Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

September 6, 2022

Low FODMAP Diet & Herbal Remedies for IBS Treatment

Abstract

Low FODMAP stands for fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, polyols which are the short chain of sugar that are poorly digested by the body. They are found in many natural foods and these foods show symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal pain. This diet is planned for patients who are suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial growth), and GI Disorder.  Is a functional disorder of the small intestine which is followed by altered bowel habits lasting from weeks to months. Stress, anxiety and a hectic schedule plays an important role which worsen the situation. In ayurveda this is similar to grahani. Let’s discuss this in detail!

INTRODUCTION

FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates and sugar which is poorly digested by the body, as they ferment into large intestines during digestion which produces carbon dioxide, hydrogen, which causes the intestine to expand and produce symptoms like pain and bloating, they are common in patients suffering from IBS. So, they are on a recommended low FODMAP Diet, this is given to patients to heal the gut. IBS causes great distress to patients and they become fatigued. Patients who include a low FODMAP diet may get relief from symptoms such as migraines, fibromyalgia, eczema. Anxiety, stress, and food habits give rise to IBS. In ayurveda it is known as grahani where there is alteration in bowel habits. There is alteration in stools habit; it may be occasionally soft or hard. CLASSIFICATION – IBS D- Where diarrhea is the main symptom, IBS C- With constipation, IBS A- Alternate constipation and diarrhea.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

FACTS ABOUT IBS

  1. Worldwide it is estimated that 5-10% of the population suffers from IBS.
  2. Mostly it is more common in patients above 50 years.
  3. 20-40% of patients visiting gastroenterologists are due to IBS.
  4. IBS is unpredictable, symptoms may vary from person to person.
  5. Exact cause of IBS is not known but it is due to change in normal bowel movements and its sensation.

CAUSES AS PER AYURVEDA

  1. Excessive fasting
  2. Improper food
  3. Heavy intake of food
  4. Junk food
  5. Improper virechana (purgation)
  6. Grief
  7. Shock
  8. Rectal bleeding
  9. Anemia
  10. Recurrent

PRODROMAL FEATURES

  1. Nausea
  2. Digestion is delayed
  3. Fatigue
  4. Bloating
  5. giddiness
  6. Gurgling sound in stomach
  7. Vomiting

On the basis of doshas

  1. Vataja grahani- Abdominal stools, flatus, headache, chest pain.
  2. Pittaja grahani- Burning sensation, belching
  3. Kaphaja grahani- Heaviness is felt on abdomen, mucus is present in stools, sensation of incomplete defecation.
  4. Sannipatja grahani- Here all the three doshas are involved, so there is lack of concentration, headache, flatus, chest pain.

TESTS FOR IBS

To examine IBS, doctors recommend certain stool tests to check the certainty of infection.

Diagnostic procedure which are followed:

  1. Colonoscopy
  2. X-ray, CT scan
  3. Upper endoscopy

Certain laboratory test

  1. Lactose intolerance test
  2. Stool test
  3. Breath test for bacterial overgrowth.

Treatment of IBS focuses on relieving symptoms

  1. Avoid food which trigger the symptoms (caffeine, spicy, alcohol)
  2. Drink more amount of water
  3. Enough sleep
  4. More fiber
  5. Gluten free diet
  6. Low FODMAP diet is very beneficial

FODMAP DIET

These are carbohydrates which stands for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, Polyols. Oligosaccharides such as wheat, rye, nuts, legumes, garlic. Disaccharides such as lactose containing products such as milk, yogurt, ice cream. Monosaccharides such as fructose containing foods such as honey, agave. Polyols low calorie sweeteners as in mint. This diet is recommended in patients who suffer from IBS and other digestive problems. FODMAP is found in some food naturally or in fruits and vegetables, are healthy probiotics which help the bacteria to grow in the gut, FODMAP are not digested in the small intestines but they increase the fluid in large intestines. This diet may relieve the problem in people who suffer from IBS. FODMAP is given to improve the symptoms for 4-6 weeks after that it is reintroduced to avoid food identifying the cause, LOW FODMAP is nutritionally balanced.

LIST OF FOODS THAT ARE EFFECTIVE

  1. Vegetables (carrot, green beans, lettuce, tomato, ginger, olives, turnips).
  2. Fresh fruits (oranges, grapes, banana, lime, strawberries)
  3. Soya including tofu, tempeh
  4. Grains ( rice, oats, corn flour, gluten free pasta).
  5. Non dairy products- almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk.
  6. Probiotics are helpful in patients of IBS as bacteria get introduced and show their beneficial effects.
  7. Seeds as in pumpkin, sesame sunflower seeds.
  8. Oils such as coconut and olive oil.

