Dr. Vikram Chauhan, Author at Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Treatment of Fish Odour Syndrome (Trimethylaminuria) with Ayurveda

Introduction

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an inherited condition (in an autosomal recessive fashion) in which the victim emits rotten fish smell. Hence it is also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome. TMAU is a psychologically disabling condition as it has a huge psychosocial impact. This disorder is caused due to an inherited deficiency of flavin mono oxygenase 3. This enzyme is crucial for the trimethylamine metabolism. Trimethyl amine is a tertiary amine whose odor resembles of a rotten fish.

Odorous trimethyl amine is oxidized by flavin mono oxygenase 3 into non odorous trimethyl amine – N – oxide. This mechanism is corrupted in TMAU patients. Hence TMA gets accumulated in the body and it may release out of the body through sweat, urine, expired air and reproductive fluids. Thus TMAU victims emits fishy odor around the clock, but the intensity may vary from moderate to severe.

Incidence of TMAU is noted more in females than males, as the estrogen & progesterone levels may exacerbate the condition. The condition may worsen when the victim nears his puberty and in females it is most intolerable during menstrual cycle and menopause. The smell can become fishier while having oral contraceptives.

Secondary cases of TMAU can be noticed in persons who had prolonged therapeutic administration of choline for Alzheimer’s disease or Huntington’s chorea.

Differential Diagnosis

Bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, cervical cancer, advanced liver of kidney diseases, foul smelling urine (especially in children) due to colonization of Aerococcus urinae bacteria in urinary tract, all these may mimic the TMAU symptoms. These may have a raised level of trimethyl amine in urine, but there will not be any underlying genetic factors.

Trimethylaminuria & Ayurveda

In Ashtanga Hrudaya, uttara stana Acharya details about baala graham. It is mentioned that, a child seized by Andhapoothana graham will emit fishy odor. Treatment protocols aimed at andhaputana graham can be made use in TMAU patients. Also aggravation of thridosha especially pitta can be noticed in TMAU patients. The foul smell is in account of aggravated pitta. So while managing TMAU, balancing pitta is of prime importance.

Treatment of Trimethylaminuria

It is really rhapsodic that TMAU has no complete cure, as it is connected to genetic factors. But there are many simple techniques to improve the quality of life in TMAU patients.

Stress level & hormonal changes – avoid stress & relax well. Increased stress may cause hormonal changes leading more perspiration. More the perspiration more fishy smell. One may resort to pranayama and meditation techniques to ease the mind. This step is very crucial in TMAU management, as the patient may suffer from low self esteem, poor psycho social connections, depression etc.
Avoid all the parameters that can cause excess perspiration like strenuous exercises, fever etc.
Wash the body with acidic ph soaps (5. – 6.5) and laundry on regular basis
Diet – limit the intake of marine fish (contains higher concentration of TMAO, a precursor of TMA), egg yolks, red meat, raw soybeans, mustard seeds etc. limit the ingestion of Brussels sprout, as they may inhibit flavin monooxygenase 3 enzyme.
Supplement with riboflavin, as flavin monooxygenase 3 has a flavin cofactor

Herbal Remedies for Trimethylaminuria (TMAU)

Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies for Trimethylaminuria that provides effective results on symptoms associated with this disease.

1. Green Essentials

Capsules Green Essentials are among the unique products manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. These capsules nourish the cells and fight against various ailments. These capsules are known to clear heavy metals so these capsules are quite effective for the patients suffering from fish odour syndrome.

Dosage:- 1-2 capsules twice daily.

2. Manjishta Capsules

Prepared from the standardized extract of rubia cordifolia herb. It is well known for its blood purifying properties. It helps to detoxify the body. It boosts the immune system. It is also coolant in nature and hence reduces perspiration and aggravated pitta.

Dosage:- 1 cap twice daily after food with lukewarm water.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is an Ayurvedic medicine used in the treatment of skin diseases, provides nourishment, improves digestion strength and mostly indicated in the diseases arising due to depleted body tissues, itching, skin diseases and other toxic conditions.

Dosage:- 2 tablets twice daily.

4. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishor guggul is a very famous Ayurvedic medicine that acts as a natural blood cleanser, aging skin health promoter and is widely used in various skin diseases. It contains natural blood purifying herbs such as Triphala and Giloy. Triphala is the nature’s best remedy for detox as it removes toxins within the blood and therefore useful in all metabolic disorders.

Dosage:- 2 tablets twice daily.

5. Navkarshik Churna

It is very effective in controlling TMA level in blood. It corrects the protein metabolism and cleanses the blood. It is very effective for pain management in arthritic condition. As the name indicates it contains nine ingredients, each taken in karsha pramana (12 gms). The ingredients are amalaki (emblica officianalis), haritaki (terminalia chebula), vibhitaki (terminalia bellerica), neem (azadirachta indica), vacha (acorus calamus), manjishta (rubia cordifolia), katuki (piccorrhiza kurrao), guduci (tinospora cordifolia), daruharidra (berberis aristate). It balances the tridoshas.

Dosage:- Half tsp daily after meals.

6. Neem Oil Mixed With Jatyadhi Oil

For external application, mix neem oil with jatyadhi oil and apply on the affected skin. Jatayadi oil is an Ayurvedic medicine used for the external application as it heals the wounds quickly. It is applied over the infected skin diseases. Jatyadi oil balances Pitta and kapha doshas.

Neem oil has immense benefits. Neem oil helps in cleansing and healing the wounds quickly. It is useful in numerous skin diseases.

7. Royal Honey Shower Gel

Use Royal Honey Shower Gel for bathing as it contains natural ingredients that are anti-bacterial and anti-septic in nature that helps in relieving the bad odour.

It is true that complete cure of TMAU is not possible, as this disease is hereditary and has some genetic connections. But the above mentioned herbal products are guaranteed to prevent the progression of TMAU and can effectively manage the fishy smell of TMAU. These products are 100% natural & safe as it does not contain any preservatives, artificial colors, addictives, binders, fillers etc.

Treatment for Severe Liver Diseases with Ayurveda – Signs & Symptoms

Liver Problems – An Overview

As per the latest reports, liver diseases are emerging out to be the next major lifestyle disorder after hypertension and diabetes. In earlier times hepatitis B & hepatitis C served as the most common causes for liver diseases. But in the recent world, this is replaced by alcohol and other obesity related disorders. There is a surprisingly terrific rise of about 10 lakhs of new cirrhosis cases every year in India itself. Think. How huge the count will be, if we consider patients around the globe?

You will be wondered if you come to know about the fact that, hepato cellular carcinoma (liver cancer) is the second most common reason for the death due to malignancy in the world population. Some statistical studies show that liver cirrhosis will grab the 12th place for the leading cause of death in the world by 2020. Have you ever thought why there is an increase in demand for liver transplantation in the recent population?

Liver is a large organ found on the right side of the body, which helps to detoxify the chemicals & helps to metabolize the drugs. Proteins important for blood clotting are also generated by the liver.

Major Liver Problems

1. Hepatitis

Liver inflammations are usually regarded as hepatitis. It is classified as hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, based on the viruses causing the same. But it can also be sourced by other non infectious causes like drugs, allergic reactions, heavy drinking & obesity.

2. Cirrhosis

The dysfunctioning of liver caused by permanent scarring of the liver due to its long term damage is often termed as liver cirrhosis.

3. Liver Cancer

Hepato cellular carcinoma comes first among all types of liver cancer. It is often preceded by liver cirrhosis.

4. Liver Failure

The ceasation of liver function is termed as liver failure. Genetic diseases, drug inducing, infection & alcohol often contribute to this.

5. Ascites

Leakage of liver fluid to the belly causing distension & heaviness is called as Ascites. Cirrhosis is the main contributing factor.

6. Gall Stones

Deposition of calcium stones in the gall bladder resulting in liver draining, cholangitis (bile duct infection) and hepatitis.

7. Hemochromatosis

Iron deposition in the liver is termed as hemochromatosis. This may even leads to multiple organ failure in later stages.

8. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Permanent liver scarring in the biliary process, which causes its destruction, is known to be as primary biliary cirrhosis. This disorder is comparatively rare.

9. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Inflammation & scarring of bile ducts in liver is termed as primary sclerosing cholangitis. This condition is also rare with an unknown etiology.

Signs & Symptoms

The common signs & symptoms of liver diseases include :-

Jaundice
Pale, bloody or tar colored stools
Abdominal swelling & pain
Dark color urine
Swelling in ankles & legs
Itchy skin
Chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea & vomiting
Tendency to bruise easily

Herbal Remedies to Improve Liver Function

Ayurveda gives liver an eminent place and considered it as the seat of metabolism. Liver is the base for pitta & raktha. Considering the fact that the country is battling with one of the major health concern, Planet Ayurveda put forwards some excellent herbal remedies to improve the liver functions.

1. Indian Echinacea

Kalamegh (Andrographis Paniculata) ‘King of Bitters’ – which is indigenous to India, is used widely to treat infections. It is well known for its immune boosting powers. The anti inflammatory property of kalamegh is used in the treatment of PFIC. The fruits, flowers and leaves are all packed with the essentials to fight against diseases. It is best used in respiratory tract infections & liver cirrhosis.

Dosage :- 2 capsules twice or thrice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It is a magical mixture of drugs which is excellent for liver and spleen function. Yakrit plihantak churna is a liver cleanser and helps to regenerate the liver cells. Hence it helps to avoid liver failure. The capability of the choorna to increase the bile production in turn enhances the liver function. The ingredients of yakrit plihantak churna includes :-

Bhumi Amla – Phyllanthus Niruri
Katuki – Piccorrhiza Kurrao
Makoy – Solanum Indicum
Punarnava – Boerhavia Diffusa
Kalmegha – Andrographis Paniculata
Kaasni – Cichorium Intybus
Sharapunkha – Tephrosia Purpurea
Bringaraj – Eclipta Alba

Yakrit plihantak churna is best in alcoholic liver diseases, fatty liver and in enlarged spleen.

Dosage :- ½ to 1 tsp full twice a day, with lukewarm water or fruit juice after meals.

3. Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules

The potent liver cleanser, phyllanthus niruri tablets is manufactured out from the standardized herbal extracts of the herb, bhumi amalaki (phyllanthus niruri). The antioxidant property and the antimicrobial activity of the drug enhance the liver function. The proven statistical study on phyllanthus niruri shows decrease in insulin resistance and reduction of fatty liver symptoms. It is considered to be the best drug for enlarged liver.

Dosage :- 2 capsules twice a day after food with lukewarm water.

4. Liver Detox Formula

As the name indicates, liver detox formula helps in liver detoxification. It helps to boost the natural defense system of the body. An enhancement of liver function heals poor digestion, bloating, hormonal irregularities & fatigue, as there is an increase in bile secretion. Besides the therapeutic effect, it also has liver failure preventive action if taken daily. The major ingredients of liver detox formula includes

Katuki – Iccorrhiza Kurrao
Punarnava – Boerhavia Diffusa
Kalamegh – Andrographis Paniculata
Makoy – Solanum Indicum
Kaasni – Chichorium Intybus
Biranjasipha – Achillea Millefolium – Yarrow
Jhavuka – Tamarix Galluca
Himsra – Capparis Spinosa
Haritaki – Terminalia Chebula

Hepatitis,cirrhosis, jaundice and all other liver disorders are well managed using liver detox formula. It is a guaranteed product of Planet Ayurveda, which will certainly improve your liver function. SGPT & SGOT are well balanced using liver detox formula.

Dosage :- 1 to 2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water either half hour before food or half hour after the food.

After years of research, it is proved that phyllanthus niruri has hepato protective property and it helps to clear out the hepatitis virus. Also andrographis paniculata is enriched with power to reduce the elevated SGOT & SGPT levels.

The live care pack can be taken by any liver patient to improve its function, after consulting with your doctor. Regular alcoholics can also have this to improve the overall health & immunity.