Category: Acidity or Acid

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 .

Continue Reading

August 3, 2022

Herbal Remedies for Giardiasis Treatment (Giardia Lamblia)

Abstract

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine by a parasite called Giardia Lamblia. Parasites are the organisms that live on other organisms, which is a major problem in tropical and subtropical areas. Common parasites in the United States are- Trichomoniasis, Toxoplasmosis, Giardiasis. Different parastites show different symptoms such as Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection causes redness, itching. Toxoplasmosis is flu-like which causes swollen nodes, muscle pain. Anyone can get parasite infection but some people are at high risk such as low immunity, lack of clean water, and living in tropical or subtropical areas. Toxoplasmosis is a very harmful infection for pregnant women and their developing babies. Parasitic infections can be caused by 3 organisms such as protozoa (single cell organisms), Helminths (multi celled organisms), ectoparasites (multi celled organisms). In this topic we are going to study about its causes, symptoms and its ayurvedic aspect in detail.

INTRODUCTION

Giardiasis is a parasitic infection marked by Stomach cramps, bloating, and watery diarrhea. It is the most common water borne disease found in swimming pools, wells, lakes. Giardia can spread through food, person to person. Giardia is a microscopic parasite which affects humans, dogs, and cats. It is the most common parasitic human disease known as beaver fever. Giardiasis spreads when the giardia cysts are within feces contaminated in food which is consumed orally. It can be improved by proper hygiene. This disease can be spread among animals and humans, the cysts usually survive for nearly three months in cold water. Can be easily diagnosed by stool tests. This infection can make a person lactose intolerant, the infection rate is high 7% in developed countries and 30% in developing countries.

Giardiasis(Giardia Lamblia)

FACTS

  1. Infection with giardia is one of the most common cause of waterborne nonbacterial and non viral disease
  2. Giardia feeds using specialized organelles called PV.
  3. Giardia survives in the environment of infectious cysts.

CAUSES

They commonly live in the intestines of people and animals. They are passed in the stools which are encased in the hard shells called cysts which allow survival outside intestines. This whole is occurring due to

  1. Swallowing contaminated water- As giardia is usually found in lakes, ponds, rivers where water is infected with giardia from wastewater discharge, animal feces. Sometimes children’s diapers can contaminate the pools.
  2. Eating contaminated food- Giardia spreads through food who do not wash their hands properly and raw products which are washed with unsafe water cause infections.
  3. Person to Person contact- One can get infected with Giardia if the hands are not washed properly, it can even spread through sex as it is sexually transmitted disease.
  4. Children are at high risk of Giardia as they are likely to come in contact with feces when they wear diapers or spend time in child care centers.
  5. Person who has weakened immune

SYMPTOMS

  1. Watery or greasy stools
  2. Gas
  3. Weight loss
  4. Stomach cramps
  5. Bloating
  6. Foul smelling
  7. Itchy skin
  8. Swelling of eyes and joints
  9. Malabsorption of  nutrients
  10. Nausea
  11. Vomiting
  12. Lactose intolerance (can be temporary or permanent)
  13. Headaches
  14. Loss of appetite

DIAGNOSIS

  1. Stool test
  2. Upper endoscopy
  3. ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)
  4. Entero test

COMPLICATIONS

  1. Dehydration- Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
  2. Failure to thrive- Chronic diarrhea from infection can further lead to malnutrition
  3. Lactose intolerance- This infection can cause inability to digest milk sugar properly.

TREATMENT

  1. Metronidazole- is the most common antibiotic for the treatment of giardiasis.
  2. Nitazoxanide- it comes in liquid form so it is easy for childrens to swallow
  3. Tinidazole- It works the same as metronidazole.
  4. Probiotics- It clears the infection of giardia.

PREVENTION

  1. Wash your hands- This is the simplest and best way to prevent infections. Wash your hands 20 seconds after using the toilet.
  2. Purify wilderness water- Avoid drinking untreated water from wells, lakes, rivers. Filter or boil for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Wash raw fruits and vegetables with safe and uncontaminated water.
  4. Use bottled water- While traveling to other parts one must carry a water bottle to drink safe and filtered water.
  5. Practice safe sex.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

In ayurveda giardiasis is co related with krimirogas, is very common in children which mainly occur as intestinal infection. They easily breed up in the human intestine with the help of food and blood. Due to causative factors Kapha dosha and pitta dosha get aggravated and form different types of krimi at various places of the body. There are various krimi on the basis of their origin such as kaphaja krimi, raktaj krimi, pureeshaj krimi. The main factors responsible for krimi are ingest of food during indigestion state, milk, excess use of madhur and amla ras so acharya described 20 types of krimi-

1. Bahya krimi

  • Bahya krimi (external krimi), Abhyantra krimi (internal worms).
  • Bahya krimi- These worms mainly occur in the hairy part of the body, and are considered as urticaria.

2. Abhyantra krimi

This usually occurs due to the production of ama by consuming a sweet and sour diet.

According to effects on body

  1. Non pathogenic (sahaja)
  2. Pathogenic (vaikarika)

According to source of origin

  1. Malaja- Originated from mala (sweet)
  2. Raktaja- Originated from blood vessels
  3. Kaphaja- Originated from stomach
  4. Purishaja- Originated from intestines.

ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS

  1. Poor hygienic conditions
  2. Lack of awareness
  3. Consumption of flesh, sour, salty substances
  4. Virudh ahara which forms ama
  5. Divaswapna, asana, disturbed life patterns.

