What is a Low Fodmap Diet & Herbal Remedies For IBS Treatment

ABSTRACT

When diet is right, there is no need for medicine but when diet is not right, medicine is of no use. It is very rightly said because diet influences a major portion of our health. Working on our health will include incorporating healthy food elements in our diet. Some items are considered as non permitted foods while some are not allowed to be eaten because they cause allergic reactions. For example, certain foods are high in fat content which may lead to cardiovascular problems. Thus, it is required to work out a plan for what one should eat and also what not. The most important thing that is involved in preventing or curing any major illness is diet. A good diet will form the basis for good health and a healthy lifestyle. For example, people who have IBS are advised to consume diet food items which are low in carbs and high in protein. So what is the FODMAP diet, let us discuss in detail through the following article.

WHAT IS FODMAP DIET?

FODMAP are certain types of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest for the body. FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols. FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates which are not digested properly and travel to the large intestine where they are then fermented by the gut bacteria. Fermentation is a process of producing acids and gases in the intestines which leads to bloating, abdominal pain and distension. Thus, this problem is known as FODMAP intolerance or malabsorption syndrome. This will result in various difficulties faced by the patient which may include pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abdominal distention. The FODMAP diet is designed for the patients suffering from the condition of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). As IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is related to digestion related issues, this FODMAP diet plan will help to improve their symptoms up to some extent. Let us know the concept of FODMAP diet in detail.

LOW FODMAP DIET

The FODMAPs are believed to draw water into the gut or the digestive tract, which in turn will result in a feeling of bloating. If someone consumes it very often, this may accumulate in the digestive tract and ferment. The various types of carbs present in your diet are as follows-

• Fructans - Fructose is found in various edible items including Garlic, Onion, grains such as barley, rye, wheat, etc.
• Fructose - Fructose is a simple form of sugar which is found in various food products such as Honey, Fruits, Corn syrup, etc.
• Galactans - Galactans are found in large amounts in legumes such as Beans, Lentils, Soybeans, etc.
• Polyols - Polyols are sugar alcohol, for example sorbitol, mannitol, etc. It is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables such as Apples, Avocado, Figs, Cherries, Peaches, etc.

Restricting these above said articles from your routine diet may impart multiple health benefits which will be discussed as follows.

BENEFITS OF LOW - FODMAP DIET & IBS

The digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea were managed up to some extent and thus improved the quality of life of the patient. FODMAP diet can present remarkable benefits to the ones facing various digestive issues or low digestive strength. The health benefits of following a low FODMAP diet can be observed in the patients suffering from IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome). It has helped to improve the health condition along with the administration of appropriate medicines. IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) is known to affect a lot of people with global incidence estimated to be 11.2% . IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) is a condition of unknown etiology in most of the cases, so it is very beneficial to follow this FODMAP diet plan to improve the condition of the digestive system of the body. This Routine of FODMAP diet may also yield good results on the psychological state of the body.The IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) is moreover related to stress related concern, hence an overall improvement in the quality of life can be observed. The condition of IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) can be managed well through the administration of ayurvedic formulations. The various beneficial ayurvedic formulations will be described as follows.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR IBS (IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME)

Planet Ayurveda is providing various formulations of natural herbs such as pitta balance, kutajghan vati, digestion support and sanjivani vati compiled in a pack namely IBS care pack. These ayurvedic formulations are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting the health of the patient and managing the diseased state effectively. The products beneficial for improving the condition of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are described as follows -

IBS Care Pack

1. Pitta Balance
2. Kutajghan Vati
3. Digestion Support
4. Sanjivani Vati

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Pitta Balance

Pitta balance are capsules prepared by planet ayurveda. It contains various beneficial ayurvedic components such as mukta pishti (Calcium compound from pearl), giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. This beneficial composition of ayurvedic components help in balancing the pitta dosha of the body. It helps to improve the gut health and provides soothing relief to the body. Pitta balance also helps to soothe various kinds of burning sensation from the body.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day.

