We have all experienced that one odd episode of tummy upset. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a condition which is characterised by the combination of belly discomfort, pain and painful bowel movements. What is the hype about irritable bowel syndrome? It’s not a severe, life-threatening disease but it can affect the quality of life of the affected person. He or she may need to change their work settings, timings and many other daily activities which can be depressing. Although, in many people, the symptoms can be controlled by managing diet, stress levels and different lifestyles. The good news is that irritable bowel syndrome does not change the bowel tissue or lead to colorectal cancer.
The Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can Vary and Include:
- Violent episodes of diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea alternating with constipation
- Excessive gas or bloating
- Abdominal pain and associated cramping especially in the lower half of the belly which gets worse after meals
- Presence of mucus in stool
- The texture of the stool looks like pellets of flat ribbons
- Protruding belly
These symptoms can become worse and seem to improve or disappear completely at times.
There can be many Causes of IBS like:
- Severe infection- Studies have found that IBS is also linked with an excess of bacteria in the intestines. It can also develop after a bout of gastroenteritis caused by bacteria or virus.
- Inflammation of intestines- excess of immune system cells in the intestine causes inflammation leading to pain and diarrhoea.
- Microflora or the population of good bacteria in the stomach and intestine play an essential role in keeping good health. People suffering from IBS have a different microflora as compared to healthy individuals.
- If the nerve signals between the brain and intestines are not well coordinated, then the body tends to overreact to changes in the digestive system giving rise to symptoms of IBS.
- Muscle contractions in the intestine that are stronger and last longer can cause gas, bloating and diarrhoea.
Some of the Triggers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are as Follows:
- Hormones- Hormonal changes, especially in women, can bring about the changes in bowel movements.
- Food- Certain foods or beverages like dairy, wheat (gluten), citrus fruits, cabbage, aerated drinks etc. can cause IBS.
- Stress- increased stress levels can lead to increased episodes of IBS with more severe symptoms. It is a vicious circle of how pressure can increase IBS and IBS, in turn, causes depression and anxiety.
The diagnosis for IBS starts off by checking the entire medical history. Some of the specific tests for Irritable bowel syndrome are Manning criteria, Rome criteria, colonoscopy, X-ray or CT scan, flexible sigmoidoscopy, lactose intolerance tests, stool tests, breathe test for intestinal bacterial growth. Medications for gas, bloating and the physician can prescribe pain management.
Bagdara Farms has a product by the name of Tummyric that can help to alleviate the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome. Endowed with the natural goodness of curcumin and turmerone, this product goes a long way in treating irritable bowel syndrome.
- Curcumin can control the painful spasms in the stomach as they possess antispasmodic properties and help to relax the contractions of smooth muscle cells of the colon.
- In the case of post-infection IBS, there can be some inflammation adding to the severity of the symptoms. Curcumin has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in getting rid of this condition.
- Many patients of IBS do suffer from anxiety and depression. Curcumin increases the serotonin levels and offers antidepressant action in such individuals.
- The altered nerve signals between the gut and the brain can be improved by the regular consumption of curcumin which is beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome.
- Some food allergies can also cause IBS. The immunomodulatory action of curcumin can help in inhibiting such allergic reactions that produce it.
Recommended Dosages:
For 5 to 9 years old
- ¼ tsp Tummyric is to be mixed with a small bowl of yoghurt along with sugar and salt as per the taste. Give it to children twice a day.
- ½ tsp Tummyric can be taken with warm water and one tsp of honey before going to bed.
For ten years and above
- Add Tummyric in your regular glass of green tea twice a day.
- Take ½ tsp Tummyric, a pinch of black pepper, a pinch of salt and a bowl of curd. Consume it twice a day.
- Having ½ tsp Tummyric with warm water and honey before going to bed is also very effective in IBS.
It is advisable to start taking this product in small quantities and gradually increasing the dosage over a period. This product should not be given to children below the age of 2 years.