Ayurvedic Solutions for IBS: Take Control of Your Gut Health

Ayurveda  to Manage IBS Symptoms

In Ayurveda,  the three doshas, or bio-energies, are believed to carry out human health's physical and mental aspects.These  are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha or bio-energy is associated with different bodily qualities and functions.

According to Ayurveda, the root cause of every disease is imbalanced digestive fire. This, in turn, imbalances the bioenergies in the body, including Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This imbalance gradually manifests in the form of diseases. IBS is known as Grahani in Ayurveda. The digestive fire is imbalanced along with the bioenergies, with vata pitta vitiation in predominance.

• Vata bio-energy is associated with movement, and its imbalance leads to symptoms like constipation, gas, and bloating.
• Pitta is associated with digestion and metabolism. When imbalanced, it can cause inflammation, heartburn, and diarrhoea. 
• Kapha bio-energy is associated with stability and structure. When imbalanced, it can cause excessive mucus production and slow digestion.

When your digestive fire is weakened or imbalanced, it can lead to poor digestion. This, in turn, leads to the accumulation of toxins in the digestive tract, further exacerbating IBS symptoms. 

Therefore, the Ayurvedic approach to treating this condition involves restoring the balance of the doshas/bio-energies and strengthening the digestive fire.

From Mind to Gut: Understanding How Your Lifestyle Affects IBS Symptoms

Now, let us find how stress, diet, and lifestyle can significantly develop and exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

1. Stress can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms. Research shows that stress activates the nervous system, which can cause the muscles in the digestive tract to contract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Did you know that stress can affect your gut-brain axis? 

A gut-brain axis is the two-way communication pathway between your gut and brain. When you are stressed, it adversely affects this pathway, aggravating the symptoms of IBS. Studies showed that 42-61% of IBS patients suffer from depression and anxiety disorder.

2. Diet is another crucial factor in the development of IBS. The most common trigger foods of IBS include dairy, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol. Your eating habits and eating patterns can also contribute to IBS symptoms. 

You can seek professional help from a dietician to identify your trigger foods and develop a personalised diet plan!

3. Physical inactivity and lack of sleep can adversely affect your gut. When you  Exercise regularly, your bowel function is regulated, which can relieve stress. Sleeping well is vital because lack of sleep can worsen stress and trigger IBS symptoms.

Stress, diet, and lifestyle all play a role in developing and exacerbating IBS. Managing stress, following a healthy diet, and making lifestyle changes, such as exercise and adequate sleep, can help reduce the severity and frequency of IBS symptoms.

A Holistic Approach to IBS: Ayurveda vs Traditional Medicine

Traditional treatment can manage emergency conditions such as severe dehydration in the case of loose stool in IBS-D (IBS dominant of diarrhoea). It can handle highly complicated electrolyte imbalances and malabsorption syndrome.

However, the treatment fails to address the root cause of the problem and does not consider individualised treatment. 

On the other hand, Ayurveda adopts a holistic approach. It views the causes of IBS as imbalances in diet, eating patterns, and lifestyle while considering individual factors.

Ayurvedic Treatments are based on the individual needs of the body, mind, and soul.

The treatment plans are structured to balance the good bacteria in your gut, thereby improving overall health and immunity.

Note : Certain changes in your body, such as severe dehydration, may be challenging to manage using Ayurvedic treatment. Always seek expert advice before you take up this type of treatment. In addition, the medicine may be ineffective if the root cause of the issue, such as improper digestive fire, is not addressed.

It is essential to understand that balancing conventional and ayurvedic approaches can help you find what suits you the best. When the Conventional approach focuses on providing symptomatic relief, the

Ayurvedic approach is shifted towards considering the individual's body, mind and spirit. Remember, each of you is unique, and so is the treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating IBS. Seeking expert advice can help you find what can yield the best results and what treatment can suit your condition well. While conventional therapies fail to consider individual aspects and needs, Ayurveda may not effectively manage emergency conditions. Finding the balance between both can be the key!

Healing From the Inside Out: Ayurvedic Remedies for IBS

Firstly, the digestive fire must be controlled to treat indigestion, diarrhoea and constipation. Some remedies in Ayurveda can help balance the gut microbiome. 

• Buttermilk can act as a probiotic and help balance the gut microbiota.
• Curry leaves can be taken as a powdered spice with food articles to help balance the gut microbiota.
• Berry leaf teas, made from blueberry, blackberry, or raspberry, are full of tannins and can reduce inflammation. They may also reduce symptoms of diarrhoea.
• Chamomile can be taken as a tea, liquid, or capsule and can reduce spasms and soothe the gut.
• Slippery elm can be used in powdered form and helps soothe heartburn and mild stomach discomfort. Additionally, the herb may relieve constipation in people with IBS-C.

Let's look into some of the gut-friendly foods that can work wonders!

• Include fibre-rich foods to maintain a healthy gut and a good amount of gut-friendly bacteria. These may include flax seeds, barley, lentils, and green leafy veggies.
• Try herbal teas like peppermint and green tea to help heal your gut.
• Spice your meals with ginger, cumin and coriander for better digestion and enhanced metabolism.
• Eat warm and freshly cooked food.
• Switch to warm, herbal drinks instead of sugary and cold beverages
• cut down your sugar intake and caffeinated foods and drinks
• Eat at a regular time without skipping meals.
• Stay away from unhealthy eating habits like overeating or eating quickly.
• Add healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil into your meals.

Know How Ayurveda Can Help You With a Wellness Plan

Seek advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised plans on the appropriate remedies with proper dosage.

• Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods that support gut health and digestion.
• Practising education, yoga, and self-massage helps you to enhance your overall health.

Remember, Ayurvedic remedies may take time to show results. Find happiness in every small change.

Wrapping Up

Healing your gut and managing the symptoms of IBS is not just limited to the cure of physical symptoms.  Ayurveda helps you manage IBS by focusing on diet and lifestyle practices, as these factors significantly impact the gut. You can adopt an Ayurvedic way of living by listening to your body and mind. Such an approach can help you experience improved overall health.