Natural Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

FAQs

What is IBS?

IBS is a disorder in which the large intestine is affected.

What is The Abbreviation of IBS/ Full Form of IBS/ IBS Stands For?

IBS- Irritable Bowel Movement

What Are The Symptoms of IBS?

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping or bloating
• Excess gas
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Mucus in the stool
• Weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained vomiting
• Diarrhea in night
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Uncleared bowel
• Flatulence

What Are The Causes of IBS?

• Muscle contractions in the intestine
• Nervous system
• Inflammation in the intestines
• Severe infection
• Changes in bacteria in the gut (microflora)

What Triggers IBS?

• Food
• Stress
• Hormones

Who is At Risk of IBS?

• Age - Under 50 years are more prone
• Female - Are more prone in comparison to men
• Genetic
• Mental health problem - anxiety and depression

Which Diet Should Be Followed in IBS?

• Fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh juices should be consumed- as it reduces the inflammation in the stomach.
• Avoid the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages.
• If suffering from gas-avoid foods that worsen the gas-beans, cabbage and citrus fruits.

What Home Remedies Are Helpful in IBS?

• Drink ginger tea or chew ginger - reduces the inflammation because of IBS.
• A Decoction of flaxseed - as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Psyllium Husks (Isabgol) with a half cup of fresh yogurt one hour after dinner it has cold potency which will pacify the pitta dosha.

What is The Ayurvedic Concept About IBS?

IBS is mainly due to pitta imbalance, due to vitiated pitta dosha, ama the toxins are formed. This ama along with vata doshas cause loose motion or constipation along with acidity and other gastric issues.

What Are The Problems Caused Due To Ama Dosha?

• Bloating
• Autoimmune disorder
• Arthritis
• High cholesterol level
• IBS
• Piles

What Are The Causes of IBS As Per Ayurveda?

• Ati bhojna - Excessive intake of food
• Vishama bhojna - Improper food
• Asatmya bhojna - Unhealthy food
• Guru bhojna - Heavy food
• sheeta - Cold food
• Dushta food - Polluted food
• Rooksha ahara - Dry and junk food
• Shoka - Grief
• Krodha - Anger
• Bhaya - Fear
• Vyadhi karshana - Suffering from chronic illness
• Kal Vaishamya - change of season

What Are The Complications of IBS As Per Ayurveda?

• Jwara (Fever)
• Aruchi (Anorexia)
• Atisara (Diarrhea)
• Kasa (Cough)
• Avipaka (Indigestion)
• Pandu (Anemia)
• Shoola (Abdominal pain)
• Shwayathu (Edema)
• Arsha (Hemorrhoids)
• Brahma (Vertigo)
• Parikartika ( Fissure in anus)
• Bhagandara ( Fistula in ano)

Does IBS Last Forever?

IBS lasts forever. The symptoms lapse and relapse as per the dietary habits and lifestyle.

Can The Menstrual Cycle Affect IBS Symptoms?

Bowel movement changes with the level of female hormones. The symptoms of IBS can be worse during the menstrual cycle.

Can IBS Be Chronic?

Yes, it can be chronic when it is left untreated. Also when one keeps taking the diet and lives the lifestyle which triggers IBS.

What Causes IBS To Flare Up?

The dietary habit and the lifestyle flare up IBS.

Which Yoga Asanas Are Good For The Relief of IBS Symptoms?

• Alternate Knee to Nose Pose
• Boat Pose
• Knees to Chest Pose
• Wide-Legged Forward Bend C
• Cat-Cow Pose
• Shoulder Stand Pose
• Cobra Pose
• Seated Spinal Twist
• Child's Pose

Will Pranayama Help With IBS?

Yes it is helpful

• Ujjayi - will give relaxation and is good for digestion
• Sheetali or Shitkari - Will give a cooling effect to the body
• Alternate nostril breathing - Done to balance or harmonize the body
• Nostril Breathing Technique - It is the Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
• Bhramari – Is done for relaxation of the body

How Can Stress Be The Cause of IBS?

Stress is directly connected with IBS. When going through stress is mentally and emotionally tense. The colon which is the main part of the intestine has vast numbers of veins which are directly interconnected with a brain. These nerves control the normal functioning of the colon but can cause abdominal discomfort at the stressful condition. Colon can be excessively responsible for slight stress or conflict. To such a condition, you need to do some stress reduction training and relaxation therapies. Regular exercise and some yoga practice can also change a stressful situation.

Is Peppermint Oil Good For IBS Patients?

Yes, peppermint is good for IBS. As it has antispasmodic properties which help in reducing and pacifying the symptoms of IBS such as bloating, constipation and cramping. Presence of menthol in peppermint provides a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines.

What Are The Home Remedies For IBS?

These are the easily available remedies and are found in your kitchen.

• Yogurt
• Ginger
• Flaxseeds
• Fennel seeds
• Peppermint
• Chamomile

Are Dairy Products Bad For IBS?

Yes, dairy products are bad for IBS or trigger IBS. All the dairy products are made of milk which contains lactose (carbohydrate) which worsen the symptoms of IBS.

What Foods Trigger IBS?

