Dumping syndrome, also called dumping, is a group of symptoms that are more likely to develop after surgery to remove all or part of the stomach. This condition occurs when the undigested contents of the stomach are transported or “dumped” into the small intestine too quickly. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloating, dizziness, weakness, and rapid heart beat.

For most patients with mild symptoms, the dumping syndrome improves on its own without medical treatment or after adjusting the diet. Patients with more severe symptoms may be given Ayurvedic medicines to reduce food spillage and associated symptoms. Medicines like Shankh-Vati, Laghu-Sutshekhar-Ras, Chitrakadi-Vati, Hingashtak-Churna, and Lashunadi-Vati are used to treat abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Medicines like Kamdudha-Ras, Shankh-Bhasma, Praval-Panchamrut-Ras, and Sutshekhar-Ras are used to slow down the passage of food out of the stomach. Medicines like Panchamrut-Parrpati, Kutaj-Parpati, Ras-Parpati and Suvarna-Parpati can be used to improve the digestive and retention power of the small intestine. Kutaj-Ghan-Vati, Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) can be used to reduce diarrhoea.

In addition, symptomatic treatment is given for other associated symptoms and conditions. Shrung-Bhasma, Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), and Khurasani-Ova (Hyoscyamus niger) are used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, weakness, and dizziness. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are used to treat anxiety and nervousness. Other underlying conditions such as diabetes and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can increase susceptibility to dumping syndrome. To control these conditions, medications such as Gudmar (Gymnema sylvester), Mamejva (Enicostemma littorale), Sutshekhar-Ras, and Praval-Panchamrut can be used. For refractory patients with severe diarrhea, drugs like Shankhodar-Ras and Karpooreshwar-Ras can be used for a short period.

Dumping syndrome cannot be prevented. However, measures such as dietary adjustments can prevent recurrence of symptoms and minimize their severity. People affected with this condition are advised to eat smaller meals, avoid liquids with meals, reduce the carbohydrate content of food, use low-fat cooking methods, and avoid acidic foods.