Top Health Tips on Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Ayurveda is an everyday life science that cures a number of diseases based on the use of herbs, yoga, oil massages and a number of lifestyle tweaks. Ayurveda uses everyday tweaks in order to reach the root cause of the ailment and cure it. Therefore, it makes use of a lot of everyday items that can make changes in the dosha that creates an imbalance. Ginger is one such ingredient that has a number of health benefits as per Ayurveda. It is a root spice or flowering plant with an orange brown hue. Read on to know more.

1. Healing Digestive Properties - Ginger has a number of healing properties. This makes it ideal for patients who are suffering from digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. It also helps in improved production of the digestive juices which can help in flushing out toxins or Ama. This spice also keeps the digestive fires burning due to the heat that it emanates (produces).

2. Nutrition - Ginger also helps in better absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the food that we eat. This helps in better weight management as well as better digestion which can prevent a number of diseases including cancer.

3. Stress - Brewing a cup of green or white tea with a hint of ginger can instantly spread a wonderful fragrance throughout the home and envelope your senses for better calm. The fragrant properties of ginger also have a healing effect which can lessen and prevent stress.

4. Nausea - Small doses of ginger are especially helpful for pregnant women who are suffering from acute and excessive morning sickness or nausea.

5. Muscle Pain - Ginger can be used to bring down the pain and soreness in one's muscles. It can be brewed as tea or taken in small slivers after a particularly intense workout. It is also known to help in relieving pain experienced by patients suffering from arthritis and other joint and muscle related ailments. This condiment also helps in reducing the inflammation in the joints due to its proven anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Diabetes and Heart Disease - Ginger is known to dramatically reduce blood sugar levels. It shows a reduction on the markers for oxidized lipoproteins, which also lowers the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

7. Menstrual Pain - Just a gram or two of ginger can be ingested on a daily basis to relieve the severe pain of menstrual cramps for women.

Ginger can be used to season food like salads, curries and stir-fried vegetables and also for preparing tea so that some quantity can be ingested every day.

When the digestive tract is affected by a group of disorders, it is commonly described as IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. It is classified into two main types:

Ulcerative colitis
Crohn s disease.
Symptoms-

Common symptoms associated with both these diseases include a change in

Bowel habits
Diarrhea
Pain in the abdomen
Fatigue
Reduced appetite
Extreme weight loss.
Left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening. When it comes to either of these inflammatory bowel diseases, the goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation and pain and reduce the risk of complications.

Role Of Homepopathy In Treating IBD-

Homeopathy can be very effective in dealing with inflammatory bowel disease. This form of treatment not only reduces the intensity of the symptoms being experienced but addresses the root cause of the issue and keeps it from recurring frequently. Homeopathic medications have negligible side effects and can be safely prescribed to children and adults of all ages. This medication can be taken alongside other forms of therapy as well. However, self-medication is not advised. This is because homeopathy is a form of constitutional medication where the ideal remedy is based on the symptoms shown as well as the patient s overall physical and mental health. Thus, a remedy that is effective for one person may not be equally effective for another.

While some homeopathic remedies are prescribed for patients suffering from diarrhea that worsens in the morning, patients who complain of diarrhea that is aggravated at night may be prescribed a different medication. Medication is also dependent on the foods that trigger bowel irritation. For example, different homeopathic remedies are needed for patients who complain of diarrhea worsening by eating fruits and milk and those who get diarrhea after eating meat. The patient s lifestyle can also influence the remedy. For example, some patients may prefer cold water while others prefer to drink warm water. The same medication cannot be prescribed to both of these patients.

When following a homeopathic mode of treatment, it is important to follow the prescription and be patient. Since homeopathy addresses the root cause of the issue, its effects may be slow to notice. However, it provides a long-term solution. Do not change the medication or its dosage on your own. Ideally, when taking homeopathic medication, a gap of at least half an hour must be maintained before eating or drinking anything. If two or more medicines must be taken at the same time, maintain a gap of about 5 minutes between each of them.

