IBS Awareness Month: 10 Desi Superfoods That Can Help In Management
IBS Awareness Month is observed every April to raise awareness about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. IBS Awareness Month promotes better understanding, early diagnosis, and holistic management strategies, including lifestyle, diet, and mental health support. In India, where digestive health issues are common but often misunderstood, incorporating desi superfoods into the diet can play a vital role in managing IBS symptoms naturally and effectively. In this article, we outline the best desi superfoods for IBS management.
10 Desi superfoods that can help in IBS management
1. Curd
Curd is a natural probiotic that supports gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria. For people with IBS, this can help reduce bloating, ease digestion, and improve stool consistency. Opt for homemade or unsweetened curd, and if lactose is a trigger, try lactose-free versions or switch to fermented options like coconut curd.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is light, hydrating, and easier to digest than milk. It contains beneficial bacteria and lactic acid, which can soothe the gut lining and reduce inflammation. Adding roasted cumin (jeera) or ajwain can further enhance its digestive benefits, making it a perfect post-meal drink for IBS sufferers.
3. Fennel seeds
Chewing fennel seeds after meals helps relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion—classic IBS complaints. Fennel relaxes the intestinal muscles and can also reduce cramping. You can also steep fennel seeds in hot water to make a gentle digestive tea.
4. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and carminative properties that help calm the stomach and ease nausea and cramps. It aids motility in the intestines and helps balance gut bacteria. You can consume it fresh in chai, soups, or as ginger water on an empty stomach.
5. Ajwain
Ajwain is a time-tested remedy for digestive issues in Indian households. It contains thymol, which enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes. Drinking ajwain water or chewing a pinch with warm water can help with bloating and stomach discomfort in IBS.
6. Asafoetida
Hing is a powerful spice that reduces gas formation and supports smooth digestion. It acts as a natural antispasmodic, reducing intestinal contractions and pain. A pinch of hing in curries or dissolved in warm water works wonders, especially for people with gas-dominant IBS.
7. Curry leaves
These aromatic leaves have mild laxative properties and aid digestion. They help in maintaining intestinal pH balance and improving gut motility. You can chew them fresh, blend into chutneys, or steep in hot water for a cleansing herbal tea.
8. Amla
Amla also known as Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C and fibre, and it supports healthy bowel movement. It also improves liver function and bile secretion, which are essential for digestion. However, for some people with IBS, especially those prone to diarrhoea, it should be taken in small quantities.
9. Moong dal
Moong dal is light, protein-rich, and easy to digest. It causes less bloating compared to other pulses, making it a suitable option for people with IBS. Cook it with minimal spices and combine with rice or soft vegetables for a gentle, gut-friendly meal.
10. Banana
Ripe bananas are soothing to the digestive tract and help regulate bowel movements. They're especially helpful in managing IBS with diarrhoea due to their binding quality. Rich in potassium and pectin, bananas support gut repair and reduce irritation.