CLINICAL SYMPTOMS

  1. Fever
  2. Malaise
  3. Anorexia
  4. Stomach cramps
  5. Itching in anal area
  6. Diarrhea
  7. Fainting

CHIKITSA

  1. Apakarshan chikitsa
  2. Prakruti vighata chikitsa
  3. Nidana parivarjan chikitsa

1. Apakarshan chikitsa

Extraction of krimi by following methods

  1. Yantra (manual extraction)- Can be extracted using yantra such as sandash yantra.
  2. Bhesaja apakarshan (therapeutic extraction)- This involves shodhana therapy alone or along with forcefully extracting krimi. The procedures involved are virechana, asthapana basti, shiro virechana.

2. Prakruti vighata chikitsa

The use of krimighna drugs such as katu, tikta, kashaya kshara and ushana properties cause the adverse environment that is required for the growth of krimi. It inhibits the growth of krimi.

3. Nidana parivarjana

This chikitsa involves taking care of the causative factors by avoiding viruddha ahara, maintaining the hygienic condition, this therapy is the preventive approach rather than treating.

PATHYA- APATHYA

Pathya

  1. Rasa- tikta, kashaya
  2. Dugdha- ghrita, dugdha
  3. Drava- tila tail, sura, gomutra
  4. Kritaanna- madhu, tambula, asthapana basti, dhoopan, abhyanga.

Apathya

  1. Rasa- Amla, madhura
  2. Guna- drava
  3. Dugdha- dadhi, ghrita

HERBS USEFUL FOR GIARDIASIS

1. NEEM

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is widely used herb for worm infestations, antimicrobial and treats many skin disorders. The extract of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties and has a protective effect on neurons. It is very light to digest, and tikta (bitter) taste, impacts cooling effect on the body, improves the digestion process and relieves tiredness.

2. VACHA

Vacha (Acorus calamus) has scraping quality and useful in obesity, piles, and has a pungent (katu) bitter (tikta) taste. It balances kapha and vata dosha. Vacha is a useful herb in the treatment of improving epilepsy, schizophrenia, and relieves gaseous distention of the abdomen. It induces uterine contractions and is administered in dysmenorrhea.

3. VIDANGA

Vidanga (Embelia ribes) is a powerful anti parasitic herb useful in treatment of intestinal worm infestation. Vidanga has pungent (katu) astringent (kashaya) taste, has hot potency, balances kapha and vata doshas. Vidanga is useful in abdominal colic pain, in abdominal distension, relieves anorexia, ascites. It detoxifies the blood so it is widely useful in skin diseases.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR GIARDIASIS

Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic clinic which provides great results to the patients. All the formulations made are under the strict guidance of ayurvedic practitioners. These medicines are free from any kind of colors, resins, and synthetic material. They are 100% pure and vegetarian extracted from plants. For the treatment of giardiasis planet ayurveda described the following herbal remedies which provides great relief to patients without any side effects.

PRODUCTS LIST

  1. DIGESTION SUPPORT
  2. VIDANGADI LOHA
  3. KRIMI MUKTI CAPSULE
  4. MAHASHANKH VATI

Treatment of Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia)

Herbs for Giardiasis

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Digestion Support

Digestion support are poly herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as- Amla (Emblica officinalis), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum) and many more. These capsules help to maintain natural pH balance in the stomach, control acidity, gas, and flatulence. This capsule contains jeerak so it is helpful in improving appetite. Digestion support capsules contain pippali so it stimulates the liver, intestines to decorate the digestive juice.

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

2. Vidangadi Loha

Vidangadi loha are herbal tablets formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Shudh Gandhak (Sulphur), Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale) and many more. It balances pitta and rakta dosha. Useful in diseases like inflammatory disease, helminthiasis, gastroenteritis, anorexia. These tablets are beneficial in abdominal colic pain, headache, worms infestation. Usually this medicine is used for deworming the intestines as it has a laxative property so it eases the dead worms out of the intestines.

Dosage– 1 tablet thrice daily with lukewarm water.

3. Krimi Mukti capsule

Krimi Mukti capsule are poly herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like-  Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium), Vidang (Embelia frondosa), Palaash (Butea frondosa) and many more. These capsules contain harad which balances tridosha and has rejuvenating properties. This capsule improves skin complexion, relieves digestion and helps in removing worms from intestines. Used as shiro virechana so helps in expelling out of doshas out of the body.

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

4. MahaShankh Vati

These are herbal tablets formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like Sea Salt, Black Salt, Tamarind bark and many more. It has various properties like analgesic, anti rheumatic. It helps to balance vata and pitta dosha, reducing intestinal pain, lessen the formation of gas. Mahashankh vati is useful in treatment of ulcerative colitis, piles, acidity, and malabsorption.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine by a parasite called Giardia Lamblia. Parasites are the organisms that live on other organisms, which is a major problem in tropical and subtropical areas. Giardia is a microscopic parasite which affects humans, dogs, and cats. It is the most common parasitic human disease known as beaver fever. In ayurveda giardiasis is co related with krimirogas, Due to causative factors Kapha dosha and pitta dosha gets aggravated and form different types of krimi at various places of the body. Planet ayurveda provides remedies for the benefit of giardiasis which we discussed in this topic in detail.

Continue Reading

Click the CROSS button to close