2. Kutajghan Vati

Kutajghan vati is being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of beneficial ayurvedic herb Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It helps to regulate bowel movement. It is pungent and astringent in taste and thus helps to pacify pitta and kapha dosha from the body. Therefore improving the overall state of the body.

Dosage: Two tablets two times a day.

3. Digestion Support

Digestion support capsules are being prepared by Planet ayurveda. It contains a combination of beneficial ayurvedic components such as haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amla (Embellica officinalis), pippali (Piper longum), etc. As the name suggests, It helps to support and improve digestion. This will help to manage various digestion related issues such as bloating, indigestion, etc. One such condition which can be effectively managed through digestion support capsules is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Dosage: One capsule two times a day.

4. Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani vati is a very effective ayurvedic formulation. It comprises various ayurvedic herbs such as pippali (Piper longum), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), bhallataka (Aconitum ferox), vacha (Acorus calamus), etc. This will promote the digestive process and will lead to the depletion in various digestion related concerns such as indigestion, etc. This combination in sanjeevani vati will also help to manage the condition of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) effectively.

Dosage: Two tablets two times a day.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that following the low FODMAP diet plan will yield very fruitful results for the health of the individual. The people who are suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and desire a healthy digestive system can include the concept of FODMAP in their daily routine diet. The diet plays a very essential role in the well being of the individual and maintaining a healthy diet will help to stay healthy.

Grahani Roga & its relation with Intestinal Diseases in Modern Language?

Do you often get disappointed because of unexpected gut symptoms? Do you often experience pains and cramps in the abdomen? Do you frequently get exposed to changes in bowel habits? Do you often feel a sudden and urgent need to use the bathroom? Well, you may be confronted with Grahani roga which can be pretty irritating. From having to backtrack your diet to the awkwardness of explaining your situation to others, no one understands your situation except for the ones who have already acquainted with them.

Most people today follow a sedentary lifestyle that leaves them at the stake of irregular diet and diet timings. Added to that is the tremendous mental stress that people undergo in these modern days. All these eventually lead to a diseased state of body and mind. Disorders of the digestive system play a major role among them.

GRAHANI ROGA - THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

Agni, the body fire is solely responsible for our lifespan, health, immunity, energy, enthusiasm, vital breath, luster, corpulence, and heat processes. When the body fire functions properly, one lives long and free from disorders. Diseases occur when this fire is deranged and death occurs when this fire is extinguished. Hence the root cause of all is Agni. - Charaka Samhita

Within the process of digestion lies the root cause of all the diseases. When the digestive system is working at its optimum supported by the correct lifestyle and correct quantity and quality of food as per our individual constitution, the food we ingest is broken down into its constituents, nourishes our tissues, and supports our everyday functions.

Agni is a unique concept of Ayurveda and is solely responsible for the physiology of digestion. Following an incorrect diet and food habits can derange our digestive fire which ultimately affects the digestive process, thereby leading to the formation of toxins.

Grahani may be related to the seat of this digestive fire. According to Ayurveda, Grahani is accountable for the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. Grahani is among the major causes of digestive illness globally, especially in developing countries, and is often constituted because of improper diet and lifestyle habits.

To put it another way, Grahani is caused by the incompatibility of factors that are related to digestion and metabolism. Ayurveda insists that Grahani is the site of Jatharagni (digestive fire). Accordingly, any factor that may cause derangement of this Jatharagni can potentially lead to Grahani Roga.

TYPES OF GRAHANI ROGA AND THEIR SYMPTOMS

1. Vataja Grahani Roga results from increased Vata. It may be due to a variety of causes that include suppression of natural urges, intake of fermented foods, intake of contaminated, pungent, bitter, astringent, and dry foods. Symptoms being the absence of hunger, noise in the ears, pain in the flanks, thighs, and neck, vomiting, depression.
2. Pittaja Grahani Roga results from increased Pitta. It may be due to the intake of too many raw foods that are pungent and sour in taste. The patient may eliminate foods that are not properly digested, stools may be deep yellow in color, and may experience burning sensations in the chest or throat.
3. Kaphaja Grahani Roga results from increased Kapha. It may be due to the increased use of fatty, heavy, cold foods. Also sleeping right after meals results in improper digestive function. Patients may experience excess coating in the mouth and tongue, sweet taste in the mouth, heaviness in the abdomen, elimination of mucus along with feces.

