Consistent constipation and diarrhoea is a common disorder that can affect people from any age group. Most people avoid taking any treatment for it which invariably affects their daily life adversely. Medically, it is termed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and if it continues for a long time, the patient may experience chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety. Ayurvedic treatment for IBS offers a natural, detoxifying, and permanent solution for this problem.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a large intestine disorder that includes cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal restlessness. It is a chronic condition that needs to be addressed without any delays. As it progresses, the patient experiences severe signs like increased discomfort, anxiety, depression. Long-term IBS increases the risk for colorectal cancer, so it is better not to avoid its symptoms and avail treatment as soon as possible.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Severe Infection: IBS can result from long-term viral or bacterial diarrhoea. If the activity of bacteria increases in the intestines, it can lead to IBS. Immediate IBS treatment is recommended under such conditions.
- Abnormal Muscle Contraction: Our muscles contract when food moves from one point to another. When these contractions are longer than normal they result in bloating, diarrhoea, and gas. When they are shorter than normal, it results in constipation, dry, and hard stools. Both conditions are strong symptom of IBS.
- Nervous System: Improper or faulty functioning of digestive system nerves cause high discomfort when abdomen moves from gas to stool. Miscommunication between the brain and intestines due to poor signals lead to abnormal changes in the normal digestive process. This leads to constipation, diarrhoea, and a lot of pain.
- Stressful Lifestyle: Hectic lifestyle, disturbed eating habits, and traumatic experiences at an early age tend to develop into IBS in a long run.
- Change In Microbial Activity in Food Canal: Researches suggest that microbes present in the intestines of IBS patients are different from that of healthy people.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Cramping
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal Pain
The symptoms are not the same for all patients, however, people suffering from IBS have both diarrhoea and constipation from time to time. Bloating goes away once the patient has had a bowel movement.
Diagnosis and Ayurvedic Treatment for IBS
There are no definitive tests for IBS. Your doctor would look into your medical history, lifestyle, physical exam, and some preliminary tests to see if you have any other infections or not. The prime emphasis will be on symptoms and causes of the problem.
Ayurveda correlates IBS with Grahini Rog. Vitiation of Pitta and Vata doshas results in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Over-consumption of unhealthy food items like junk food, spicy food, over-fried and heavy food weakens the digestive system which sometimes results in IBS. Ayurvedic Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment focuses on normalising Pitta and Vata doshas with some very specific diet changes. Along with, Panchakarma therapies and herbal medicines are used to detoxify the system and rectify the faulty processes. All these work together to improve and restore the healthy bacteria in the gut and improve digestive fire.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
- A patient suffering from IBS must stay away from fried, over-spicy, and heavy food.
- They must consume buttermilk, lots of salad, and a fibre-rich diet.
- Sugary and gastric food items are also a big no-no for IBS patients.
- Regular physical exercise and yoga are also recommended for IBS patients.
- If the problem is caused by stress, then the patient may need to improve his/her sleeping pattern and working schedule.
Preventions for IBS
The best Irritable Bowel Syndrome cure lies in its prevention. Here are a few things you may do to prevent IBS:
- Avoid eating more than 3 portions of fresh fruit daily.
- Try to consume less than 3 cups of tea or coffee on a daily basis.
- Get in the habit of eating regularly. Avoid skipping meals.
- If you are in a habit of eating too quickly, you must improve it and eat a little slowly.
- Stay away from frizzy and alcoholic drinks.
Signs and Symptoms of IBS
Cramping and Abdominal Pain
Diarrhoea
Gas and Bloating
Constipation
Why To Choose Ayurveda?
Looks for the Root Cause
The ayurvedic approach of disease looks for the root cause and not merely the symptoms. Ayurveda offers two ways of treatment; One is Shodhan, and the other is Shaman. Shodhan is complete detoxification of the body by Panchakarma therapies. Shaman is balancing the doshas by Ayurveda medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda medicines always work better in a patient detoxified with Panchakarma.
Safe Medicines
Ayurveda medicines are processed most naturally and not in the synthetic and chemical form. For this reason, the herbs are soft on the body, and there is no risk of side effects even if the patient requires to take them for longer durations. The complete eradication of the root cause ensures the cure and prevents future health complications.
Holistic Approach
Ayurveda is not merely a medical science. Instead, it is a philosophical science too. The basic principles of Ayurveda consider an individual human a specific identity and hence his treatment. Ayurveda gives importance to the treatment of the patient rather than the treatment of the disease. Two patients of the same disease can have different treatments because of the difference in their body constitution.