Do you often experience digestive issues such as constant bloating, stomach aches, nausea, indigestion, constipation, or loose motion?
Be a little extra cautious!
These are the manifestations of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) an intolerable digestion concern. It could be of several types depending upon the various causative factors, thus differentiating symptoms, and mechanisms. However unendurable discomfort and pain are common in all of these types. IBS is mainly of 4 types:
- IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant)
- IBS-C (Constipation predominant)
- IBS-M (Mixed symptoms)
- IBS-U (Unsubtyped and varying symptoms)
In this blog, we will be covering all significant insights helpful for individuals suffering from this disorder, and who want to get rid of it in a natural manner. Reading the blog would also help to gain information regarding how Ayurvedic treatment for IBS works, and why a wholesome diet is crucial for its diagnosis.
What IBS-D is and How it affects Everyday life
IBS-D stands for Irritable bowel syndrome with the Diraheea variant. It is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease, affecting up to 11% of people all over the world. The adverse effects of IBS on the stomach, and gastrointestinal tract often result in several complications such as abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, frequent loose stools, sudden urge to excrete, and excessive mucus in the stool.
It is quite easy to uncover Type-D of IBS. If you are experiencing frequent, loose, or watery stools, along with a constant nausea urge, and stomach pain, then it means you are suffering from diarrhea variant irritable bowel syndrome.
If left untreated, the digestive disorder can significantly impact our routine activities with its unpredictable, and disruptive nature. Frequent urges and constant visits to the toilet may cause interruptions in work or disturbed concentration. Whereas fear of unexpected bloating, and noises from the stomach may make it challenging to socialize or attend gatherings. Such complications are not confined to day, but may also lead to disrupted sleep patterns because of recurring bathroom visits at night. Potential fatigue and body weakness due to nutrient malabsorption may also occur with chronic IBS-D.
How diet and nutrition can impact IBS-D Symptoms
A nutrient-rich diet plays a crucial role in coping with the symptoms and challenges that IBS-D patients encounter in their routine lives. It is the food you intake that provides strength to the body and keeps the other associated organs healthy, and functioning.
The inclusion of fiber-rich food elements in the diet works as a natural measure for getting rid of all types of IBS. Whereas the consumption of oily, fried, processed, caffeine, non-vegetarian items, fructose-rich, or lactose-containing foods such as milk, cheese, ice cream, or sweets may worsen your condition.
Firstly, these foods are hard to digest and if they remain undigested inside the intestines for a chronic period, may cause stomach aches, cramps, or heartburn. Additionally, they also support bacteria multiplications in the body, resulting in vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea.
Ayurvedic treatment for IBS-D
The disease- IBS, shared identical symptoms with Grahani Roga in Ayurvedic terminologies. Natural arrangements are made to put the aggravated Vata & Agni into a balanced state and restore digestive harmony. It mainly emphasizes the following heads:
Infusion of herbs
Herbs such as turmeric, cumin seeds, cardamom, aloe vera gel, fennel seeds, ginger root, peppermint, triphala, agnidipana, and chamomile are used as prominent ingredients in treating Grahani-roga, also called IBS. Being rich in anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bacteria-reducing qualities these herbs reduce intestinal blockage, inflammation, and bacteria growth. However, there are also certain spices that should be avoided dealing with this digestive disease such as excessive chilies, garlic, and shallots.
Detoxification followed by Panchakarma
For inner rejuvenation and cleansing of the digestive intestines, several detoxification therapies, followed by Panchakarma are suggested. Virechana, Niruha Basti, and Shirodhara are some significant Panchakarma therapies, that can be opted for to restore the lost, or reduced digestive agni, and body energy.
- Virechana: The chikitsa, or purgation procedure involves the elimination of harmful toxins throughout the body using herbal laxatives. Lower torso organs i.e: small intestine, kidney, liver, colon, and spleen are cleansed by removing pitta-related impurities.
- Niruha Basti: Through the rectum, certain medicated oils, and herbal dravyas are inserted into the rectum, which helps to improve gut morality and proper evacuation of stools.
- Shirodhara: Lukewarm medicated oils are poured directly to the forehead to maintain the temperature of the body, as well as to calm the vitiated doshas.
Yoga for improvised digestion
Ayurvedic treatment for IBS necessaries yoga as an essential part of the routine. The major focus of yoga is integrating the mind and body through breath control, physical postures, and meditation techniques. Regular performance of certain yoga asanas can stimulate the intestine muscles and other associated digestive organs. Apart from this, yoga also regulates difficult bowel movements, thus easing the complications of irritable bowel syndrome such as diarrhea, bloating, or constipation. For IBS-D, the best yoga asanas are:
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing dog)
- Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
- Balasana (Child’s pose)
- Savasana (Corpse pose)
Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle changes
Ayurveda recognizes the necessity of a wholesome and nutritional diet for healthy, and strengthened digestion. Ayurvedic wisdom categorizes Bhojan (food) into 3 broad classes, namely: Satvik, Rajasic, and Tamasic ahaar.
- Satvik Ahaar: Highly beneficial + Provides strength to the body.
- Rajasic Ahaar: Neutral nor highly beneficial or damaging.
- Tamasic Ahaar: Highly harmful + Makes the body prone to diseases
To manage all types of IBS whether it is type D, C, M, or U, the consumption of Satvik diet is suggested. It mainly involves:
- Refreshing fruits such as bananas, apples, coconut, passion fruit, oranges, and pineapple.
- Green leafy and fresh vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and bitter gourd.
Additionally, boiled and no/less spice-containing meals are advised for IBS-D patients that soothe the functioning of the digestive intestines and other interrelated organs.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain minor changes are also made compulsory in Ayurvedic treatment for IBS, such as:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Take timely meals and do not eat quickly/or in excess.
- Regular exercising, yoga, and meditation.
- Avoid tea/coffee/cold drinks.
- Quit smoking and alcohol.
Takeaway
Managing IBS-D involves a diverse approach that requires certain dietary changes, effective medications, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management measures. Consultation with a healthcare professional such as a dietitian, gastroenterologist, or Ayurveda expert can be highly beneficial for IBS patients. Consult the experts of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda to avail a personalized, and tailored treatment plan based on your body prakriti, and medical condition.
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