HOW IS GRAHANI ROGA RELATED TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AND OTHER INTESTINAL DISEASES?

When the process of digestion is affected, diseases arise in the gastrointestinal tract. According to Ayurveda, the function of the duodenum is twofold. It takes part in the digestive process and it also holds on to the food until it is digested. Once the digestion is completed, the duodenum releases the food into the colon from where it gets excreted under the influence of Apana Vayu.

Grahani is caused by the derangement of digestive fire and causes weakness in the duodenum. As the digestive fire remains deranged, the functions of the duodenum are inhibited. The duodenum will either release its contents earlier than normal into the colon or it will retain its contents for longer periods. This eventually results in the food released into the colon either being uncooked or overcooked.

In response to this condition, one may experience loose bowel movements alternating with constipation. Since these are the cardinal symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Grahani Roga can be related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, and other Intestinal Diseases, the symptoms of Grahani roga being more or less similar to the symptoms of these diseases.

MANAGEMENT OF GRAHANI

Following the general principle of treatment, the offending dosha must be brought into equilibrium foremost. The management of Grahani should ultimately aim at correcting Agni and strengthening the duodenum. Consumption of buttermilk is considered to be effective towards treating all types of grahani as buttermilk is easy to digest. It is also known to balance the three doshas and strengthen the digestive fire.

Digestive and carminative agents can be given to stimulate the digestive fire. Once the digestive fire is strengthened, the next concern must be to get rid of the toxins. This can be made possible through reducing therapies and elimination therapies that include emesis, purgation, enema, and other detox therapies. 

The preventive measures include avoidance of causative factors of Grahani Roga. Avoid intake of katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), and rasa pradhana ahara (taste dominant food). Excessive guru (heavy), sheeta (cold), snigdha (oily) foods must also be avoided. Sleeping during the day and suppression of natural urges are also to be avoided.

In a nutshell, by following a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle, all digestive disorders including grahani can be avoided. By every effort, the digestive fire of a person must be protected because when the fire is lost, death occurs. When the fire is deranged by doshas, diseases occur. When the fire is well maintained, the person leads a healthy and happy life free from diseases. Agni is responsible for the health of an individual. - Ashtanga Hridaya

Ulcerative Colitis, IBS & Crohn's disease - What is the difference, Symptoms & Ayurvedic treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. There are two types of IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both types are differentiated by their location and types of lesions.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is the long-lasting inflammation of the large intestines resulting in ulcers. In this disease there is an inflammation in the innermost lining of the colon, rectum and ulcers are continuous there is no healthy area in between. In this condition, symptoms develop gradually over time.

Its Signs and Symptoms are:

• Loose stools with pus or blood
• Mucous in stool
• Pain and cramps in abdomen
• Bleeding from rectum
• Urgency to pass stool
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue and weakness
• Retarded growth in children

CROHN'S DISEASE

Crohn's disease is a form of IBD in which inflammation and ulcers occur anywhere across the digestive tract, from mouth to anus. In this inflammation is not continuous, there are some healthy areas between the inflamed patches and ulcers and gives the appearance of cobblestone.

Its Signs and Symptoms are:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fever
• Pain and cramps in abdomen
• Blood in stool
• Sores in mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Anal fissure or fistula causing pain

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND CROHN'S DISEASE

Ayurveda can help in IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease naturally. There are specific herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda which are prepared from natural sources under strict Ayurvedic principles to treat Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. All of these remedies consist of herbs which have specific therapeutic action on the cause and pathology of the disease.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

1. Pitta Balance

As according to Ayurveda IBD is caused due to vitiation and aggravation of the Pitta dosha in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and ulcer formation in the gut. Hence to balance the Pitta dosha, Pitta balance capsules are prepared which consist of natural, cooling and healing substances like Coral, Agate, Jawar pishti, kamdhudha ras, Giloy, and Pearl. These all are naturally cooling and healing substances which cool down the internal heating, soothes the inflammation and heals the ulcers.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Vatsakadi Churna