Add these foods to your diet to better manage IBS.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
KKR-backed IVI to buy ART Fertility Clinics for $450 million
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel KKR-backed IVI RMA Global, a US-based leader in infertility treatment, is set to acquire ART Fertility Clinics for $400-450 million, according to people familiar with the matter. The acquisition marks a significant step in IVI RMA's global expansion, adding India to its presence in over 15 countries and more than 190 clinical offices across the US, Europe and Latin parties are in the final stages of documentation for a shareholders' agreement and are hoping to wrap up the transaction by June with private hospitals, the IVF industry in India too is witnessing consolidation as several private equity funds have been aggressive with acquisitions. In 2023, Swedish fund EQT Partners acquired a significant majority stake in Indira IVF, the largest provider of fertility services in India and top five globally in terms of annual IVF cycles, at a $1.1 billion ('9,000 crore) Fertility Clinics began in 2015 as IVI Middle East, an international arm of IVI RMA Global. In 2020, IVI RMA divested the business to Gulf Capital, which rebranded it as ART Fertility Clinics. Since then, the brand has rapidly grown, expanding across West Asia and clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain in the UAE as well as 11 centres across India, ART Fertility has established itself as a high-performance network in reproductive medicine. The Indian expansion began in 2021, backed by a $30 million investment from Gulf Fertility operates in big Indian cities including Mumbai, Noida, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and by Suresh Soni, former co-founder and CEO of Nova IVF Fertility, ART Fertility reports a pregnancy success rate of 70% and has recorded over 5,000 successful pregnancies in under nine to sources, ART Fertility posted revenue of $100-120 million in FY25, with an estimated Ebitda of $35 million."For an Indian healthcare player, a $25-35 million ebitda which is borderline ebitda positive coming from the Middle East would add no value," said a fund manager at a Mumbai-based private equity firm that operates a pan-India IVF chain. "However, IVI being a US player where multiples are low, adding a Middle East business works well."IVI RMA trumped a rival bid by Temasek-backed Cloudnine Hospitals.A KKR spokesperson declined to comment. IVI RMA and ART Fertility did not respond to is the advisor in the is rapidly emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing markets for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). However, the sector has scope for expansion at 210 IVF cycles per million people, compared with 1,200 in the US and over 2,000 in affects approximately 15% of Indian couples, a figure expected to rise due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, late marriages, and to EY, India's IVF market is expected to grow from $793 million in 2020 to $1.45 billion by 2027, at a projected CAGR of 15-20%.India sees around 300,000 IVF cycles annually, with projections suggesting this could grow to 500,000-600,000 cycles by 2030. About 30% of the market is controlled by 10-15 organised players, while the remaining is fragmented among smaller, unorganised clinics. Key players in India's fertility sector include Indira IVF, Nova IVF, Oasis IVF, Bloom Fertility Centre, Bengaluru-based Milann, Morpheus IVF, Ridge IVF, Akanksha IVF and Bourn Hall IVF, the second largest player in India, is owned by Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH), the single specialty hospitals platform backed by GIC and homegrown PE fund Kedaara Capital owns a minority stake in Oasis Fertility, while Brussels-based fund Verlinvest owns a controlling stake in Ferty9 F, a premier chain of fertility clinics in the AP/Telangana region.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Seminar on MBBS, global education pathways in Pune draws enthusiastic response
1 2 P une: A large gathering of aspiring students and parents attended an informative Mission Admission seminar organised by The Times of India jointly with The Astute Academy at Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao Junior College auditorium on Sunday. Conducted by Tushar Vinod Deoras, a former BARC scientist and chairman of Astute Academy, the seminar aimed to demystify the complexities of Indian and international admissions for MBBS and higher education. The first session focused on the Indian MBBS admission process, offering clarity for students with NEET scores as low as 200. Attendees also learned about affordable pathways to study medicine in the United States through structured Indo-American university collaborations. The second session delved into undergraduate and postgraduate admissions in the US and Germany. Parents and students were provided with detailed guidance on securing spots at prestigious universities abroad. During the first session, Deoras shared a wealth of information. He pointed out that many private medical colleges offer donation-free management quota merit seats. He explained fee structures, wherein funding is controlled by govt, and proposed to students tripartite Indo-American university partnered systems, which provide affordable, sophisticated modern medical education in the US and subsequently offer employer-relevant value around the globe. The second session was about undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered