Latest news with #IBS-like
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Ayurvedic secrets for a healthier digestive system
Our gut is far more than just a digestive organ—it is a cornerstone of our immunity, a silent contributor to our mental well-being, and a key player in nutrient absorption and inflammation control. As modern science delves deeper into the gut-brain axis and microbiome research, there's a renewed interest in turning to nature for holistic, sustainable digestive Today spoke to Ruchi Sharma, certified nutritionist and functional health coach, in collaboration with Organic India, to understand how time-tested herbs and organic ingredients are helping people rediscover digestive balance through natural means. From ancient Ayurvedic blends to modern-day mindful routines, Sharma emphasises the power of organic purity in nurturing long-term gut GUTDigestive discomfort, bloating, constipation, and irregular bowel movements are increasingly common complaints—yet they're often dismissed or normalised. According to Sharma, these signs may indicate deeper issues like gut dysbiosis or imbalance in the microbiome. "Lifestyle factors like stress, processed food, lack of hydration, and sedentary habits create a perfect storm for digestive sluggishness," she notes. A thriving gut is the foundation of long-term wellness. And to nourish it, Sharma encourages a return to nature: 'Organic, whole-plant ingredients carry the intelligence of nature. "They don't just treat symptoms, they restore balance.'PSYLLIUM HUSKKnown traditionally as Isabgol, psyllium husk is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. When consumed, it forms a gentle gel in the gut, easing bowel movements and alleviating bloating without disrupting the body's natural digestive rhythm. Sharma explains, 'Psyllium's beauty lies in how gently it works—helping regulate bowel function, cholesterol, and even metabolism without dependency.'TRIPHALAadvertisementTriphala is an age-old Ayurvedic combination of three fruits—Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki—renowned for their synergistic effects. 'Triphala not only supports elimination and detox but also enhances nutrient absorption,' says Sharma. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, this gentle cleanser is ideal for maintaining regularity and gut AND CHANDRASHOORFor those who deal with IBS-like symptoms, including cramping, irregular stools, or gut sensitivity, the combination of Bael leaf and Chandrashoor (garden cress seeds) offers comforting relief. 'These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and work well when paired with fiber like Isabgol to offer deep gut support,' Sharma explains. They help reduce episodes of discomfort while promoting consistency in AND GINGERTulsi (Holy Basil) and ginger are household names, but their digestive powers are often underestimated. 'Tulsi is excellent for managing stress-related digestive issues, while ginger stimulates digestive enzymes and supports metabolism,' Sharma says. Sipped as herbal infusions or brewed with green tea, these herbs act as both soothing balancers and energising stimulants for the A DIGESTIVE ROUTINEAyurvedic wisdom teaches that consistency in self-care is as important as the remedies themselves. Whether it's taking Triphala before bed or beginning the day with a Tulsi-ginger infusion, these rituals anchor wellness. Sharma emphasises the value of integrating such practices into daily life: 'Our gut loves rhythm. When we care for it consistently, it begins to care for us in return.'CHOOSING PURE, WHOLE INGREDIENTSadvertisementWhen choosing herbal supplements or infusions, Sharma urges a shift toward organic, whole-herb preparations. 'Whole herbs preserve nature's full spectrum of nutrients,' she explains, 'and their compounds work harmoniously to bring real benefits". Unlike isolated extracts, they support the body's intelligence.'By avoiding harmful chemical residues, organic products deliver nourishment in its purest form—allowing the gut to absorb, heal, and thrive. Brands like Organic India, known for their dedication to sustainable, whole-herb formulations, embody this philosophy, offering products that support both digestion and a more conscious 'S WISDOM FOR MODERN TIMESIn an age of fast fixes and quick relief, the gentle, steady wisdom of nature offers a refreshing contrast. Whether you are trying to resolve occasional discomfort or foster lifelong digestive resilience, time-tested remedies rooted in Ayurveda can be a powerful ally.'Gut health is not a trend,' Sharma concludes, 'it's the foundation of our energy, mood, and immunity." Our entire body benefits when we honor it with natural, authentic care.'Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on medication. Always check ingredient lists to avoid allergic reactions or adverse Watch
India Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Drinking hing water for better immunity, respiratory health, and weight-loss support
Hing, also known as asafoetida, is a strong-smelling spice widely used in Indian cooking—not just for its flavour, but also for its powerful medicinal properties. When dissolved in warm water, this humble spice turns into a potent detox drink that can support digestion, hormonal balance, and even skin health. Here's a closer look at why drinking hing water daily can be a game-changer for your DIGESTIONadvertisementHing is best known for its digestive benefits. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and reduces issues like bloating, gas, and hing water in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism and keeps your gut BLOATING AND GASThanks to its carminative properties, hing relaxes the intestinal walls and helps release trapped makes it especially effective for people who often feel bloated or suffer from IBS-like METABOLISM Hing water promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption, which in turn supports a more efficient metabolism.A healthy metabolism can aid in weight management and energy production throughout the MENSTRUAL PAINAsafoetida has natural antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory hing water can help reduce cramps and discomfort during menstruation by relaxing the uterine muscles and improving blood THE BODYHing water acts as a natural flushes out toxins from the digestive tract, supports liver function, and helps cleanse the body of harmful substances accumulated from food and IMMUNITYadvertisementRich in antioxidants and antiviral compounds, hing can help strengthen your immune consumption of hing water may reduce the frequency of infections and support overall HORMONESHing supports hormonal balance, especially in helps regulate the secretion of progesterone and estrogen, which can aid in conditions like PCOS and irregular WEIGHT LOSSBy improving digestion, reducing appetite, and boosting metabolism, hing water may support healthy weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and active SKINA clean gut often reflects on the skin. Hing water helps reduce acne, inflammation, and dullness by flushing out toxins and improving digestion, which can lead to clearer and brighter RESPIRATORY HEALTHThe anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of hing also make it beneficial for relieving chest congestion, asthma symptoms, and cough. Drinking hing water may help open up nasal passages and ease TO MAKE HING WATERTake a pinch ( tsp) of hing powderDissolve it in a glass of warm waterDrink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomachAvoid drinking in excess, and consult your doctor if you're pregnant, nursing, or on water is a powerful home remedy rooted in Ayurveda that can improve digestion, detoxify the body, and support various aspects of health. It's simple to make, cost-effective, and when consumed regularly (in moderation), can offer long-term wellness benefits.
