Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder in which a group of symptoms occurs together, including repeated abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and changes in bowel movements- either diarrhea, constipation, or both. Though there are no structural abnormalities in the digestive tract, the discomfort caused by this illness causes great distress to the patients.

 

 

Many people with IBS have normal bowel movements on some days and abnormal bowel movements on other days. We can divide IBS into Three Types:












 

•  IBS with constipation                  IBS- C
•  IBS with Diarrhea                       IBS-D
• IBS with mixed bowel habits      IBS-M

 

Causes: 









 

1. Emotional stress- stress or anxiety, can affect the nerves of the bowel.
2. Infection- persistent bowel symptoms can trigger after a bout of gastroenteritis, sometimes long after the offending bacteria or virus has been eliminated.
3. General diet- a low fiber diet can lead to constipation-predominant IBS. Some people find foods such as chocolate, spices, fats, fruits, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, milk, carbonated beverages, and alcohol all cause problems.
4. Medications- such as antibiotics, antacids, and painkillers can bring about constipation or diarrhea.
5. Food intolerance- sugars, particularly lactose (found in dairy and many processed foods) are the most common dietary trigger for IBS. Fructose and sorbitol are also believed to trigger IBS.
6. Hormones – women are twice as likely to have IBS which leads researchers to suggest that hormonal changes can play a role in bringing about symptoms of IBS. Many women find that IBS symptoms are worse around and during their menstrual cycle.
7. Genetic and early life factors- close relatives of a person with IBS may be more likely to develop IBS themselves; some early childhood experiences (e.g. poor nutrition) may also be involved in the development of IBS.

1. Abdominal pain and cramps.
2. Abdominal flatulence.
3. Diarrhea and/or constipation sometimes may alternate.
4. Stool mixed with mucus.
5. A sensation that the bowels are not fully emptied (especially just after having bowel movements).
6. Nausea.
7. Indigestion.
8. Backache.
9. Tiredness.
10. Bladder problems.
11. Urgent need to go to the toilet.

Ayurvedic treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) : 
In Ayurveda, a similar condition is explained in the name of Sangrahani or Grahani. The name is given as in Ayurveda Grahana (Retaining ability) is a function of Grahani Organ (small intestine in general). As this function is distributed and bowel loses its control to retain for a stipulated time period, according to one's requirement of absorption, this condition is called Grahani.









 

Causes of IBS (Grahani in Ayurveda): As said "Prevention is better than cure". Therefore it is useful to look at the causes of Grahani before starting its treatment. All of the Agni (digestive fire) weakness is a direct cause of the emergence of grahani (IBS). Prolonged causes include irregular eating habits, excessive intake of difficult-to-digest foods, food intake to which one is allergic, too few nutrients, overeating, eating at irregular intervals, too much effort, the cessation of the natural urge of urination/hunger/thirst/regurgitation, excessive sexual activeness, excessive consumption of spicy junk food, eating very acidic foods, can be the causes of Grahani. The first symptoms of Grahani are caused by an imbalance of the digestive enzymes of Agni. This is followed by diarrhea, indigestion, emotional problems, stress, and so on. Diarrhea is usually treated with antibiotics in modern science, without taking into account the Agni ( digestive fire and enzymes ). Once the problem has been stopped, people fall back into their own eating habits. However, the Agni (digestive power) is weakened by diarrhea and has insufficient resistance, which significantly reduces its effect. So even after the infection is successfully contested, finds digestion in a weekend state. It may not meet the continuous overload of an unhealthy lifestyle, which eventually leads to Grahani.
 

Treatment: Treatment is reliant on treating the or doshas; however, treatment will be focused ultimately on correcting Agni (digestive food) and strengthening the small intestine.











 

 

Signs and Symptoms according to Ayurveda texts: 
Ayurveda explains signs and symptoms of IBS (Grahani in Ayurveda) based on Dosha dominance:

1. Vataja Grahani: Abdominal pain, increased frequency of stools, altered bowel habit, distension of abdomen, flatus, headache, debility chest pain, etc.
2. Pittaja Grahani: Burning of the chest, belching, headache, etc.
3. Kaphaja Grahani: Stool mixed with mucus, heaviness of the abdomen, flatus, nausea, vomiting, a sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowel, etc.
4. Sannipatic: Mixed features of all the doshas due to an involvement of all the three doshas, severe debility, lack of concentration, etc. This stage is called Sangrahani also. Dosha and patient-specific herbal formulations, proper diet, healthy habits, yoga, and panchakarma ( Shirodhara and pranayama) as stress management techniques play a crucial role in treating IBS (grahani).

Ayurvedic classical formulations and main herbs used for IBS are :









 

1.  Kutajarishta.
2.  Mustakarishta.
3.  Pippalyasavam.
4.  Kutajavaleha.
5. Dadimavaleha.
6. Jeerakarishtam.
7.  Bilwadi gutika.
8. Takrarishta.
9.  Bilvasava.

 

Diet and habits in Grahani (IBS) :

1. Regular intake of buttermilk.
2. Easy to digest foods.
3. Proper sleep.
4. Warm water.
5. Moderate exercise.
6. Avoid Stress, Anger, Grief.
7. Do Meditation, and Yoga regularly.

 If you are suffering from IBS or related disorders, do not delay in contacting the specialist Ayurvedic doctors team at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to get rid of your health problems as soon as possible.