Category: IBS

May 24, 2023

Low Fodmap Diet For Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Abstract

The diet is the most important in the health of a person, intake of a healthy diet prevents dangerous conditions and diseases such as malnutrition etc. In today’s world the majority of people are consuming food rich in salts, energy, fats, free sugars and subsequently low consumption vegetables, fibres and fruits etc. To manage any type of the disease, food is the first medicine, a healthy diet with exercise prevents the risk of many diseases like: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart diseases, stroke and diabetes etc. The high FODMAP diet results in bloating, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, acidity and severe pain.

Let’s discuss in detail about the low FODMAP diet.

Low FODMAP Diet

Introduction

The word FODMAP stands for: Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols. The meaning of low FODMAP is, the reduction of some kind of carbohydrates which are hard for gut to digest. This diet is specially prescribed to the people, who have functional gastrointestinal diseases such as: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and some of the food triggers disease. By avoiding usage of such an irritating carbohydrates, provide some time to mucus membrane of the gut to heal, so consuming low FODMAP diet is very helpful in relieving the symptoms. In Ayurveda, food is what makes us both healthy and unhealthy and our Acharaya’s has specially mentioned about: which food we have to take in which Ritucharya (Seasons). So if we have to stay healthy, it becomes very important to follow a diet which is simple, healthy and provide strength to body. In problems like Irritable bowel syndrome, there is a basic prevention of that food which worsens the condition.

What are FODMAPs?

Fermentable

The foods which gut the bacteria feed on, convert them into gases by a chemical process called fermentation.

Oligosaccharides

These are the soluble plant fibres called prebiotics, which feed the beneficial bacteria present in your gut eg, onion, many wheat products, beans, garlic and lentils etc.

Disaccharides

This group of sugar mainly includes lactose, sugar in dairy products and human milk. The lactose intolerance is very common food intolerances world wide

Monosaccharides

This group includes the fruit sugar (fructose sugar)

Polyols

his group mainly includes the artificial sweeteners also called as sugar alcohols, present naturally in some fruits.

Role of FODMAP in Aigestion

The FODMAPs are ones which are considered to be short chain carbs, generally the sugars in the food are broken down into a single molecule from a complex chain to be absorbed by the intestine very easily. But in FODMAPs, the breaking down does not happen, because they are already short chains, so it becomes very difficult for the intestines to digest specially in patients present with IBS which results in abdominal discomfort, indigestion, diarrhoea and severe pain etc diarrhoea.

Foods high in FODMAPs Are

  • Dry fruits ie. cashew nuts, walnuts and peanuts etc. will add to problems.
  • Dairy products which should not be taken are: butter, cheese, high fat milk and tea etc.
  • The oils which increase the problem of IBS are: coconut oil, palm oil.
  • The pulses ie. chickpeas, black gram and kidney beans contain high FODMAP.
  • Red chillies should not be taken.
  • Vegetables like: garlic, ladyfinger, onion and tomato should not be consumed.
  • Drinks such as: sweetened drinks, canned soups, alcohol and carbonated drinks are not good for IBS patients.
  • Citrus fruits ie. canned fruits, peaches, strawberries and pineapple should not be consumed.

Benefits of Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP diet is very beneficial for people who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and from small intestine bacterial overgrowth or other digestion issues. The Low FODMAP diet contain three phases

  • Elimination Phase: In this phase there is a complete avoidance of the food, rich in FODMAP (mainly dairy products, fruits etc.)
  • Reintroduction Phase: This is the second phase of low FODMAP diet and also called the challenge phase.
  • Maintenance phase: This is the last phase of FODMAP and in this phase the patient eliminates the food which he/she is sensitive to and consumes the food which suits the patient.

Foods Low in FODMAP Are

  • The spices like: fennel,cumin and coriander are good for the stomach.
  • Dairy products which can be taken are cow ghee and dahi only.
  • Pulses which can be taken are: washed dals and green grams.
  • Fruits that can be taken by Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients include apple, banana, apricot, watermelon, pomegranate (without seeds), kiwi, plum, guava.
  • Cereals include wheat, rice, pearl millet, amaranth, oats, quinoa and brown rice can be consumed.
  • Vegetables which can be taken are: pumpkin, red onion, ginger, celery, cucumber, beetroot and carrot.
  • Drinks like coconut water, sugarcane juices, green juices, home made juice, aloe vera juice can be enjoyed.
  • Oils which can be consumed are: soybean oil, olive oil, mustard oil and cow ghee.

How Does the Low FODMAP Diet Work?

Low FODMAP is a Three-Step Elimination Diet

  • Firstly you stop eating certain foods ( high FODMAP food)
  • Then you slowly reintroduce them to see which ones are troublesome.
  • Once you identify the foods which cause the symptoms then avoid or limit them.

Herbal Remedies for IBS By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a US-FDA registered, GMP certified and ISO 9001:2015 certified company. All the products are formulated under MD Ayurveda experts, containing no preservatives, chemicals, colours, dyes and have no side effects. The formulations are in the form of liquids (asav, arishta, syrup and saar), vatis (tablets), churan (powder) and jams etc. Planet Ayurveda produces the IBS- care pack for irritable bowel syndrome, these herbal formulations are very effective in this condition and also boost the immune system.

