuvenation of gastrointestinal mucosa

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604.

Conclusion

People these days want everything instant weather food, affection or results from medicines. But we never think that instant things come with a price and that price is well paid by our body. Long term or short term some medicines tend to show results on your body and these results are mostly negative. But with herbal medicine such effects are never seen. Herbal formulations are given to correct one thing but at last ends up correcting many more. That is the beauty of herbal products. The formulations which are mentioned above are totally herbal and prepared from the natural extract of herbs. There is no addition of chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colours, yeast, binders, fillers and flavour enhancers etc. In addition they give great results as an alternative to Pantoprazole/Omeprazole.