in the US and Germany, particularly emphasising on Ivy League schools and Germany's technical universities. Deoras noted how flexible and multidisciplinary the US system is, with more emphasis on career focus than rigid course structures. He urged students to start building their profiles as early as Std IX and to apply to international universities at least one year in advance, as most operate on a first-come, first-served basis. He said, "Quality education and a successful career are a student's fundamental right. Students and parents should not judge countries by stereotypes but understand which system aligns best with the student's goals." A highlight of the seminar was its interactive nature. One parent shared, "The session was very enlightening. Many doubts regarding my son's education were resolved, and I feel much more at peace now." Another participant raised a query about dentistry as a career path, to which Deoras responded that it remains an underappreciated but highly rewarding field in India. While initial years in practice may be challenging, dentistry offers significant long-term growth and financial prospects. Deoras also addressed several audience questions about state-wise admission quotas for MBBS, the application process for foreign universities, and the admission timelines and requirements for medical education abroad. The seminar concluded with a positive response from the audience who appreciated the transparency, practical guidance, and motivational approach.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
KKR-backed IVI to buy ART Fertility Clinics for $450 million
KKR-backed IVI RMA Global, a US-based leader in infertility treatment, is set to acquire ART Fertility Clinics for $400-450 million, according to people familiar with the matter. The acquisition marks a significant step in IVI RMA's global expansion, adding India to its presence in over 15 countries and more than 190 clinical offices across the US, Europe and Latin America. Both parties are in the final stages of documentation for a shareholders' agreement and are hoping to wrap up the transaction by June end. As with private hospitals, the IVF industry in India too is witnessing consolidation as several private equity funds have been aggressive with acquisitions. In 2023, Swedish fund EQT Partners acquired a significant majority stake in Indira IVF, the largest provider of fertility services in India and top five globally in terms of annual IVF cycles, at a $1.1 billion ('9,000 crore) valuation. ART Fertility Clinics began in 2015 as IVI Middle East, an international arm of IVI RMA Global. In 2020, IVI RMA divested the business to Gulf Capital, which rebranded it as ART Fertility Clinics. Since then, the brand has rapidly grown, expanding across West Asia and India. Live Events With clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain in the UAE as well as 11 centres across India, ART Fertility has established itself as a high-performance network in reproductive medicine. The Indian expansion began in 2021, backed by a $30 million investment from Gulf Capital. ART Fertility operates in big Indian cities including Mumbai, Noida, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad. Led by Suresh Soni, former co-founder and CEO of Nova IVF Fertility, ART Fertility reports a pregnancy success rate of 70% and has recorded over 5,000 successful pregnancies in under nine years. According to sources, ART Fertility posted revenue of $100-120 million in FY25, with an estimated Ebitda of $35 million. "For an Indian healthcare player, a $25-35 million ebitda which is borderline ebitda positive coming from the Middle East would add no value," said a fund manager at a Mumbai-based private equity firm that operates a pan-India IVF chain. "However, IVI being a US player where multiples are low, adding a Middle East business works well." IVI RMA trumped a rival bid by Temasek-backed Cloudnine Hospitals. A KKR spokesperson declined to comment. IVI RMA and ART Fertility did not respond to queries. Moelis is the advisor in the transaction. India is rapidly emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing markets for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). However, the sector has scope for expansion at 210 IVF cycles per million people, compared with 1,200 in the US and over 2,000 in Europe. Infertility affects approximately 15% of Indian couples, a figure expected to rise due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, late marriages, and pollution. According to EY, India's IVF market is expected to grow from $793 million in 2020 to $1.45 billion by 2027, at a projected CAGR of 15-20%. India sees around 300,000 IVF cycles annually, with projections suggesting this could grow to 500,000-600,000 cycles by 2030. About 30% of the market is controlled by 10-15 organised players, while the remaining is fragmented among smaller, unorganised clinics. Key players in India's fertility sector include Indira IVF, Nova IVF, Oasis IVF, Bloom Fertility Centre, Bengaluru-based Milann, Morpheus IVF, Ridge IVF, Akanksha IVF and Bourn Hall Clinic. Nova IVF, the second largest player in India, is owned by Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH), the single specialty hospitals platform backed by GIC and TPG. Similarly, homegrown PE fund Kedaara Capital owns a minority stake in Oasis Fertility, while Brussels-based fund Verlinvest owns a controlling stake in Ferty9 F, a premier chain of fertility clinics in the AP/Telangana region.