IBS Care Pack

  1. Sanjivani Vati
  2. Digestion Support
  3. Kutajghan Vati
  4. Pitta Balance


IBS Care PackIBS Care Pack

Product Description

Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani vati maintains a healthy body temperature and also supports the health of abdominal organs. The ingredients mainly involved are: Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Pippali (Piper longum),Haritaki (Terminalia chebula),Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) etc. All the ingredients of this formulation balances the digestive issues, enhances the digestive fire and also enhances the absorption of the food which is very important to manage the IBS.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after the meals.

Digestion Support

This product is very useful to maintain the healthy digestive system and maintain the condition of IBS. Ingredients involved in this formulation are : Sounf ( Foeniculum vulgare), Pippali (Piper longum),Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum), Dhania ( Coriander sativum) and Bahera (Terminalia billerica) etc. This formulation pacifies the tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The herbs are effective to digest the complex sugars and are very useful in the management of Irritable bowel syndrome.

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

Kutajghan Vati

The Kutajghan vati pacifies the Pitta dosha and controls the excessive motions in IBS. The ingredient involved in this formulation is : Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It contains properties like: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, immunomodulator and anti- helminthic etc. According to the classical text Kutaj is referred to as udarshoolhar (abdominal pain) and atisar (diarrhoea). This is also indicated in many intestinal disorders like: IBS and Ulcerative colitis etc. So this herbal formulation is very important in the management of Irritable bowel syndrome.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after the meals.

Pitta Balance

Pitta balance maintains the healthy digestion and the ingredients are : Kaharawa Pishti ( Natural calcium compound), Mukta Pishti (Natural calcium compound from pearls), Akik Pishti ( Natural calcium compound) and extract of Giloy Satva ( Tinospora cordifolia) etc. As its name suggests Pitta balance, which means it pacifies the aggravated Pitta dosha. In IBS there is irritation of intestinal mucus membrane which clearly defines the imbalance of Pitta dosha. Pitta balance provides a soothing and cooling effect to the intestines and is also useful in healing.

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

Conclusion

According to our Acharyas, food is the first medicine, if we consume healthy food and do exercises our body will always remain healthy. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder which mainly affects the stomach, intestines and gastrointestinal tract which includes the symptoms of pitta aggravation such as : bloating, diarrhoea, hyperacidity and constipation. In this article we have discussed that in IBS the low FODMAP diet is necessary for absorption of nutrients and digest easily without any hindrance. And the high FODMAP diet results in pain and discomfort. In Ayurveda IBS is related with “Sangrahani”, in which the agni (ie. digestive fire) of a person is vitiated which arises from the aggravation of Pitta dosha leads to intestinal mucosal irritation and other symptoms. So, to manage the condition of Irritable bowel syndrome, Planet Ayurveda offers the IBS care pack which is very effective.

Continue Reading

March 10, 2023

All About Farts as Per Medical View – Treatment of Digestive Disorders

Abstract

Indigestion – known as dyspepsia or an disturbed stomach- is discomfort in the human abdomen.  Indigestion defines various symptoms such as smelly farts, lower abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation and bleeding. In this article we will discuss all about farts, its possible symptoms, causes, why do we have these,  ayurvedic point of view on farts and herbal formulations which are proposed by Planet Ayurveda  for the treatment of smelly farts The average person forms 0.6 – 1.8 liters of intestinal gas per day. Various scientific studies have found that there is no significant difference between the concentration that younger and older people fart. In addition, there is no remarkable difference between the sexes.

Introduction

A fart, generally known as flatulence or gas, is an accumulation of gasses within the small intestine from respiration and digestion. It is considered a normal part of how the body functions and oftentimes not a health concern. Normally, farts are noiseless and considerable. Apart from this, they can be smelly and loud. A person may experience some pressure and bloating before discharging gas. A typical fart is buildup of various gasses, most are not smelly. The smell is caused by sulfur compounds, which are present in eggs and some vegetables. There are various other foods and medications that can affect how much and how foul-  smelly gas is in the digestive tract.

Indigestion

What are the symptoms of farts or flatulence?

Releasing wind is common, but the concentration varies between individuals and based on a number of different factors including diet. Some people release wind only a few times per day, others up to 35 to 40 times, while the average quantity seems to be about 15. Symptoms of overmuch flatulence or farts may include:

  1. Foul smell of flatus
  2. Discomfort and abdominal distension
  3. Loud farts
  4. Releasing wind often
  5. Rumbles in the lower abdomen

Why do we fart?

The body forms intestinal gas as part of the performance of digestion. Once this gas is inside in the body, it requires to be released by anyhow. Farts are mostly thrown out from the anus or passed through the mouth as a burp. Some intestinal gases come about from the air that people swallow when they are drinking through a straw, smoking, chewing or eating. Oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are external gases that are found inside the body and are known as exogenous air. On the other hand, intestinal gas forms in the body when bacteria in the colon disrupt the food and is called endogenous gas. Undigested food items are the main cause of foul-smelling flatulence.