Emirates Woman
02-05-2025
- Health
- Emirates Woman
Gut Feel: How to heal your gut from the inside out
Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Doctor at Wellth, on how to heal your gut from the inside out. The gut is the second brain. How does it work? Your gut contains over 100 million neurons and produces around 90 per cent of your serotonin. It communicates with your brain via the vagus nerve, sending constant updates about your physical and emotional state. This gut-brain axis explains why gut health influences mood, memory, and even anxiety. What does good gut health look like? Good gut health means optimal digestion, regular and pain-free bowel movements (typically one to three times per day), absence of bloating, minimal gas, stable energy levels, clear skin, balanced mood, strong immunity, and a sense of lightness after meals. It's not just about digestion – your gut impacts your entire system, including hormones and brain function. Alternatively, what are the symptoms of a bad gut? Common signs include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, excessive gas, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues (like acne or eczema), food sensitivities, and mood disturbances such as anxiety or irritability. Recurrent infections or poor immunity can also be linked to gut dysfunction. With a heightened social awareness of gut health, is there such a thing as overdoing it with probiotics? Yes, more is not always better. Overuse of probiotics – especially without guidance – can lead to symptoms like bloating or imbalance, particularly if the strains are not tailored to the individual. The microbiome is like a garden: balance and diversity matter more than sheer quantity. Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Doctor at Wellth What are the common issues women in the Middle East suffer from when it comes to gut health? Many women face bloating, sluggish digestion, and IBS-like symptoms due to high stress levels, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep, frequent use of antibiotics, and a diet high in refined carbs and low in fiber. Vitamin D deficiency, common in the region, can also negatively impact gut function. What tests can one take to get a baseline gut health assessment? A comprehensive stool test such as the GI-MAP is a powerful tool – it identifies bacterial imbalances, parasites, inflammation, and markers of digestion and immune function. Other useful tests include food sensitivity panels, zonulin (for gut permeability), and organic acids to assess dysbiosis and yeast overgrowth. What are the nutritional dietary sources for rebalancing the gut? And what food should one avoid that disrupt the gut health foundation? Focus on a variety of fiber-rich vegetables, fermented foods (like sauerkraut or kefir), polyphenol-rich fruits (like berries), and omega-3s. Avoid ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, excessive alcohol, and refined sugars – all of which damage the gut lining and feed harmful bacteria. Food diversity is key for microbial diversity. In terms of lifestyle, what habits can one do long-term to support a healthier gut? Daily habits include: managing stress (chronic stress alters gut function), prioritising quality sleep, moving your body regularly, eating slowly and chewing properly, limiting unnecessary antibiotics or acid-suppressing medications and fasting overnight for at least 12 hours to give the gut time to rest. For those looking to add live culture into your system, what is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that you can ingest through supplements or fermented foods. Prebiotics are the fibers that feed these bacteria – found in foods like onions, garlic, leeks, and bananas. Both are essential for a thriving gut ecosystem. There is a thin crossover between strains. For the consumer, what should we be looking out for on gut-supporting supplements? Look for clinically studied strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (immune and gut barrier support), Bifidobacterium lactis (constipation and inflammation) and Saccharomyces boulardii (helpful post-antibiotic or for travel). Choose supplements that list the strain (not just the species), contain at least 10–30 billion CFUs, and have been tested for shelf stability. Do you suggest different dosages for those dealing with a gut-related issue – is there such a thing as overdoing it with probiotics? Yes. Therapeutic doses may be higher short-term, but they should always be customised. For example, post-antibiotic or during travel, you may need specific strains at higher doses. However, too many probiotics without addressing diet and lifestyle won't solve the root issue – and can sometimes aggravate symptoms. This is The Discovery Issue – what is your recent wellness discovery? A recent game-changer is the discovery of how gut microbiome diversity can influence estrogen metabolism – especially in women. The 'estrobolome,' a subset of gut bacteria, helps regulate estrogen levels. When this is out of balance, it may contribute to PMS, PCOS, or endometriosis. This has opened new doors in personalised female healthcare. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied, Getty Images, and Pexels
