Ayurvedic Perspective - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also known as “spastic colon” as it affects the large intestine (colon). It can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. 

Although it is not a serious health problem, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and inflammation over time, which can progress to more serious health conditions. But most importantly, IBS is an uncomfortable and unnerving conditio considering overall colon comfort.

In Western medicine, we undergo a series of tests for IBS to rule out more serious diseases. And doctors often prescribe fiber supplements, antidiarrheals, and laxatives to manage symptoms.

However, the symptoms can be triggered by stress and anxiety or even by foods that you eat. It's not life-threatening, but it can become debilitating if left untreated. Ayurveda believes colon health is foundation for synergy of dosha hence IBS needs to be diagnosed and treated early.

Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, IBS is considered a disorder of the entire digestive tract, causing abdominal pain and other symptoms. Classical Ayurveda describes Grahini roga, a condition that accommodates the symptoms of several varieties of IBS.

Physiologically, the stomach is defined as the seat of fire or Agni and is so named because it holds the food for successive stages of digestion. When the stomach is deranged or disturbed due to weak Agni or due to the malfunctioning of the local controlling factors, it releases partially digested material frequently even in unripe conditions.This is also called as Ama or semi / undigested food ; a major etiological factor many systemic problems. 

What Causes IBS?

Ayurveda says that poor digestive fire and toxin production are the main cause of IBS. Some other causes of IBS include:

• Unhealthy eating habits, like overindulgence in fried foods, too much food and drink, and sugary and fatty foods
• Accumulation of toxins in your body
• Increased stress
• Skipping meals or inability to maintain your meal timings
• Improper sleep patterns

Top 5 Ayurvedic Remedies to Manage IBS

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of health and wellness. It incorporates the body, mind, and spirit for the purpose of achieving optimal health. The three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are responsible for the proper functions of different parts of your body.

Ayurveda helps alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of IBS in a natural way. Here are a few simple Ayurvedic ways that can help:

1. Regulate Your Digestive Fire

This is done by eliminating toxins from your digestive tract with the help of Ayurvedic therapies and detox recommendations and use of oral herb. The first step may be to follow a bland diet, including warm, soft foods like soups and cooked veggies. One must avoid raw salads, refrigerated or canned food items.

2. Balance Your Dosha

The three doshas must be in balance for you to feel restored; it's a holistic approach to wellness. Knowing your Ayurvedic body type can help you to choose what to eat and when to eat. When your doshas are in balance, you remain energetic and healthy.

To understand more about your Prakriti or Ayurvedic body types and ways to bring balance to your doshas, read Ayurvedic Body Types. 

3. Simple Yoga Poses and Pranayama Can Help

When you have IBS symptoms, it can be hard to think about exercising. But yoga and other gentle workouts can actually help ease your symptoms. These practices help you control your anxiety, stress and undue overthinking attitude.

• Downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) - helps lengthen your spine and tone abdominal muscles
• Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) - helps relieve stress, improves circulation, and stimulates abdominal muscles
• Wind-Relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana) - brings comfort by relieving gas from your intestines
• Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) - a twisting pose that helps detoxify your body, by stimulating abdominal organs. 

And breathing exercises and pranayama can help in controlling thoughts as well as mind. People with irritable bowel syndrome often find that practicing yoga can help them deal with their symptoms and feel more at ease.

4. Go For Panchakarma Cleansing

Panchakarma is a detoxification therapy that includes enemas, warm oil treatments, and other Ayurvedic practices. It can help cleanse your colon, nourish it, and relax your digestive system.

Panchakarma enhances your body's natural ability to heal itself by cleansing the colon and revitalizing other systems in the body.

5. Choose Herbal Remedies

Many herbs can ease bloating, abdominal pain, and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Certain herbs like black pepper, dried ginger, garlic, and others can help with IBS because of their healing properties. 

• Ginger: This spicy root has been used as a pain reliever and digestive aid for thousands of years. It contains compounds that may reduce gas and bloating.
• Turmeric: Curcumin is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because it contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic properties.
• Cumin: It helps in aiding digestive fire.

Supplements can help improve symptoms such as diarrhea but should never replace an otherwise healthy lifestyle! Always consult an Ayurvedic physician before taking any supplements. 

Lifestyle Recommendations for IBS

Certain lifestyle modifications and diet habits can help manage IBS better: 

• Reduce or eliminate trigger foods from your diet and increase fiber intake. It is also important to eat smaller meals more frequently, instead of three large meals a day; that way, you won't feel as full after each meal.
• Try to have a regular schedule for meals.
• To avoid stomach aches caused by indigestion, drink plenty of water. Don't drink water while you eat; wait an hour after a meal and one hour before your next meal to drink.
• Eat probiotic foods, such as yogurt and kefir. They can help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Prebiotics are food for ‘good bacteria’ living in the gut. A lack of good bacteria is a risk factor for IBS.
• Try relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, which can help reduce stress levels and lessen the occurrence of IBS symptoms.
• It is essential to get enough sleep for your body to properly digest food.

Bottom Line

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be hard to deal with. IBS is outcome of irritated mind and bowel both as a psychosomatic disease. So the solution also needs to cover mind body and spirit. The most common reasons for IBS are unhealthy lifestyle conditions and stress. Here we have compiled useful information and management tips for IBS symptoms. These remedies are all-natural and have no side effects of their own. Before beginning IBS care, we recommend that you consult with a qualified ayurvedic practitioner.

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