AVOIDED DIET

  1. Some vegetables like onion, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, sweet corn, celery.
  2. Fruits such as peaches, apricots, mangoes, blackberries.
  3. Beans and Lentils
  4. Pasta, Pizza, and various dairy products such as custard, pudding, ice cream, cottage cheese.
  5. Sweetener such as honey, sorbitol, isomalt (found mainly in cough syrups)
  6. Drinks such as alcohol, coconut water.
  7. In patients of IBS some foods are avoided as they alter the function of muscles such as caffeine they cause muscle contractions.

BENEFITS OF LOW FODMAP DIET

It reduces the digestive symptoms – As IBS include stomach pain, bloating and bowel urgency and low fodmap decreases pain and bloating. As there is higher chances that upto 80% relieve stomach pain, manages diarrhea, constipation

Improves quality of life- It improves digestive symptoms as it reduces fatigue, stress and boosts up happiness and vitality.

HOW TO FOLLOW LOW FODMAP DIET

STAGE 1 – Restriction- Patients should avoid high fodmap diet. 75% patients show improvement in 6 weeks and get relief from digestive symptoms.

STAGE 2- Reintroduction- This is reintroducing a high fodmap diet after 6-7 weeks, so that it is easy to find out the people who are sensitive to which carbohydrate or food. The patient is strictly on a low diet for 2-3  days and waits before reintroducing.

STAGE 3 – Personalization – This is a low modified fodmap diet as we restricted some fodmap nuts when reintroduced showed well tolerance . This improves gut health and quality of life.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

  1. Regular intake of buttermilk.
  2. Pomegranate
  3. Proper sleep
  4. Fiber rich diet is very useful

Panchkarma plays an important role in IBS as it treats stress and depression such as

SHIRODHARA– This procedure of pouring of medicinal liquid over the forehead is very useful.

PRANAYAM is useful for lifestyle management such as Yoga, moderate exercise, and stress management.

In ayurveda stress is due to imbalance of doshas, so medication, massage, aromatherapy is helping to reduce the symptoms of IBS.

SOME OF THE DRUGS USED IN IBS

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a great medicine for digestion, abdominal pain, and bloating. It has the property of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Turmeric is used to retard the facial hair growth as it is applied over face for 15 minutes and than remove it. Haridra has ushna veerya so it enables free circulations and nutrients to every cell of the body. It removes the blocked channels which are created by pitta dosha and kapha dosha.

2. Plantago Psyllium

Commonly known as isabgol a high rich fiber diet used for treatment in piles, constipation, herpes, distension of abdomen. Psyllium has madhur (sweet)  taste, snigdha (moisture) guna, sheetal veerya and it reduces vata dosha. Isabgol acts against constipation by trapping the water in the colon and acts as a laxative.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR IBS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet ayurveda is one of the certified companies which formulates their own herbal products for managing health concerns. The products  formulated here are free from any preservatives, color, and any synthetic material. The herbal products prepared here are free from any side effects and are totally safe made under strict guidance of the managing team. For the purpose of IBS, planet Ayurveda provides an IBS PACK we are going to discuss here.

Herbal Supplements for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Herbal Supplements for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS CARE PACK

1. Pitta Balance

It is the formulation of planet ayurveda containing Jahar Mohra pishti (natural calcium compound), Akik pishti (natural calcium compound), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). Pitta imbalances produce symptoms mainly in the stomach and intestines. Ghee mitigates pitta and increases digestion strength. Purgation therapy targets the small intestines which is the main site of pitta. Consuming milk decreases pitta dosha as it is a natural coolant.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals

2. Kutajghan vati

Kutajghan vati is found in the forms of tablets, which helps to maintain healthy digestive system, supports intestines, this herb is free from any preservatives, colors, fillers and one of the formulations of planet ayurveda which contains Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica). Kutaj is a potent herb used as stanya shodhana, asthapanopaga, and a very good drug to cure atisara, pravahika.

Dosage– 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

3. Digestion Support

Digestion support is herbal formulation without any chemicals, is a blend of unique herbs which are helpful in the digestive system, maintaining the pH in the stomach. This is one of the formulations of planet ayurveda which mainly has Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Dhania (Coriander sativum) and many more. Amla is one of the useful herbs which has rejuvenate properties, Haritaki is a useful herb for relieving gas as it suppresses the formation of gas and acts as a mild laxative.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after meals.