Curd is a staple in every household in India; whether it is served with piping hot parathas or by itself after a meal. The simple food item is packed with a number of nutrients and helps in increasing the health benefits in your body.

Here are a few reasons why you should be eating curd, almost every day:

Probiotics help in digestion: Curd, being rich in probiotics (good bacteria), improves digestion as it kills all the harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and aids the proliferation of good bacteria. Probiotics also help in the prevention of various digestive issues such as cramps, bloating and abdominal pain caused due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Promotes weight loss around the belly: A hormone called cortisol, also called the stress hormone persuades the fat cells to produce more fat around your belly area. Consuming a cup of curd daily increases the amount of calcium in your body which limits the release of cortisol, thus, helping you lose weight. Curd also retains one-third of lean muscle mass which helps you maintain your physique post those dropped kilos for a longer time.
Curd strengthens your immunity system: A cup of curd is loaded with good bacteria which is essential for fighting off germs, thereby making your immune system stronger and more persistent. Making curd a part of your daily diet is a great idea as it is effective in preventing yeast infections around the vaginal area.
Toughens up your skeletal system: Like all dairy products, curd is rich in calcium which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Apart from calcium, curd is rich in phosphorous and together, they quicken the bone growth process and helps in preventing arthritis and osteoporosis.
Helps in improving cardiovascular health: Eating curd helps in improving cardiovascular health as it discourages the spread of cholesterol around the arterial area, thus, reducing the risks of a coronary disease. Curd reduces hypertension which is a pre-cursor to most heart ailments.

Desi ghee is a powerhouse of vitamins and fatty acids which promote good health. It is an ancient remedy for cough, cold and soft skin, but in the last few years, the credibility of saturated fats like desi ghee has been in question.

There are some people who believe that saturated fats are the bad fats but a recent research and majority of health experts agree that naturally occurring saturated fats present in desi ghee are actually good for your health. Here are 8 amazing health benefits of desi ghee:

Builds Strong Bones: Desi ghee is one of the few foods that are rich in Vitamin K, especially Vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 helps the body to utilize essential minerals, including calcium and thus improves bone health and development. Also, the right amount of desi ghee helps eliminate tooth decay. Another function of desi ghee is to keep joints and connective tissues lubricated, increasing flexibility.

Immune System Booster: Desi ghee is packed with Vitamin A which helps eliminate free radicals in the body. Vitamin A is linked to the proper functioning of the immune system. That s not all; Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent certain types of cancer, especially ulcerative colitis that could otherwise lead to colon cancer.

Boosts Energy Levels: Since experts recommend that athletes should use desi ghee as a consistent energy source, we can take the same advice. The fatty acids in desi ghee are quickly processed by the liver and broken into energy. Apart from boosting metabolism and energy levels, desi ghee aids in the body s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K, which enhance stamina.

High Smoking Point: While being processed, desi ghee can endure a higher smoking point compared to coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. This means that it won't break into free radicals till the temperature rises to 482 Fahrenheit. These villainous free radicals are unstable molecules that create havoc on our health, from premature aging to cancer. So when you consume desi ghee your risk levels of ingesting those villains are extremely low.

Improves Digestive Tract: Desi ghee is rich in butyric acid. A study reveals that people with unhealthy digestive tract don t naturally produce butyric acid. Since good digestion is a key to good health, it s essential to incorporate foods rich in butyric acid into your diet to aid digestion. This acid nourishes cells in the intestines, reduces leakage of undigested food particles and aids in the repair of the mucosal wall.

Reduces Inflammation: Butyric acid is one of the major fatty acids that the body needs to fight inflammation, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases would be adviced to include desi ghee in their diet. According to Ayurveda, gently rubbing desi ghee on cranky joints can help soothe inflammation, lubricate joints and banish arthritis stiffness.

Keeps Your Eyes Healthy: The vitamin A present in desi ghee improves eye health and this reduces several eye-related health problems. This powerful antioxidant reduces the risk of macular degeneration and the development of cataract. The fatty acid in ghee augments the body s absorption of this important vitamin as well as other nutrients.

