Ascites is a condition where too much fluid builds up in your belly and it looks swollen or bloated. This typically occurs when your liver isn't functioning properly, especially if you have liver cirrhosis. But ascites can also happen because of kidney failure, cancer, heart problems, or infections like tuberculosis. You may notice symptoms like a big belly, abrupt weight loss, swelling in your feet, trouble breathing, along with a tight feeling in your stomach.
Ascites is a type of Udara Roga (abdominal disease) and is called ‘Jalodara’ in Ayurveda. The word Jala means water and the word Udara means abdomen. As per Ayurveda, this condition results from an imbalance of the natural energies or doshas of your body, primarily Kapha and Vata.
When your digestive fire (Agni) becomes weak, wastes such as stool, urine and sweat accumulate in your body. This creates toxins (Ama) and disturbs the movement of Apana Vata, which removes waste. When Kapha blocks the flow of Vata in the stomach and intestines, water or fluid accumulates in the abdominal area, causing ascites.
Ayurveda states that poor digestion and constipation are the main reasons behind this disease. But it could get worse if you consume too much water or eat heavy, oily foods. That’s why the first step in Ayurvedic treatment for Ascites is to improve digestion, remove toxins, and balance the doshas naturally.
If you experience bloating, belly swelling or liver problems, try Ayurvedic treatment for Ascites to treat your condition naturally.
Ascites does not happen all of a sudden. It generally develops slowly from deeper issues within your body. As your organs start to weaken, particularly your liver, your body holds onto fluid inside your abdomen. This is your body's signal that something is wrong.
The most common causes of Ascites are discussed below :
Liver Cirrhosis: This is the number one cause of Ascites. If your liver is damaged and scarred (usually by alcohol, hepatitis, or greasy liver) it can not filter blood effectively. This increases pressure in the blood vessels and causes fluid to leak into the belly.
Alcohol Use Disorder: If you drink alcohol heavily over a prolonged time, this could harm your liver cells and also trigger cirrhosis, the cause of Ascites.
Hepatitis B/C: These viral infections impact your liver and may cause chronic liver disease & Ascites if they are left untreated.
Heart Failure: When your heart can not pump blood properly, pressure builds up in your veins and causes fluid to collect in your belly and other parts of the body, like your legs.
Kidney Failure: Poor kidney function causes fluid and salt imbalance within your body. This typically causes swelling and Ascites.
Cancer: Cancers of the stomach, liver, ovaries or pancreas can press against organs and blood vessels leading to fluid buildup.
Tuberculosis (TB): If TB infects the lining of your abdomen, fluid could collect there and lead to Ascites.
Nephrotic Syndrome: This is a rare kidney disorder where your body loses way too much protein in urine, causing swelling and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Your body gives you warning signs before any health condition gets serious. For Ascites, symptoms may start small but become increasingly hard to ignore. If you pay attention early enough, you can start the right Ayurvedic treatment for Ascites and prevent complications later.
The most common symptoms and signs of Ascites include :
Swollen or bloated belly: Your stomach may appear larger and feel tighter, like it's filled with water or air.
Sudden weight gain: You might gain 2-3 kilos in a few days without exercise or diet changes.
Swelling in legs or ankles: Fluid buildup doesn't just remain in the stomach. It also causes puffiness in your lower limbs.
Breathing issues: As the fluid pushes against your lungs, it might become difficult to breathe, particularly when lying down.
A loss of appetite: Pressure on your digestive organs might make you feel full or not hungry at all.
Constipation and bloating: You might feel discomfort after meals, like burping or heaviness.
Fatigue/low energy: If your liver and digestive system aren't working properly, you might end up feeling continually tired and weak.
Back pain or discomfort: Swelling in the belly can also put stress on your lower back.
Difficulty moving or sitting: Sitting, walking or even bending becomes harder as your belly grows.
Jiva Ayurveda offers a natural approach for Ayurvedic treatment for Ascites. The treatment plans are customised in a way so as to target the root causes of Ascites, and instead of just managing the symptoms, they focus on complete and holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP-Certified Herbal Medicines: These HACCP-certified Ayurvedic remedies help to cleanse the body, speed up healing & promote emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation& Mindfulness Practices: Gentle, daily routines to relax your body, reduce stress, and also improve your mental and physical health.
Genuine Ayurvedic Therapies: Traditional treatments like Panchakarma, herbal oil massages and natural detox therapies cleanse and restore balance to your body.
Personalised Diet & Lifestyle Support: Get expert Ayurvedic suggestions on what you should eat and how to live every day to develop strength, stay fit and stay away from future health issues.
If you experience a swollen belly, bloating or fluid retention because of Ascites, Ayurveda can help you with natural solutions. Instead of just draining the fluid, Ayurvedic medicines for Ascites focus on the root cause, i.e., your digestion, liver function and imbalanced doshas.
These are some powerful Ayurvedic medicines for Ascites which are frequently recommended by expert doctors:
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
Pippali (Piper longum)
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris)
Shilajit
Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki)
1. What happens in your body during ascites?
In ascites, fluid collects in your belly between two layers of tissue called the peritoneum. This occurs mainly due to liver damage. Your body starts holding salt and water, and all this excess fluid accumulates in your stomach and makes it look tight or swollen.
2. Could ascites go away without any treatment?
No, ascites rarely goes away by itself. It is often an indication that your liver, heart or kidneys aren't functioning right. Disregarding the signs might worsen your condition. Timely Ayurvedic support could decrease the fluid accumulation and help you treat the root cause naturally.
3. Can ascites be detected early in Ayurveda?
Yes, initial symptoms like bad digestion, constipation, swelling and weakness are taken seriously in Ayurveda. An Ayurvedic doctor checks your dosha imbalance, pulse, tongue and body condition for early ascites signs, even before any swelling shows up.
4. Can diet help in controlling ascites?
Definitely. Avoid salty, oily and heavy foods. Consume light cooked meals and lukewarm water. Include bottle gourd and moong dal. Ayurveda suggests foods which speed up your digestion and decrease fluid retention within the body.
5. How to remove ascites naturally at home?
Start with a light diet and home remedies like Punarnava juice, Triphala at bedtime and barley water. However, you must consult an Ayurvedic doctor for customised treatment. Avoid overhydration and heavy meals which could intensify the swelling.
6. Which are the best Ayurvedic medicines for ascites?
Punarnava, Shilajit, Pippali are considered best for the Ayurvedic treatment for ascites. These medicines decrease swelling and support liver health. Other herbs like Haritaki, Gokhru and Triphala can help too, if prescribed by an Ayurvedic expert as per your condition.
7. Which is the best herb to treat ascites naturally?
One of the best herbs for ascites is punarnava. It drains excess fluid via urine and supports liver and kidney function. It's used both in natural decoctions in addition to Ayurvedic formulations.
8. What are some good fruits for ascites patients?
Light fruits which help with digestion like pomegranate, papaya, apple are good if you have ascites. Stay away from watery or heavy fruits like watermelon or banana unless your Ayurvedic doctor suggests otherwise. Eat fruits in moderation and not with meals.
9. What are the risks if ascites isn't treated?
In case ascites isn't treated, it may cause severe issues including infection in the abdominal fluid, breathing problems, kidney failure, or hernia. Additionally, it puts pressure on your other organs. That's why timely treatment and diagnosis are essential.
10. Could Ayurveda stop ascites from returning?
Yes. Ayurveda treats the root cause, be it liver issues or digestion problems, to prevent ascites from returning again. With regular detox, herbal medicines and lifestyle guidance, you can prevent fluid buildup and keep your system balanced for the long term.
