Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine.In ayurveda the condition of IBS is known as
“GRAHANI”
According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire( Agni) is responsible for breaking down food into energy and nutrition. When digestion is complete, the food passes onto the next stage of digestion from the various digestive organs. If the person is not able to digest the food easily, then it implies that his/her digestion is weak.
This weak and improper digestion can lead to the accumulation of ama(toxins) and all the major symptoms of IBS can be a result of these toxins.
That’s why the first step in Ayurvedic Treatment of IBS is the treatment and reduction of Ama. This way body is detoxified and doshas are brought into balance.
four major types based on bowel habits-
• Constipation predominant Grahani(Vataja)
• Diarrhoea predominant Grahani(Pittaja)
• Dysentery predominant Grahani(Kaphaja)
• combination of all the above symptoms (Tridoshaja)
Only a small number of people with IBS have severe signs and symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counseling.
IBS doesn't cause changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
symptoms of IBS-
The signs and symptoms of IBS vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include-
• Experiencing Irregular Bowel habits such as alternating diarrhoea and constipation, improper digestion and undigested food particles passing in motion.urge of motion immediately after meals.
• Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement
• Changes in appearance of bowel movement
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Distension or enlargement
• Bloating and Nausea
• Few other IBS symptoms can be includes somatic and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headache, anxiety, depression, and even urologic dysfunction and gynecologic symptoms.
They may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer. More-serious signs and symptoms include-
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea at night
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia
• vomiting
• Heartburn, Chest pain and dysphagia.
• Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement
Causes
The precise cause of IBS isn't known. Factors that appear to play a role include-
The main causes of IBS are-
• Poor diet and nutrition, like consumption of heavy fried food, overeating, consumption of food that is bad for gut, consumption of too many fluids and cold food.
• Eating food at improper timing or skipping meals when hungry.
• Few underlying conditions such as an imbalance in the nervous system, abnormal gut motor and sensory activity etc.
• Accumulation of Toxins in tissues involved in the process of circulation.
• Early life stress/Any sort of physical and mental stress
• Reduces body immunity and internal strength
• Severe infection- IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea (gastroenteritis) caused by bacteria or a virus.
Symptoms of IBS can be triggered by-
• Food- The role of food allergy or intolerance in IBS isn't fully understood. But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages, including wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks.
• Stress .
Complications-
Chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause hemorrhoids.
In addition, IBS is associated with-
• Mood disorders- Experiencing the signs and symptoms of IBS can lead to depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety also can make IBS worse.
• Poor quality of life.
Treatment of IBS-
• Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress.need medication and counselling.