Healthier Skin: Desi ghee s natural properties can keep skin moisturized for a long period of time. It penetrates deep into the skin to keep it hydrated; dry skin accelerates premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines and saggy skin. To avoid this, one can generously massage lukewarm desi ghee on the skin, keep it for 10 mins and take a shower. Regular usage will give you a lasting, glowing skin.

So, by now you must have understood that desi ghee is not our foe but a good friend that everyone should have. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The human body consists of a wide variety of bacteria which are either good or bad for your body. The general image of bacteria is that they only cause harm to your body, but this is not the actual scenario and there are many types of good bacteria as well which are actually beneficial for your health. Probiotics are health supplements that usually contain live bacteria to be consumed in solid or liquid form. One of the most important functions of probiotics is that they help in ensuring a functional and healthy digestive system.

Why are they beneficial for you?
Whenever you experience a fall in the good bacteria count inside your body due to activities like taking heavy antibiotic medications on a regular basis, then probiotics come into the picture. Probiotics actually reverse the change caused by antibiotics and raises the good bacteria inside your body. Additionally, probiotics also help in maintaining a proper balance between the good and the bad bacteria inside your body.

Types

All the probiotics are classified into 2 broad groups, but you should always consult your dietician before choosing a probiotic for yourself.

Lactobacillus - This is the most common form of probiotic, which is usually present in fermented foods and yoghurt. It is most beneficial in cases where people cannot digest lactose (the sugar present in the milk consumed).
Bifidobacterium - This is the second category of good bacteria and it mostly regulates and speeds up the activities related to your digestive system. It is usually found in most of the dairy products and it helps to cure a disorder called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem that affects mainly the bowel, which is also called the large intestine. The bowel is the part of the digestive system that makes and stores stool. The word syndrome means a group of symptoms. IBS is a syndrome because it can cause several symptoms. For example, IBS causes cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation IBS is not a disease. It s a functional disorder, which means that the bowel doesn t work as it should.

Causes

Stress
Food Sensitivity
Genetic tendencies
Infections
Drugs
Post Surgery
Symptoms

The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort, often reported as cramping, along with changes in bowel habits. To meet the definition of IBS, the pain or discomfort will be associated with at least two of the following three symptoms:

bowel movements that occur more or less often than usual
stool that appears less solid and more watery, or harder and more lumpy, than usual
bowel movements that improve the discomfort
Other symptoms of IBS may include:

diarrhea - having loose, watery stools three or more times a day and feeling urgency to have a bowel movement.
constipation - having fewer than three bowel movements a week. During a bowel movement, stools can be hard, dry, and small, making them difficult to pass. Some people find it painful and often have to strain to have a bowel movement.
feeling that a bowel movement is incomplete.
passing mucus - a clear liquid made by the intestines that coats and protects tissues in the GI tract.
abdominal bloating.
Symptoms may often occur after eating a meal. To meet the definition of IBS, symptoms must occur at least three times a month.

Role of Homeopathy

The exact cause of these conditions is unknown and widely a faulty immune response is accepted as the probable cause. Though the precise healing mechanism of homeopathic medicines is unknown, it is widely theorized that homeopathic medicines help by:

Stimulating the immuner response (like a vaccine) to produce a favourable healing reaction
Correcting faulty immune responses to stimuli
Has proven to relieve other suspected autoimmune conditions such as: Alopecia Areata, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Vitiligo, Thyroiditis.
Similarly, homeopathy should be opted for suspected autoimmune diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (Crohn s, Celiac, Ulcerative colitis).
Homeopathy is a non-steroidal treatment option and can be taken indefinitely without the fear of ant side-effects.
Since the above conditions involve a faulty immune response, Homeopathy has a distinct role and offers hope to those affected. Like numberous other autoimmune conditions (Vitiligo, Thyroid Disease, etc.) we believe that the autoimmune responses can be minimized through homeopathy. In-depth research and clinical case studies need to be conducted in this sphere. Nevertheless, most streated here experience beneficial results a positive long-term outcome.

