Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common condition of the digestive system. It can result in bouts of diarrhoea or constipation, often accompanied by stomach cramps or bloating. There may also be mucus in the stools. The symptoms may appear after eating specific foods, or sometimes particular foods in combination. In all cases food passes through the gut without being properly digested; when transit is too fast there is diarrhoea, and when it is too slow there is constipation. Causes or factors which may contribute to the problem include enzyme deficiency, as in the case of lactose intolerance, generally slow metabolism or allergies. Pathogens may be involved, for example, blastocystis, ringworms or hookworms, or any one of a variety of bacteria. To complicate matters, while pathogens can disturb the metabolism, an already faulty metabolism can equally create a breeding ground for pathogens – a real chicken and egg situation.

Ayurvedic treatment for IBS, whether in the case in the case of either diarrhoea or constipation, sets out to increase enzyme production, not by supplying enzymes but by using medicines that treat the gut so that it can be enabled to produce its own. In this way, the metabolism is activated. Binding herbs are also sometimes used to ‘hold’ the food.

Diet is naturally given close attention, particularly with regard to individual intolerances. Such foods as chilli, beans and cauliflower frequently need to be avoided, as do all items that aggravate Vata.

Acute cases of IBS generally respond to treatment within a few weeks, but chronic cases which may involve symptoms of weakness, anaemia or cramps can take as long as 6 months to a year.

For further information or advice please call the Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260.