Good digestion is the main indicator of good health and wellbeing. Regular, persistent bloating and gas is a sign of poor digestion, or possibly an underlying condition that disturbs the gut and needs to be tackled. Dr. Shyam VL gives you an ayurvedic insight into this problem that many of us face.
Bloating, burping and passing gas are natural and are usually caused by swallowed air or the breakdown of food through digestion; especially plant fibers. When gas doesn’t pass through belching or flatulence, it can build up in the stomach and intestines and lead to bloating. Bloating is often accompanied by abdominal pain. Passing gas or having a bowel movement may relieve the pain. Flatulence may also be related to: Eating fatty foods, stress or anxiety, smoking, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon is a common disorder that affects the large intestine.
IBS is a functional disorder, which means that there is no apparent damage to the intestinal tract; rather, the nerves and muscles react to stimulation in a dysfunctional way. Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions of intestine may be stronger and last longer which force food through your intestines more quickly, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. In some cases, food passage slows, and stools become hard and dry.
IBS signs and symptoms are worse or more frequent during stressful events, such as a change in your daily routine. People with IBS may have abnormal serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that’s normally associated with brain function, but it also plays a role in normal digestive system function. It’s also possible that people with IBS don’t have the right balance of good bacteria in the intestine. Many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods.
When you have irritable bowel syndrome, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans can have mixed results. The best approach is to gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet over a period of weeks. Common culprits like alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, medications that contain caffeine, dairy products, and sugar-free sweeteners, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli oily foods have to consumed with care. You may feel better eating small, frequent meals.
IBS is termed as Grahani in Ayurveda. Ayurveda describes Grahani as 4 types according to the associated signs and symptoms: Vata grahani (constipation predominant), Pitta grahani (diarrhea predominant), Kapha grahani (mucous / slimy stools), and Tridosha grahani (mixed symptoms of IBS).
The medicines vary from type to type: Vata Grahani: Chirivilwadi kashayam, Ashta choornam, Vaiswanara choornam, Kalyana gulam, Sukumaram ghritham
Pitta Grahani: Dadimashtaka choornam, Kutajarishtam, Mustharishtam, Charngeryadi Ghritham, Guloochyadi kashayam
Kapha Grahani: Kaidaryadi kashayam, Kalasakadi kashayam, Dadimashtaka choornam
** Only to be taken after consultation with an Ayurveda Physician.
Deepana (carminative) & Pachana (Digestive) drugs would be helpful. **Medicines like; vaiswanara choornam, dadimashtaka choornam, charngeryadi ghritham, kaidaryadi kashayam etc. are helpful.
Home Remedy
1) Have a teaspoon of ground curry leaves regularly.
2) Have pomegranate regularly.
3) Include ginger, fenugreek in your cooking.
Dr. VL Shyam, BAMS, MD, MPhil is an award-winning doctor and the first licensed Ayurveda doctor in UAE. He is currently in the interview panel of Ministry of Health. Dr Shyam practices traditional authentic Ayurveda. He consults at Dr Shyam’s Ayurveda Centre in Dubai and Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Abudhabi.