This is an Ayurvedic formulation of various herbs like Holarrhena antidysentrica, Aegle marmelos, Foeniculum vulgare, and Coriandrum sativum. It improves the functioning of the digestive system and helps to heal ulcers and inflammation. Herbs used in this herbal churna are digestive, carminative, astringent, anti-dyspeptic, anthelmintic and liver stimulant.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Arjuna Capsules

Standardized extract of Arjuna bark is used to prepare these herbal capsules which is full of medicinal properties and help to treat IBD. It especially helps in controlling and checking the bleeding from the ulcers and fissures. Arjuna capsules have natural healing properties that heal the ulcers in Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and astringent properties.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Kutajghan Vati

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is the herb of which standardized extract is used to prepare herbal tablets called Kutazghan vati. It helps to control diarrhea and maintains the proper functioning of the digestive tract. Kutazghan Vati also helps to eliminate the ama from the body and checks inflammation, bleeding and abdominal pain.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

It is one of the most common bowel problems that affects the population worldwide. In IBS there is the over-reactive and hypersensitive reaction of the intestines to mild stimulation. There are no pathological findings or structural changes to be found in any of the laboratory tests. Only the ruling out of other similar conditions can prove to be suggestive of IBS. It can be of three types, IBS with constipation, diarrhea or mixed (alternating both).

It's Signs and Symptoms are:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea alternating with constipation
• Episodes of abdominal pain
• Bloating or too much gas
• Stools are harder or looser than normal
• Mucus in stool

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR IBS

Ayurveda helps to treat Irritable bowel syndrome naturally. There is a combination of herbal remedies which treats the causes, signs, and symptoms of the disease in a very natural way. These herbal remedies are prepared from pure and authentic herbs which specifically target on the pathology of the IBS and hence treats it naturally.

IBS Care Pack

1. Digestion Support

Standardized extracts of various amazing herbs are used to prepare these capsules. These herbs are Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Foeniculum vulgare, Coriandrum sativum, Piper longum, and Cyminum cuminum. All these herbs help to maintain the normal digestion naturally due to the presence of therapeutic properties like stomachic, antiemetic, carminative and anti-inflammatory.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Kutajghan Vati

These herbal tablets are prepared from pure extract of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It prevents and treats diarrhea and maintains normal digestion. It also helps to pacify Vata, Pitta and Kapha Dosha. Kutazghan vati reduces the inflammation and helps in restoring the normal digestion

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Pitta Balance

Vitiation of Pitta dosha is the main reason for the development of any type of digestive disease. Hence to treat IBS it is necessary to pacify the Pitta dosha so that the cause is treated. Pitta balance capsules are prepared from Coral calcium, Agate calcium, Jawar Mohra psishti, Kamdudha ras, Giloy stava, and Mukta pishti. These all are naturally cooling compounds which pacify the pitta and relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Sanjivani Vati

It is a digestive stimulant, anti-inflammatory and carminative herbal tablet which helps to treat IBS naturally. Herbs used in these tablets are potentially digestive and cooling like Embelia ribes, Piper longum, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinale, Acorus calamus etc. It contains all the medicinal properties that are required to treat the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

Kutajarishta - Ingredients, Methods of Preparation, Benefits, Uses, Dose & Side Effects

Kutajarishta (Kutajarishtam) is an amazing Herbal medicine (in liquid form) involving 5 - 10 % of self-generated alcohol in it. This alcohol which is self-generated and the water in the product acts as a main source to deliver alcohol and water with dissolved active herbal components to the body. It is very beneficial to use in Herbal and natural treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, bleeding, Crohn's disease, and haemorrhoids. It also strengthens the digestive system and the digestion power. It has ability to manage vata as well as kapha in body. It has enormous beneficial properties because of all the herbs present in it such as its astringent, stimulating, detoxifying, anti-bacterial, anti-dysenteric, and digestive properties.

