Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sometimes misdiagnosed as colitis, is a functional disorder of the large intestine that results in abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation. Surprisingly, IBS affects up to 20% of the population, mostly women, and is the 2ndbiggest cause of work/school absence due to illness (the common cold is 1st).
While IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to the large intestine (as is found with colitis), it can still cause a great deal of unnecessary pain, suffering, and embarrassment.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, a person suffering with IBS is dealing with stress or trauma that has caused the parasympathetic nervous system to shut down – essentially stopping the circulation of the digestive system, and thereby increasing tension in the abdominal area.
In order to rebalance the “doshas,” various “gunas” (qualities of food like “hot” or “cold”) must be either added or eliminated from the diet. In the case of IBS, the guna “easy” (meaning easy to digest) should be added to the diet.
Saffron, poppy seed, cardamom, cumin, cloves, chamomile, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, and nigella seeds (black cumin)
People suffering with IBS typically have an aggravated “Vata” dosha, and too much of the gunas “dry” and “difficult.” In other words, these individuals should do their best to avoid the following foods:
As much as the symptoms of IBS are not desirable, it is reassuring to know that, with a proper diet, stress management (try yoga or meditation), and moderate exercise, a large number of people can effectively manage their condition and all but eliminate their symptoms. This is very encouraging news, and, further testament to the fact that we are only as healthy as the food we eat.
Lastly, thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it!
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From our kitchen to yours,
Love + Peace
Kiran