AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON SHINY / OILY / FATTY STOOLS

If you're experiencing oily stools or undigested fat in stool, chances are your belly isn't happy with one of your diet or lifestyle habits. Or, you have an underlying condition. According to Ayurveda, fat in stools is a problem of a low or weak digestive fire (agni). The majority of fat absorption occurs in the small intestine, specifically the first 100 cm of the jejunum. In some cases the lining of the small intestine may be compromised. However, poor absorption of fats is more commonly caused by poor digestion of fats. Poor digestion of fat is generally caused by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or bile insufficiency.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

The pancreas is a narrow flat gland about 6 inches long, sitting below the rib cage in the back. Pancreatic lipase accounts for 90% of fat digestion. Fat digestion becomes impaired when output drops to 10% of normal levels. This results in malabsorption of fat which can lead to weight loss, loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle wasting, and deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins such as A,D,E and K. When fat isn't digested well, it likely to become fermented, which causes gas, bloating and high toxic load to the liver. The main causes of EPI are cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis is generally caused by alcohol consumption, gallstones, and some infections, etc.

Bile Insufficiency

If there is damage to the brush border membrane of the small intestine, re-absorption of bile is compromised. Overproduction of bile, gastro-intestinal surgery, or an overgrowth of bad bacteria are some of the more common culprits of damage to the small intestine. Pancreatic insufficiency causes the duodenum to become very acidic. . This acidity damages the intestine and also causes bile salts to precipitate out of solution, making them ineffective for fat digestion, and non-absorbable by the ileum. Instead, they are eliminated through the feces. Excess elimination of bile eventually depletes the bile acid pool, which is one of the more common oily stool causes.

Gallbladder stagnation and biliary obstruction may also cause insufficient bile.

Treatment

Bitter herb formulas, such as Digestive Bitters before a meal encourages secretion of bile and therefore aids in proper fat digestion. Bitter ghee is Ayurveda's #1 fat digester.

Support your liver and gallbladder with a chemical free, easy to digest diet. Take steps to protect your liver health by avoiding processed foods, and cooking at home. Gallbladder tonic is a formula produced by Joyful Belly to support a healthy gallbladder.