INGREDIENTS OF KUTAJARISHTA

S. No.	Name	Latin Name	Part Used	Quantity
1	Kutaja	Holarrhena antidysentrica	Stem bark	4.8kg
2	Dry grapes	--	--	2.8kg
3	Madhuka	Madhuka indica	Flower	480gm
4	Ganbhari	Gmelina arborea	Stem/bark or root	480gm
5	Water for decoction	--	--	49.152kg
6	Jaggery	--	--	4.8kg
7	Dhataki	Woodfordia fruticosa	Flower	960gm

METHODS OF PREPARATION

Herbs are used in the powdered form like Kutaja, dry grapes, madhuka, gambhari and then this powder is added into water, boiled so as to make decoction which is reduced to specified quantity (21.288 litres) and then it is strained. Jaggery is added into it and dissolved. Again strained and after that another herb is added known as Dhataki to it. After this procedure, it is kept closed in an air tight container at least for a period of one month so as to complete the process of fermentation. It is then taken out, filtered and preserved after completion of a month.

BENEFITS OF HERBS

Kutaja - Every part of this herb is very important which includes kutaja bark, kutaja stem, kutaja flowers and kutaja seeds.

1. Kutaja

Kutaja Bark

• Kutaja bark helps in the treatment of diarrhoea (absorbs the moisture).
• Kutaja bark helps in maintaining the balance between the kapha and pitta.
• This part of kutaja helps in the treatment of diseases related to digestive system.
• The kutaja bark relieve ama and helps in the management of indigestion.
• This part of kutaja helps in the management of bleeding disorders like bleeding haemorrhoids.

Kutaja Flowers

• The flowers of kutaja are natural coolants.
• The kutaja flowers helps in the management of gastrointestinal tract problems.
• These flowers increases vata and helps in maintaining the balance in between the kapha and pitta.
• These flowers helps to get rid of bleeding disorders.
• These flowers helps in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Kutaja Fruit

• The kutaja fruit maintains the balance in all the three doshas of the body.
• This flower relieves ama and helps in increasing the digestive strength.
• These flowers helps in the treatment of piles, gout and detoxifies blood.

Kutaja Seeds

• These seeds helps in maintaining the balance between the three doshas of the body.
• These seeds are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, fever and ulcerative colitis.

2. Dry Grapes

• After ingestion, dry grapes swell up in the blood and helps in the treatment of constipation and diarrhoea.
• It helps in maintaining optimum energy levels.

3. Madhuka

• This plant is wonderful in the treatment of digestive ailments.
• This herb increases the kapha dosha and helps in reduction of vitiated vata and pitta dosha.
• Madhuka's bark (decoction 30-40 ml) helps in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome as well as diarrhoea.
• Madhuka tree's fruit is indicated in the treatment of bleeding disorders.
• This fruit helps in increasing the immunity and provides strength.

4. Ganbhari

• This plant helps in the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis.
• This plant balances the vata and pitta dosha.
• This herb helps in the improvement of digestion as well as absorption in the body.
• It is a wonderful aphrodisiac agent.

5. Jaggery

It is wonderful product which can easily be found in the Indian kitchen. Its amazing benefits helps in the treatment of several diseases which are as follows:

• Jaggery helps in the management of constipation.
• Jaggery helps in detoxification of liver.
• Jaggery helps in cleansing blood and acts as a blood purifier.
• Jaggery helps in boosting the immune system.
• Jaggery helps in promoting intestinal health and gives cooling effect to the stomach.

6. Dhataki

• Dhataki is an amazing herb which helps in the treatment of diseases like piles, dysentery and diarrhoea due to its astringent properties.

USES OR INDICATIONS OF KUTAJRISHTA

• Kutajarishta is most commonly used for conditions like fever, bleeding disorders of intestine, irritable bowel syndrome, crohn's disease, and haemorrhoids.
• This Ayurvedic medicine helps in strengthening the digestive power.
• It helps in the treatment of loose motions and bloody dysentery.
• It is the best ayurvedic remedy in the treatment of malabsorption syndrome.
• It is a wonderful ayurvedic medicine in dysentery and chronic diarrhoea.
• It helps in treating diarrhoea with blood by reducing intestinal motility.
• Kutajarishta helps in the treatment of chronic fever as well as long continued fever.
• It is useful medicine which is formulated to treat the piles (especially in case of Bleeding Piles) with discharge of mucus.
• It improves digestion, appetite and assimilation due to its certain properties.
• It is also wonderful in cough.
• It helps in the management of the symptoms of anorexia.
• This Ayurvedic medicine has amazing therapeutic effects in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.