Do you love chewing gum? You love popping it and get a kick when chewing gum with friends. You think it s a style statement and a cool thing to do. Above all, you think it s only for fun and is harmless! Well, this article may be an eye opener for you. Here are some facts about chewing gum that can change your thinking.

Chewing gum has been a favourite snack for millions of people, especially children and adolescents. Besides the sweetness, people like it for its flavour. Many people also use it as a replacement for a food craving. One fact that refrained many from consuming chewing gums was that it was loaded with sugar. However, with ever-growing awareness about consumption of sweetened products, the companies have now started offering sugar-free gum to health-conscious people which are made using artificial sweeteners.
The artificial sweetener most commonly used in chewing gums is aspartame whose components metabolizes into wood alcohol and formaldehyde in the body. Both have carcinogenic properties and the body is unable to eliminate them through normal waste. These have been linked to cancers, birth defects and weight gain.
Some tooth whitening gums contain an ingredient called Titanium Dioxide. This gives the chewing gum its glossy white color. It is a dangerous compound linked to many disorders including auto immune disorders, crohn s disease, asthma and cancer.
Gastrointestinal problems are quite common among chewing gum consumers. The symptoms include pain and cramps in abdomen, indigestion and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome has been found to be associated with chewing gum eaters as chewing gum can lead to swallowing of excess air and changing of bowel habits.
Dentists strongly recommend staying away from chewing gum habit, as it can be a cause of tooth decay. Chewing gum may also release mercury from Dental fillings into the system causing host of problems.
Recent research has established a link between eating chewing gum and headache and migraines. It is believed that chewing gum puts an undue pressure on temporomandibular joint causing headaches. It can also lead to pain and lack of mobility in the jaw, causing an inability to chew meals. This is called temporomandibular joint disorder and is commonly found among chewing gum lovers.
A chewing gum base is made from a combination of chemicals and non-edible substances. We generally chew it for flavour and throw the rest. However, the compounds do get stuck to the linings of the mouth and enter our system. A chewing gum adds no nutritive value and diminishes a person s ability to chew and eat normally. For its far-reaching side effects, this habit is a big no to keep. Stay safe!

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a blend of stomach discomfort or pain and issues with bowel routines: either constipation or diarrhea; or having a different kind of stool (slender, hard, or delicate and fluid). A healthy routine diet by and large comprises of eating a wide number of nutritious, low-fat nourishments with some restraint. Be that as it may, you may see an increase in your symptoms after you eat certain kinds of food when you have an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Since side effects can fluctuate between patients, there is not just one list of off-limit foods, but with that said, there are a plenty of foods that are good for your health and do not irritate your bowel habits. By staying away from the most basic irritants of IBS, you may see more consistency and also less cramps and bloating. Some of the foods that you can consume during IBS are as follows:



Fiber adds bulk to your digestive system. It is broadly accessible in grains, vegetables and natural products. Eating a lot of insoluble fiber as grains can increase your trips to the bathroom. Concentrate on soluble fiber. This includes vegetables and natural products.
While the insoluble fiber content in whole grains might be an irritant in IBS indications, certain grains cause different issues. Items containing rye, wheat, and grain contain gluten. This is a sort of protein that can harm your digestion tracts and increase symptoms of IBS. While a hypersensitivity to gluten is known as celiac infection, in any case half the patients in IBS are gluten-intolerant. Fortunately, more gluten-free items are available in the market these days. In case you cannot manage without pizza, pasta, cakes, you can simply substitute them with gluten-free products of the same kind.
Consume plenty fruits and vegetables.
Take carbohydrates in required quantity like bread, rice, oats, pasta, potatoes, chapattis and plantain.
If you happen to be lactose intolerant, include substitutes like soya, rice or oat, milk and yogurts that are rich in calcium.
Some meat, fish, eggs and alternatives like beans.
Take a limited amount of foods high in fats and sugars. Decrease intake of saturated fat that is found in butter, ghee, cheddar, meat, cakes and baked goods. Substitute these with unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, for example, sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.
Drink a lot of liquid, no less than two liters every day, for example, water or natural teas.
Whenever you go out to eat, make sure you ask for gluten-free food. Sometimes, certain kinds of food might appeal to you but try not to get tempted too often by the menu and harm your health because of it. Stick to a healthy diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a rather common intestinal tract disease which is characterized by sharp pain in the stomach, stomach gas, diarrhea or constipation. It is a chronic condition whose exact cause, although unknown, is sometimes attributed to the dysfunctional production of the neurotransmitter, dopamine.

