Effectiveness of ayurvedic dietary counselling (ahara chikitsa) for managing functional gastrointestinal disorders in young adults
Maria Inês LAVOURA RIBEIRO, Jéssica Carina AFONSO PERES, Pedro Alexandre SANTOS CARVALHO FIGUEIREDO, Isabel LOPES ALONSO and Nuno Daniel FERREIRA VEIGA
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia, are common in primary care and significantly affect daily functioning. Dietary patterns are central to symptom fluctuation. Ayurvedic dietary regulation (ahara chikitsa) emphasizes individualized guidance on food quality, timing, combinations, and digestive support, offering a potentially low-cost, non-pharmacological adjunct to routine care.To evaluate the impact of ayurvedic dietary counselling on symptom severity and quality of life among young adults with FGIDs.A prospective interventional study was conducted among adults aged 18–35 years diagnosed with FGIDs using Rome IV criteria. Participants received individualized dietary counselling based on ayurvedic principles, including structured meal timing, avoidance of incompatible food combinations, personalized diet charts, and digestive-supportive practices. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 4-week follow-up using the Symptom Severity Score (SSS), Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), and a patient-reported overall improvement scale. Pre–post changes were analyzed using paired t-tests.Among 40 participants, 37 completed follow-up. Mean SSS reduced from 315 to 184 (p < 0.001), and mean GIQLI improved from 82.6 to 104.3 (p < 0.001). A total of 81% of participants reported reduced bloating and 76% noted improved bowel regularity. No adverse effects were reported. Participants described high acceptability and satisfaction with a personalized, food-based approach.Ayurvedic dietary counselling was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in FGID symptoms and quality of life within a short timeframe. The individualized, non-pharmacological nature of the intervention aligns with patient-centered and preventive primary care principles.Ahara chikitsa appears to be a feasible, acceptable, and effective dietary adjunct for managing FGIDs in young adults. Further controlled studies may support broader incorporation of tailored dietary guidance into primary care practice.