DOSAGE

• Have at least 15-25 ml once a day or twice daily and is usually advised after meals.
• It can be mixed with equal quantity of water, in case there is a need.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• There are no as such side effects of kutajrishta noticed.
• A very high dose of Kutajarishta results in constipation.
• It is bitter in taste which can results in nausea, vomiting and tastelessness.
• Lower dose of this medicine is safe to be used in children but only in children who are above 5 years of age. This medicine cannot be given to children who are below 5 years of age.

Ayurvedic Treatment of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - Symptoms, Causes, Diet & Lifestyle

Due to busy and hectic lifestyle, people suffer from different type of disorders like stress and many digestive disorders. Nowadays people use to eat unhealthy diet and face many health issues. Stress is major cause of digestive problems. Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common digestive disorder which may be due to stress, lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Ayurveda provides herbal treatment for the IBS with the help of herbs without causing any side effects.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - It is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis and spastic colitis. It is inflammatory condition of small intestine which is characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, irregular bowel movement (hard or soft bowels).

As per Ayurveda, IBs is classified as Grahani roga. Grahani is a part of GI system which is main site of agni (Enzymes). These enzymes play a vital role in the digestion of food. Grahani is the place which holds food for digestion and absorption. Agni plays an important role in digestion of food. Vitiation of agni results in madagni which is responsible for the formation of Ama (toxins) which is responsible for various diseases. There are three vital energies present in the body which are responsible for health. According to different energies IBS is classified into different categories:

• Vata Grahani – It is due to imbalance of vata dosha in body which is characterized by constipation.
• Pitta Grahani – It results in the imbalance of pitta dosha which results in diarrhea.
• Kapha Grahani – This results in kapha dosha imbalance.
• Tridosha Grahani – It involves all three dosha i. vat, pitta and kapha.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES?

Cause of the disease may vary from person to person. Some people have sensitive intestines. It is combination of various factors like stress, hereditary, inflammatory, eating habits, depression, and lifestyle.

As per Ayurvedic cause, they may be  like fasting, excessive food intake, cold food intake, heavy food intake, dry and junk food, suppression of urges, improper sleep habits, anger, grief, fear, low digestion strength, travel, change in season, all being contributory factors to this disease.

WHAT CAN BE THE SYMPTOMS?

Common signs and symptoms of IBS are –

• Nausea
• Lack of appetite
• Delayed digestion
• Burning sensation
• Bloating, distention of abdomen
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue, giddiness
• Gurgling sound in stomach
• Hard and soft stools.

According to Ayurveda, the signs and symptoms are according to dosha involved in IBS-

• Vata predominant IBS – Abdominal pain, increased frequency of stool, altered bowel habit, headache, distention of abdomen, debility, chest pain etc.
• Pitta predominant IBS – Burning sensation in the chest, belching, headache etc.
• Kapha pre-dominant IBS – Mucus in stool, feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel, vomiting, nausea, heaviness of abdomen, flatus.
• Tridosha predominant IBS- Gurgling sound in abdomen, bowel with mucus, constant urge to pass stools, intermittent episodes, and increase in frequency of bowel.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF IBS

Ayurveda mainly focus on the restoration of the functions of digestive system by balancing all three energies i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. Ayurveda mainly uses the herbs which help to remove the toxins from the body. As stress is major cause of this problem, treatment consists of lifestyle and diet guidance. It involves the herbs which are used to nourish the nervous system and help to calm the mind.

There are different herbs which are used to cure the problem form root level without causing any side effects.

HERBAL TREATMENT FOR IBS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers herbal combo pack of different formulation which provides the relief from IBS. These are pure herbal formulation which are free from chemicals, preservatives and have no side effects.

Planet Ayurveda’s provides herbal treatment to get rid of IBS named as IBS CARE PACK.