Causes of farts

Causes of smelly farts can vary from harmless to serious illness. It may not be easier to determine what is behind foul smelling flatulence due to the number of probable causes. Various reasons for this condition revolve around medication and food. Moreover, some causes may represent an underlying health issue. The following are most common cause of smelly farts:

1. Heavy consumption of fiber rich food

High fiber food is difficult to digest. Despite the fact that it is good for people’s overall health. Gradual digesting foods breakdown and ferment in the digestive system. The fermentation process forms odor gas. Some high fiber food contains sulfur compounds which may affect odor. Foods which may cause odors are

  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Cabbage
  • Garlic

2. Intolerance to food

Food tolerance is the most general cause of stink odor farts. Average conditions that can affect smelly farts include gluten and lactose intolerances. In these conditions, the body’s inability to disintegrate gluten or lactose causes foul gas to create and immediately be passed. There are various people who may have food intolerance due to disorders such as celiac disease.

3. Constipation

It is produced when stool accumulates in the colon or large intestine and can have no way out. This happens due to taking some medications, unhealthy diet and other biological factors.  The formation of stool in the  colon often causes smelly gases. This excessive gas may cause discomfort and bloating. When ultimately passed, the gas is sometimes smelly.

4. Medications

One of the most culprits is antibiotics which may destroy some of the healthy or good bacteria in the digestive system while they work to demolish an infection. The discharging of good bacteria  affects an imbalance in the digestive system. These imbalances can cause a person to form bad smelly gas. It is also causing constipation and bloating

5. Colon cancer

Although not as usual, a person may undergo excessive smelly flatulence due to the presence of cancer in the colon. Cancerous polyps or tumors can create blockages that cause gas to form in the intestine.

6. Infections and Bacteria

The digestive tract manages the breakdown of foods into essential nutrients,  which are involved in the blood. It also forms waste, which is released through the colon. The digestive tract depends on various components to do this, including its native good bacteria. Sometimes, the levels of bacteria in the digestive system may become damaged, leading to an infection.

The infection will sometimes cause

  1. Nausea
  2. Fatigue
  3. Vomiting
  4. Foul smelly gas
  5. Diarrhea
  6. Pain in the abdomen
  7. Fever

Here are some healthy tips which are helpful to avoid excessive gas may include:

  1. Stop eating naturally smelly foods
  2. Avoid carbonated drinks
  3. Eat in smaller portions
  4. Avoid trigger foods
  5. Drink plenty of water
  6. Limit yoghurt and foods with probiotics.
  7. Less consume high fiber rich foods
  8. Limit consumption of apple,pear, peach apricot
  9. Avoid consuming legumes such as soybeans, nuts, peas, beans and chickpeas.

Ayurvedic Aspects of flatulence or farts

As per ayurveda, farts or flatulence are known as Anaha. This condition is produced due to imbalance of Vata dosha which is characterized by scanty defecation, occasional breathing disorders and stiffness in the lower abdomen. Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic company which provides various  herbal remedies which are helpful for the treatment of smelly farts and other digestive disorders. These products are prepared under the guidance of MD experts by following proper guidelines and principles of ayurveda. These  herbal products are pure or vegetarian and safer for use. Here we are discussing about herbal products by Planet Ayurveda:

1. Agnitundi Vati

-It is a digestion pack offered by planet ayurveda  which is helpful in indigestion. These herbal capsules are formulated by using pure extracts of Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum), Ginger (zingiber officinale), Triphala ( Emblica officinalis, terminalia chebula and terminalia bellirica) which are advantageous to lower acidity problems and some other  stomach issues. These excellent herbs are controlling flatulence and heartburn.

Dosage- 2 capsules three times daily with warm water, after meals.

2. Draksha Avaleha

Planet Ayurveda Draksha Avaleha (Grape saffron jam) beneficial to cure all stomach disorders and is prepared with the help of various herbs like Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Shunthi (zingiber officinale), pippali (Piper longum), Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and many more.

Dosage – One teaspoonful of draksha avaleha two times  everyday, it can be taken with warm milk.

3. Digestion support

This herbal remedy contains excellent properties which are helpful for the treatment of digestive disorders It improves the appetite, digestion, constipation, balance pH level and improves digestion. Digestion support is prepared by using natural ingredients such as bahera(Terminalia billerica), dhania (coriander sativum), jeerak (cyminum cuminum),sounf(Foeniculum vulgare) and many others. Planet Ayurveda offers these herbal capsules to treat flatulence, gas, reduce gastric acid and constipation.

Dosage – 2 capsules 2 times a day with warm water, after meals.

Conclusion

Indigestion is a common health condition which can be characterized by hyperacidity, pain in abdomen, discomfort, constipation, burps and heartburn. Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal remedy for the treatment of these health issues as we discussed previously. As per ayurveda, a healthy diet plays an essential role to keep us healthy and active. Our body needs healthy nutrients because they help to protect us from serious illness. Try to follow Planet Ayurveda’s healthy diet tips and above mentioned products to cure smelly farts and other stomach problems.

Continue Reading

Click the CROSS button to close