IBS is characterized by abdominal discomfort, flatulence, irregular bowel movements, with alternating diarrhea and constipation. Women with irritable bowels syndrome may notice symptoms during their menstrual period. Symptoms get worse from eating certain foods such as animal fat, refined flour products, meat, raw fruits and vegetables.
There is no particular treatment for IBS. However, the symptoms can be brought under control through various methods. The symptoms of IBS can be controlled by making lifestyle changes such as incorporating certain modifications to your diet and reducing or managing stress levels. For severe symptoms, you may require medications.

Homeopathy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

When it comes to the homeopathic treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, homeopathy aims to completely eradicate or rather cure the problem. All the symptoms of the disease as well as that of the patient which may seem unrelated to the disease are taken into account before prescribing the right medicine for the patient. That is how it tends to strike at the root cause of the problem and not just the symptoms of the disease. That is precisely the reason that it is able to completely cure the problem. And that is also the reason that it takes some time to cure it.

Homeopathy addresses and treats the individual with IBS. Not just one s bowel or gut symptoms, as they appear on the surface - all the more reason why clinical studies substantiate the therapeutic value, effectiveness and safety of homeopathic protocols in the treatment of IBS.

Vegetable Oils are the oils that are obtained from various plants and their sources. They comprise of different types of oils which are procured from sources like seeds, herbs, nuts, legumes and fruits. Common examples of vegetable oils are olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil and peanut oil.

Mustard oil is also, in fact, a vegetable oil as is extracted from the seeds of the mustard. Mustard oil is used a lot in traditional cooking. However, today, most people like to use new varieties of vegetable oils. But how healthy is this trend?

Mustard oil is a vegetable oil obtained from mustard seeds. It is dark yellow in colour and has a pungent odour. Its main benefits are

Mustard oil contains good unsaturated fats. These fats don't get deposited in your blood vessels.
It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Mustard oil also contains Glucosinolate , a substance that has antimicrobial properties. Thus, the oil is effective against infections.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, mustard oil is very good for people with irritable bowel syndrome as it helps reduce inflammation along the lining of your stomach.
Vegetable oils

In comparison to mustard, vegetable oils are tasteless and are known to adapt to the food s natural taste, due to which consumers often pick them up over mustard.
Almost all vegetable oils are cholesterol-free, but they do contain some saturated and unsaturated fats and saturated fats, as we know, do play a role in blood cholesterol level.
Each one of the vegetable oil such as olive, sunflower and groundnut have some benefits and negatives. Let s take a quick look at the oil profiles of these three common vegetable oils before you select the oil for cooking in your kitchen.
Oil profile

Groundnut: It is high in MUFA or monounsaturated fats and PUFA or polyunsaturated fats, and both of these help in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. Groundnut is also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant with anti-cancer properties and skin benefits.
Sunflower: What s perhaps the best thing about this oil is its light flavor that doesn t overpower other ingredients. It also contains a protein that helps regulate blood glucose levels.
Olive: It s high in MUFA, so it s linked to lower risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Extra virgin oil is rich in natural plant antioxidants and these can protect against damaging free radicals. The oil is reasonably high in saturated fats, so it should be used sparingly.
You can choose the oil for yourself keeping the above guidelines in mind, as no oil is best for all. You need to match the oil with your cooking style and health needs to get the best out of it. We recommend that you mix two oils and cook. This way you get the best of the best.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!