Five Most Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Problems and Treating it with Ayurveda.

1. Five Most Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Problems and Treating it with Ayurveda. An integral part of our body’s immune system, the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is one vital organ system in our body whose proper functioning is required for enjoying optimal health. Each process, beginning from the ingestion of food to the final process of excretion of waste is handled by the GI tract. Its numerous functions include digestion, absorption of nutrients, hormone metabolism, energy production and elimination of the waste from our body. Any impairment in its functioning can cause a host of problems to show up which can include hormone imbalance, sleep disorders, low immunity, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome anal disorders, weight loss, malnutrition, etc. Ayurveda and gastrointestinal tract disorders According to Ayurveda, a healthy digestive system is a must for a healthy body. A well- functioning digestive system is imperative for producing healthy tissues (dhatus), blood and building muscles. Poor digestion also creates an imbalance in the doshas of an individual, which could be the cause of many ailments. Over the years, the number of people suffering from various disorders of the GI tract has increased tenfold. Constipation is one of the common gastrointestinal problems faced by many people all over the world today. Some of the most common causes for gastrointestinal disorders include Unhealthy diet and poor nutrition •

2. In today’s fast paced life, eating wholesome and healthy food has taken a back seat to fast foods • that can be eaten on the go. Diets nowadays include only a small quantity of fresh food with most part taken over by chemically-processed foods which contains little or no nutrients. This kind of diet increases the toxins in our body, whose accumulation over a period of time can cause digestive as well as other health-related problems. Sedentary lifestyle • An active life is now a thing of the past with the advancement in technology. The increasing use of technology has brought about a decrease in physical activity, bringing in its wake a host of ailments that need to be treated medically. Constipation, heart disease, etc. are a few of the ill effects of living a sedentary life. Stress • Stress is now fast becoming one of the factors that have a profound effect on our physical and mental health. The more stress a person is in, the more are the chances of him suffering from many disorders which include high blood pressure, poor digestion leading to poor bowel movements, low immunity, sleeplessness, etc. Overuse of medications • The use of medications to counter the many health issues caused by unhealthy diet and lifestyle has led to a marked increase in people suffering from nausea, sleeplessness, GI tract disorders, etc. Overweight • With decreasing physical activities and the increase in consumption of foods that are high in calories, obesity has become a major problem among the old and young alike. Being overweight is one of the causes that can adversely affect the proper functioning of the GI tract which increases the chances of suffering from GI disorders.

3. Treating GI disorders through Ayurveda The optimum option for treating GI disorders should be one that can not only bring back the body to its natural state of health by eliminating the illness but also one that prevents it from recurring. Each ayurvedic treatment for GI disorders will differ depending on the imbalances caused by the doshas and on the individual body type. The ideal way to treat most digestive or GI disorders would be by using a correct Ayurvedic herbal formulation along with the necessary modification of diet and lifestyle as prescribed by an ayurvedic physician. Triphala as an effective ayurvedic formulation for treating GI disorders Triphala, an herbal formulation, is a Sanskrit word meaning “three fruits” that constitutes its composition. Comprising of the fruits amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki, Triphala has been in use for centuries and is known for its amazing and effective cleansing properties, especially the gastrointestinal system of our body. A “Tridoshic Rasayana”, it balances the three elements Vata, Kapha and Pitta doshas that make-up our body constitution, thus enhancing our health and well being. It kindles the digestive fire (agni) helping in improving the digestion process. Made by drying and powdering amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki and mixing it in the required proportions, Triphala not only acts as a gentle laxative on the body, but also rejuvenates the

4. body and nourishes it. It cleanses the body of all toxic waste (ama) accumulated over time ridding it of all toxins and at the same time strengthening and nourishing the tissues. Due to its powerful cleansing and detoxifying properties, it is one of the important components in Panchakarma therapy. Consuming Triphala on a regular basis can do wonders for a person suffering from gastrointestinal problems, providing prompt relief from the discomfort and pain that is usually a given thing in GI tract disorders of all kinds. The primary advantage with Triphala is that it contains only natural ingredients thereby having fewer side effects associated with it. Among the many extraordinary health benefits that Triphala contains, a few are listed below: 1.It is a gentle laxative, assisting in regulating bowel movements, improving digestion and eliminating constipation 2.It acts as an internal cleanser of our body, helping to cleanse the digestive tract of toxins that have built up over time without causing irritation and enhancing its proper functioning. 3.Due to its neutralizing properties, it provides prompt relief from acid reflux or heartburn caused by stomach acid flowing up the food pipe. 4.Its anti inflammatory property makes it one of the powerful remedies for people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal pain 5.It’s antibiotic properties helps to prevent diarrhoea caused by bacteria 6.It contains antioxidants that help boost the immune system, fight off intestinal infections and prevent duodenal ulcers. 7.It helps the body to recover from the ill effects of stress 8.It helps strengthen the tissues of the colon 9.One of its main benefit is that it aids in weight loss by regularizing the function of the digestive tract Consuming Triphala Triphala is available in the powder and tablet form and can be consumed either way depending on individual preference. Triphala is generally consumed by making tea by mixing Triphala Churna with water. The ideal time to take Triphala is on an empty stomach preferably before bedtime or immediately after waking up in the morning. The dosage can be adjusted depending on the severity of the ailments. As with all medicines, Triphala is best taken under the prescription of a qualified Ayurvedic physician for deriving its full benefit. Triphala, the wonder herbal formulation can not only help eliminate the many ill effects caused by unhealthy lifestyle and diet that affect our digestive health but also help improve the quality of life

5. by ensuring a healthy, rejuvenated body and mind. Kick-start a healthy life today with Triphala herbal formulation and enjoy an energetic and rejuvenated new you.