The food that triggers IBS and should be avoided are

• Vegetables - Garlic, Tomato, Brinjal, Ladyfinger, Mushroom, French beans, Cabbage, Peas, and Broccoli
• Fruits - Citrus fruits like oranges, Fruits with seeds, Pineapple, Lemon, Apricot, Apple, Pear, Banana, and Berries
• Pulses - Chickpeas (Kabuli chana), Kidney beans(Rajmah), Black gram(Urad dal)
• Spices - Chilies and excess salt
• Other food products - Non-Vegetarian food like meat, Spicy and junk food, Packed Food, Dairy Products, Milk, Soft drinks, Tea, Coffee, Ice Cream, Nuts, Biscuits, Pasta, Maggie, White bread, Oats, and Sauces.

Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome A Disability?

IBS is not a disability, it's just a disorder which can be treated.

How Do You Know If You Have IBS?

The initial symptoms like abdominal pain, loose motion, constipation, and gastric tells us that we might have IBS.

How Does IBS Feel?/ Where Do You Get Pain With IBS?

The pain IBS is felt in the upper abdominal. The pain is connected with bloating which can get worse after meals.

How Long Does About (Flareup) of IBS Last?

The flare-up of IBS can last by 3-6 days and the symptoms and condition vary person to person.

What Should One Eat in IBS?

The food items given below should be part of the diet of an IBS patient because these are light and pacifies the symptoms.

• Vegetables - Pumpkin, Bottle gourd, Ridge gourd, Round gourd, Bitter gourd, Spinach, Carrots, Radish, and Fenugreek leaves.
• Fruits - Pomegranate (without seeds)
• Pulses - Green gram (Moong dal) and Orange lentils (Masoor dal)
• Spices - Ginger, Fennel, Cumin, Coriander, and Thyme (all to be taken in less quantity)
• Other food products - Egg white, Water, Coconut water, Cow ghee, Brown rice, Khichadi (gruel), Pulao, Wheat –IF SUITS, and Corn – IF SUITS.

How Do You Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Naturally?

• Intake fiber. As it reduces constipation but the excess of fiber can worsen gas and lead to cramps
• Avoid the foods that trigger the symptoms
• Eat on time-Don't skip meals, eat on time every day it will help to regulate bowel function.
• Exercise regularly.

What Lifestyle As Per Ayurveda Should Be Followed By IBS Patients?

• Increase dietary fibers.
• Re-establish the healthy balance of bacteria in the GI tract.
• Identify and remove food intolerances.
• Mind-body therapy.
• Bring daily routine into life.
• IBS is not life-threatening.

Is Ginger Good For IBS?

Ginger is one of the best home remedies for too much gas and bloating during IBS. Ginger contains a bioactive compound called gingerol which helps in reducing the inflammation in the intestine, relaxes the intestinal muscles and makes the stomach lining strong.

Can IBS Lead To Crohn's Disease?

IBS may not develop Crohn because the problem is completely and purely symptomatic.

Is Salad Good For IBS?

Yes, it is good because it is rich in fiber and it makes the gut healthy and provides energy.

What Herbs Are Useful in The Treatment of IBS?

• Pomegranate - Punica granatum
• Kutaja - Holarrhen antidyentrica
• Musta - Cyperus rotundus
• Dhataki - Woodfordia fruticosa
• Patha - Cissampelos pareira
• Lodhra - Symplocos racemosa
• Chavya - Piper Chaba
• Daruharidra - Berberis aristata
• Shalmali - Salmalia malabarica
• Lajjalu - Mimosa pudica

What is The Ayurvedic Treatment of IBS?

IBS care pack is the herbal pack which is made by the formulation of multiple herbs keeping in mind the ayurvedic principles.

• DIGESTION SUPPORT - Is a herbal formulation which has the potency to maintain and make a healthy digestive system. Balances the tridoshas. It is made with the combination of these herbs-Amla (Emblica officinalis) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Pippali (Piper longum), and Jeerak (Cyminum cuminu).
  Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with lukewarm water after 30 mins of meals.
• SANJIVANI VATI - It is in tablet form which is again a classical herbal formulation of multiple herbs. It maintains overall health. Supports the health of the abdominal organ. The herbs used are- Embelia ribes (Vidanga), Zingiber officinale (Ginger Root), Piper longum (Pippali) Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Emblica officinalis (Amlaki), Acorus Calamus (Vacha), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi herb), Semecarpus anacardium (Purified)(Shuddh Bhallataka), Aconitum ferox (Purified) (Shuddh Vatsnabh).
  Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after 30 mins of meals.
• PITTA BALANCE - It is in capsule form and is made with the combination of herbs which supports digestion and maintaining the stomach and health of intestines. The herbs used are- Coral Calcium (Praval Pishti), Agate Calcium (Akik Pishti), An Ayurvedic Calcium compound (Jawahar Mohra Pishti), An Ayurvedic Calcium compound (Kamdudha Ras), Pearl Calcium (Mukta Pishti), and Tinospora cordifolia stem extract (Guduchi) Giloy Satva.
  Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with lukewarm water after 30 mins of meals.
• KUTAJGHAN VATI - It is a single herbal tablet which has the function of maintaining a healthy digestive system. The formulation is done keeping in mind the ayurvedic principles. The herb used is Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
  Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after 30 mins of meals.