IBS Care Pack Contains

• Cap. Digestion Support
• Kutajghan Vati
• Sanjivani Vati
• Cap. Pitta Balance

IBS Care Pack

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Digestion Support

These are herbal capsule offered by Planet Ayurveda. As the name indicates these help to support the healthy digestive system. These contains the standardized extract of different herbs:

• Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) - It helps to clear bowel and prevents the formation of gas. It acts as very effective herb for constipation, flatulence and good for digestive system.
• Sounf (Fenniculum vulgare) - It is common used spice in kitchen that provides relief from gas, acidity.
• Bhbhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) - It improves whole digestive system.
• Dhaniya (Coriandrum sativum) - It is very common herb that subsides the symptoms of IBS such as gas, indigestion, acidity and constipation.
• Pippali (Piper longum) - It provides the strength to whole digestive system. It also increases strength of agni (fire) therefore it helps in relief from digestion related problems.
• Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum) - It is useful in abdominal pain and acidity.

DOSE- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Kutajghana Vati

These tablets are prepared from herb Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica). This herb has great medicinal importance which help to balance the all three doshas in body. It has medicinal properties like carminative, aphrodisiac etc which make it useful for chronic diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms. It stimulates the digestive fire (agni) and restores proper digestion by normalizing the function of garhani. So it relieves dysentery, diarrhea, digestive problems, IBS.

DOSE- 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Sanjivani Vati

It is another effective formulation of Planet Ayurveda that means " One, who gives life". These tablets are very effective against digestive problems. The herbs used in this formulation have ability to pacify the vata and kapha dosha in body.

These tablets contains different herbs which are explained below:

• Guduchi (Tinospora cardifola) - This herb has ability to enhance the immunity of body and balance all three doshas. It provides the strength to the body to fight against different health health conditions like indigestion.
• Ardraka (Zingiber officinale) - It also enhances the immunity of body.
• Vidanga (Embelia ribes) - It is carminative and digestive stimulant in nature.
• Vacha (Acorus calamus) - It contains bitter substance called acorin that has positive effect on digestive system and nervous system.
• Shudh bhallatak (Semecarpus anacadium) - It is the one of the most fast acting herb in Ayurveda. It works in conditions like GIT problems, skin problems etc.
• Shudh vatsanbh (Aconium ferox) - It balances all three doshas especially vata and Kapha. It improves strength, digestion and other conditions.
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) - It enhances the immunity and clears all toxins from body therefore it fight against all health issues.
• Bhbhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) - It is good for various digestive problems as it act as laxative.
• Haritaki (Termianlia chebula) - It acts as natural laxative which is used for constipation and abdominal gas.

DOSE- 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Pitta Balance

These are herbal capsules which help to balance the pitta dosha in body and provide relief from pitta related problems.

It is a combination of natural compounds which are explained below:

• Praval pisti (Coral calcium) - It is rich source of calcium that helps in balancing pitta dosha and provides calcium to body.
• Akik pisti (Agate calcium) - It helps to balance the vata and pitta doshas and related problems.
• Jawar mohar pisti (calcium compound) - It is the source of calcium which is effective in GIT problems.
• Kamdhudha rasa (calcium compound) - It keeps the digestive system healthy by balancing pitta dosha.
• Mukta pisti (Pearl calcium) - It is very effective against pitta vitiated conditions like indigestion, acidity and heart burn conditions.
• Giloy (Tinospora cardifola) - It enhances the immunity of body and good for complete health.

DOSE- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS

Along with Ayurvedic treatment one should take care of proper diet and lifestyle for accurate results because diet plays a crucial role in management of any disease. For the treatment of IBS diet should be balanced and healthy.

• Avoid fried foods, meats, oil, dairy foods and other fatty foods.
• Do not eat spicy foods, as they trigger spasms in your intestines leading to diarrhea.
• Quit smoking, drinking alcohol.
• Avoid consumption of caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
• Enhance the intake of fiber, and have foods like beans, oatmeal, apples, strawberries and grapes. Drink more water daily.
• Use of Ginger is very good.
• Practice yoga and pranayama daily
• Do exercise on regular basis.