Comparison of conventional low FODMAP diet therapy and Pathya Ahara in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

This paper describes the comparison between conventional low FODMAP diet therapy and Pathya ahara in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intestinal disorder causing pain in the stomach, gas, diarrhea and constipation1. The causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are not well understood. A diagnosis is often made based on the symptoms. Intake of low FODMAP diet may decrease symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. FODMAP are the carbohydrates, that are difficult to digest as they pull more water to the bowel and increase bloating, gas, pain and diarrhea. In ayurveda, symptoms of grahani resembles most of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. In grahani, deranged agni and formation of ama leads to either constipation or loose stools2. Role of pathya ahara are deepniye, pachniye, laghu and nitya sevaniya which plays an important role in grahani because one of the root cause of grahani is faulty eating habits. In Ayurveda, Pathya ahara recommendations do not differs significantly as compared to other dietary recommendations for irritable bowel syndrome.

Key words: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Grahani, FODMAP, Pathya ahara.