4. Sanjivani vati

This is One of the formulations which is found in the form of tablets and used by acharya in ancient times for treatment of many diseases. It is formulated by planet Ayurveda which consists of  Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Pippali ( Piper longum), Vacha (Acorus calamus),and many more. Sanjivani vati is commonly known as amrit vati. Sanjivani vati is a powerful herb which cures aam and balances vata and kapha dosha and increases metabolic fire and burns out fats and toxins from the body. Sanjeevani vati acts as an antivenom and antitoxin drug.

Dosage– 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

Here we studied IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) which is a functional disorder of the small intestines which is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Is a functional disorder of the digestive system leaving patients in stress and fatigue. Here we discussed types, causes, and about ayurvedic management of this disease and diet which is consumed in the IBS (low fodmap) diet and many herbal remedies which are formulated by planet ayurveda (IBS care pack) which provides much relief to patients .

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September 1, 2022

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cauda Equina Syndrome With Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Brain health is a growing and emerging concept which encloses neural development, functioning, plasticity and recovery over the life track. The nervous system is the body’s command focus which originates from your brain and controls your thoughts, movements and automatically responds to the surrounding world. The daily living of a human being depends upon how they move around effectively accomplishing their day to day activities. You can’t imagine the development of your lives without proper functioning of hands and legs. So what happens if somehow due to any health concern your legs are not working properly, your limbs become stiff or tight that restricts your day to day activities. Cauda Equina syndrome is one such disease about which we will discuss in this whole article along with its ayurvedic management.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a nervous disorder which occurs when there is dysfunction of sacral nerve roots and multiple lumbar. Cauda equina is a term that comes from the word horse’s tail. Actually cauda equina refers to the sack of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. This is called a horse’s tail as at the level of the cauda equina, the spinal cord does not remain as a tubular structure; here it appears like a horse’s tail because of the collection of large nerves. Cauda equina syndrome is characterized by narrowing of vertebral canal that can result in the narrowing of nerve roots of the spine at the level of cauda equina. The main cause is compression of the nerves root at the level of cauda equina.

SOME FACTS ABOUT CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Following are some facts about Cauda Equina Syndrome:

  • It is relatively a rare condition
  • This condition comprises 2-6% of all the lumbar disc problems
  • The incidence of this particular disease is 1 in 33 thousand people to 1 in 100,000 people.
  • In 5 years from 2003 to 2007 there is noticed 63 cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

CAUSES OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Most cases of cauda equina syndrome occur as a result of Massive herniated disc in the region of lumbar vertebrae. As we studied earlier there is a pressure on the nerve roots at the level of cauda equina, following are certain factors that can cause pressure and leads to cauda equina syndrome:

  • Spina bifida- congenital anomaly (in this spine and spinal cord not formed properly)
  • Spinal lesions
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spinal anesthesia
  • Postoperative spine lumbar surgery
  • Spinal hemorrhages
  • Trauma leading fractures and dislocation
  • Tumors or cyst at the site of cauda equina
  • Infection
  • Spinal arteriovenous malformation

SYMPTOMS OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Following are the symptoms experienced by a person in Cauda Equina Syndrome:

  • Inflammation of the nerve roots
  • Saddle anesthesia (sensory disturbance)
  • Tenderness over the area of cauda equina (pain while touching)
  • Difficulty in rising up from sitting position
  • Weakness in legs
  • No pressure tolerance
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Later on disc may rupture and person may become paralysed

DIAGNOSIS OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Here are certain conditions that may resemble Cauda Equina Syndrome so it is must to diagnose this condition clearly. It will be done with proper diagnostic techniques that we are going to discuss below:

  • Physical examination and patient history
  • MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
  • CT Scan
  • Myelogram

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Cauda equina syndrome is a nervous disorder which leads to dysfunction of sacral nerve roots due to any degeneration or pressure at the site of Cauda equina. As per ayurveda it is correlated to avarana janya vatavyadhi that is the disease caused due to any obstruction in the normal flow which leads to vata dosha vitiation. Firstly there is an obstruction then it leads to vata dosha vitiation which further causes disorientation in normal functioning of the cauda equina. In this case we have to balance the vitiated vata dosha to relieve the various symptoms felt by the patient such as weakness in the legs, no pressure tolerance, bladder incontinence, fecal incontinence, etc. For this we are going to mention the Ayurvedic management by Planet Ayurveda so let’s have a look.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified clinic which has been working since many years under the rules of Ayurveda – A Holistic science. They formed their own herbal remedies under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. All these remedies are devoid of any kind of added preservatives, colour, fibre, gums, resins and any kind of synthetic materials. As we read earlier for the management of Cauda Equina Syndrome there is a need to pacify vata dosha and to maintain the functions of cauda equina. For this purpose Planet Ayurveda provides you with 7 remedies that we are going to discuss below:

