By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
With rising numbers of obese and overweight adults across the world, obesity is regarded as a public health risk, which is rightfully in the spotlight. Unfortunately, with all of the attention on obesity, most of us overlook the risks of excess weight loss and being underweight. According to data from India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, close to half of India’s children are underweight, a problem that often persists into adulthood.
Maintaining healthy bodyweight is important for growth, development, and general health. Weight gain is also important for bodybuilders and athletes who are looking to build muscle mass, as it’s not just fat that adds weight. Bone density and muscle mass are also important contributors to bodyweight.
Why Weight Gain is Important
If you’re still in doubt about the risks of being underweight consider this. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health suggests that being underweight increases the risk of mortality in men and women by over 100%. This means that being underweight can be even more deadly than being overweight. This risk is also higher for men as compared to women. Being underweight has been linked to impaired immune function, infertility, osteoporosis, and increased risk of dementia, among other problems. These risks highlight the importance of weight gain to maintain healthy bodyweight.
Gaining weight may seem like a no brainer – just consume more calories than you need. But, it’s not that simple. Rapid weight gain and weight gain from unhealthy foods can increase the risk of various chronic and lifestyle diseases. Weight gain supplements and medications can also pose a risk of severe side effects. This makes Ayurvedic weight gain solutions the best resource for anyone looking to gain healthy weight. Ayurved’s holistic approach relies entirely on natural solutions, including dietary and lifestyle practices, as well as herbal medications that promote safe weight gain.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Weight Gain
1. Amla
Malnutrition and low weight can result not just from inadequate food intake, but also as a result of poor food choices, leading to the accumulation of ama. This buildup of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, and liver can impair metabolism as well as the absorption of nutrients. Amla is useful in this context, as it research suggests that it can be hepatoprotective, reducing toxicity and associated weight loss. Drinking Amla Juice is also a convenient and healthy way to get the benefits of this slightly bitter, sour, but healthy fruit.
2. Clove
Clove is highly regarded in Ayurved and also in modern medicine for its strong antimicrobial and analgesic properties. This means that it can help address underlying causes of low body weight, especially if caused by infections. One study found that clove extracts could reduce intestinal pathogens and enhance growth performance.
3. Jayfal
Jayfal is commonly used as a flavoring agent and as a digestive aid in Indian cuisine. It has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine because of its effects as a stimulant and digestive aid, which can thereby improve nutrient absorption in the gut for healthy weight gain. Studies have also shown that the herb possesses hepatoprotective properties, detoxifying the body and improving liver function.
4. Elaichi
Elaichi or black cardamom is a popular spice that is now used across the world. In India however, its role has extended far beyond the kitchen and it is an important ingredient in many Ayurvedic remedies. Elcha is generally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and may also promote weight gain, as evidence suggests that it can improve gastric function, which is a prerequisite to optimal nutrient absorption.
5. Jatamansi
Like many Ayurvedic herbs, jatamansi works to promote weight loss through different mechanisms. Studies show that supplementation with the herb can strengthen the gastric mucosal lining and lower stress markers that contribute to gastric ulceration. These benefits are linked to its antioxidant content. The herb has also been shown to relieve depression, which is known to cause appetite loss.
6. Shahi Jeera
Shahi Jeera or caraway is one of the most commonly used remedies for indigestion in India and it has proven to be effective. Shahijira extracts have also been found to exhibit antibacterial activity against bacterium such as H. pylori, which can contribute to the development of gastritis, as well as gastric ulcers and cancer. In addition to antiulcerogenic properties, the herb may also reduce calcium loss through urinary excretion, improving bone density and leading to weight gain.
7. Coriander
Coriander or dhaniya is widely used as a seasoning herb and is known to offer several health benefits. Although more human studies are needed to understand its precise mechanism of action and dosage requirements, animal studies have already been encouraging. The herbal extract has been found to inhibit harmful intestinal microorganisms, improving nutrient absorption, and leading to enhanced growth.
8. Mastaki
Mastaki may not be as well-known as many other Ayurvedic herbs, but it has immense therapeutic potential and is sometimes used as an ingredient in weight gain medications. All of the parts of the plant possess medicinal properties, but it is primarily the leaves that are used to treat diarrhea and protect against gastric ulcers. The mastic gum of the herb can also relieve upper abdominal discomfort, hyperacidity, tummy aches, and peptic ulcers, thereby increasing appetite and improving nutrient synthesis in the body.
9. Ginger
Ginger has similar antiemetic effects to cannabis and is even used in pregnancy to reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting. The herb helps to enhance appetite and strengthens digestion, improving the synthesis of nutrients that are needed for weight gain and muscle growth.
Dr. Vaidya's Appetite Booster Pack
Commonly used herbs like ginger, jayfal, and coriander can be added to your diet to encourage healthy weight gain. However, to enjoy the full range of benefits of Ayurvedic herbs it would be best to use Ayurvedic weight gain medications that contain most of these ingredients. Dr Vaidyas Appetite Booster Pack is perhaps the best natural medication for underweight children and adults, as it contains most of the above-mentioned ingredients!
Just make sure to follow the dosage guidelines and maintain daily intake of the supplements for at least 3 months for visible results. In addition to using such medications, you should also adhere to Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle recommendations, as weight gain is just not possible without adequate nutrition. Taking to an Ayurvedic doctor can also help since you can ask for the best ayurvedic weight gain regime for you.
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.