Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), often known as an irritable colon, is a common reason for patients to contact their primary care physician or a gastroenterologist. Patients with IBS experience a lot of pain.
It’s an idiopathic, functional gastrointestinal condition marked by stomach pain and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, alternating diarrhea and constipation, distension, bloating, nausea, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Heartburn, chest pain, and dysphagia are some of the symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI). There’s also a wide spectrum of symptoms that aren’t related to the gastrointestinal tract. Fatigue, irritability, headache, anxiety, depression, and even urologic dysfunction and gynecologic symptoms are examples of somatic and psychological symptoms.
Due to the wide range of symptoms, clinicians should use the MANNING CRITERIA to improve the accuracy of IBS diagnosis, which is defined as “abdominal pain or discomfort relieved by defecation or associated with changes in stool frequency or consistency, abdominal distension, the sensation of incomplete evacuation, and the passage of mucus.”
IBS can affect people of any age group, however, it is most common in those in their twenties to forties. IBS affects a large number of adults. However, only around half of those who are experiencing symptoms seek medical help. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a global condition with a similar prevalence rate in industrialized and developing countries.
Symptoms and Signs of IBS
Abdominal discomfort can be crampy and intermittent, affecting the entire abdominal area or just the lower abdomen. The pain usually begins with a change in stool frequency and is eased by feces. It doesn’t happen while you’re sleeping. Patients may be recommended:
- Constipation is the most common form (infrequent bowel movement less than three times per week, a bard lump stool with straining)
- The most common type of gastroenteritis is severe diarrhea (frequent and loose stool more than three times per day and mucous is frequently seen)
Diagnostic Evaluation
The diagnosis of IBS is made after a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and any additional testing required to rule out other conditions.
First, consider your dietary history:
• a three-week trial of a lactose-free diet should be done to rule out lactose intolerance
• emotional and social lives should be assessed for symptoms such as stress, panic disorders, and/or depression, which are frequently present with GI symptoms.
The Ayurvedic Approach to IBS
The symptoms, known as grahani in Ayurvedic literature, are similar to most IBS symptoms and can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including poor eating, drinking, exercising too soon after eating, forcing or restricting natural desires, taking chemical medicines, and so on.
The Ayurvedic history of IBS
IBS has been an issue for humans for thousands of years, and it has been recorded in Ayurvedic literature.
Basic causes of IBS
1. Toxins build up in the tissue, obstructing circulation.
2. Inadequate nutrition, such as eating too much food, overeating, eating the wrong foods, and drinking too much or too cold fluids.
3. Poor digestion as a result of eating the wrong foods at the wrong times or skipping meals.
4. Imbalance of the nervous system
5. Excessive physical and emotional stress
6. Natural resistance and immunity are weakened (low ojas)
7. Disruption of the body’s normal biological cycle
Rupa (Signs and Symptoms)
There may be evidence of malabsorption on the tongue, in addition to all of the symptoms mentioned in the general introduction, such as diarrhea, constipation, alteration of diarrhea and constipation, gas, distension, and abdominal pain (severe in Vata-type). Food that is too hot or too cold, too much sweet food, overeating, and junk food can all cause malabsorption, which is a state of weakness of the small intestine. Excessive eating can cause a digestive fire imbalance.
Nidana (Etiology)
The most common causes of IBS, according to Ayurvedic literature, are Vata vitiation and low Ojas, which are caused by stress and various diet and lifestyle imbalances such as food quality, overeating, and stress, too much traveling, ignoring bodily urges and irregular sleeping patterns are also the common reasons of IBS. As previously stated, stress can cause IBS for a variety of reasons, including financial or marital problems, death in the family, and especially emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. Anxiety, depression, and hostile feelings should all be mentioned.
Chikitsa (Therapy)
The most important aspect of Ayurvedic therapy is stress reduction. Meditation, pranayama, asana practice, aromatherapy, and massage are all effective stress-reduction techniques. Routine is important in everyday life, such as sleeping and eating at regular intervals and avoiding stressful situations. Sattvic life is important in general. Ayurvedic practitioners should provide lifestyle recommendations. Understanding the role of dosha in IBS is crucial and unique, and it’s an important element in Ayurvedic IBS treatment. Herbs, in addition to stress management and diet, are used in therapy.
Changes in your lifestyle
1. Add more fiber to your diet.
2. Restore a healthy bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Determine and eliminate food intolerances.
4. Mind-body therapy is a type of therapy that combines the mind and the body
5. Incorporate a daily routine into your life.
6. Recognize that IBS is not a life-threatening condition.
7. Learn not only what foods are good for you, but also how to properly prepare and combine them.
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