  1. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  2. Trayodashang Guggul
  3. Ashwagandharisht
  4. Boswellia Curcumin
  5. Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras
  6. Dashmularishta
  7. Agnitundi Vati

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cauda Equina Syndrome

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat vatchintamani ras is one of the best classical ayurvedic formulations which is used for various vataj vyadhi since ancient times. This remedy is formulated by Planet Ayurveda under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners and available in tablet form. These tablets consist of ingredients such as swarna bhasma (calyx of gold), abhrak bhasma (calyx of mica), rajata bhasma (calyx of silver) and various others. As in this condition there is an obstruction in the path of cauda equina which leads to vata dosha vitiation and causes difficulty in the normal functioning of Cauda Equina. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras by pacifying vata dosha helps in regulating the functions of Cauda Equina.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily to be chewed.

2. TRAYODASHANG GUGGUL

Trayodashang guggul is a remedy in tablet form and prepared by Planet Ayurveda as mentioned in the classical texts. This remedy is one of the best remedies for degenerative neurological conditions. This is a guggul preparation which means the ingredients are processed with guggul (Commiphora mukul), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) and various others. This tablet formulation has been used in various degenerative conditions since ancient times. So by pacifying, restricting the further degeneration and reducing the inflammation and tenderness at the level of the lumbar region these tablets prevent compression on cauda equina and assists the management.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. ASHWAGANDHARISHT

This is one of the formulations available in syrup form which is prepared by Planet Ayurveda under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. Ashwagandhaarisht is one of the best nervine tonic as it consists of ingredients such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), safed musli (chlorophytum tuberosum), arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and various others. This formulation is regarded as one of the rasayana that prevents the degenerative changes and also this syrup helps in alleviating the weakness in the muscles. So this syrup can be administered in managing the symptoms of the Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with added equal amount of plain water.

4. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a herbal remedy formulated by Planet Ayurveda in capsule form. These capsules consist of standardised extract of shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa). As we studied earlier in causes and symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome which includes the most common cause a degenerative change or obstruction at the level of cauda equina which leads to the symptom such as inflammation of the nerve roots and tenderness over the area of nerve roots. So having antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties these capsules helps in alleviating the condition of cauda equina syndrome.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. MAHA VATVIDHWANSAN RAS

Maha vatvidhwansan Ras is one of classical ayurvedic formulations which has been used since ancient times in various bony degenerations. Cauda equina syndrome caused by any pressure hindrance due to bone deformity at the level of the lumbar region. So by providing strength to the bony parts at the level of cauda equina these tablets help in preventing the further degeneration and prevent the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily to be chewed.

6. DASHMULARISHTA

Dashmularishta is one of the best vata anulomana syrups mentioned in classical texts. This preparation is formulated by Planet Ayurveda under the strict observance of M.D. Ayurveda practitioners. It includes various ingredients such as bilva (Aegle marmelos), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), patola (Stereospermum suaveolens) and various others. Dashmularishta is basically a very best vata anulomaka remedy which by regulating the vata dosha maintains its proper functioning. As vata dosha is directly correlated to our nervous system so it aids in regulating the functioning of nerves also. That’s why this herbal syrup is considered as best for managing the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with added equal amount of plain water.

7. AGNITUNDI VATI

Agnitundi vati is a herbal remedy in tablet form, formulated by Planet Ayurveda as per strict observance to classical ayurvedic texts. These tablets consist of ingredients such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum) and various others. This herbal remedy is very effective for ama pachana that is the basic need of every line of treatment in case of avarana. By alleviating ama dosha from the body, agnitundi vati makes the management effective.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a nervous disorder which occurs when there is dysfunction of sacral nerve roots and multiple lumbar. Cauda equina syndrome is characterised by narrowing of vertebral canal that can result in the narrowing of nerve roots of the spine at the level of cauda equina. Most cases of cauda equina syndrome occur as a result of Massive herniated disc in the region of lumbar vertebrae, rather than this any pathology which leads to compression on cauda equina is the reason behind Cauda Equina Syndrome. Various symptoms of this condition includes faecal and urine incontinence, weakness in legs, sexual dysfucntion and later on leads to paralysis. As per ayurveda it is correlated to avarana janya vata vyadhi and this condition is managed by removing the avarana and then pacifying the vata dosha. For this purpose Planet Ayurveda also provides you diet plan to prevent paralysis. These remedies are totally free from any kind of added preservatives and synthetic materials so feel free to consume these remedies and if you face any query while using these medications you can share it on www.PlanetAyurveda.com

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