IBS DIARRHEA, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, WEAKNESS - #853

Your symptoms of acid reflux, tachycardia, and food regurgitation point to an imbalance primarily of the Pitta dosha, with a secondary impact on Vata, which governs nervous system functions and may be contributing to anxiety and restlessness. When Pitta is aggravated, it increases acidity and heat in the digestive tract, often worsening at night and disrupting sleep. Long-standing reflux and regurgitation can also weaken the digestive fire (Agni), making it harder for the body to process food and resulting in discomfort and a sense of heaviness. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to soothe and balance these doshas, reducing acid production, calming the heart rate, and bringing the mind to a restful state. A cooling, Pitta-soothing diet is key. Avoiding hot, spicy, sour, and fermented foods will help minimize acidity. Focus instead on foods that are easy to digest and naturally cooling, such as green leafy vegetables, gourds, and grains like barley and basmati rice. Include small amounts of ghee in your meals, as it helps calm Pitta and supports digestion without increasing acidity. Drinking tender coconut water or aloe vera juice in the morning, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can be soothing to the digestive tract and provide a cooling effect to the entire system. In addition, a pinch of amla (Indian gooseberry) powder in water daily can help regulate excess Pitta and reduce acid formation. In terms of herbal support, Shatavari is highly recommended for its cooling and rejuvenating properties, supporting digestive health and calming Pitta. Amalaki is another beneficial herb that helps reduce acidity and promotes tissue healing. Taking Triphala at bedtime, a combination of three fruits known for their digestive benefits, can support regular bowel movements, cleanse the digestive tract, and prevent nighttime acid buildup. For stress and restlessness, which indicate a Vata imbalance, establishing a consistent daily routine can help calm the mind. Practicing Abhyanga (self-massage) with warm sesame oil daily can help stabilize Vata and promote relaxation, while breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom and Sheetali pranayama are excellent for cooling Pitta and calming both mind and body. Additionally, drinking warm milk with a small amount of turmeric, a teaspoon of ghee, and a pinch of brahmi powder before bed can aid in restful sleep and prevent nighttime acid reflux.

Oh boy, IBS with diarrhea and those other companions, anxiety and depression sounds like quite the situation to deal with! If you’ve been managing this for 20 years, that’s a lot; really means it’s time for some focused attention. Don't worry, let's dive into this—so in Ayurveda, we’d need to consider a couple of things like your doshas and agni, the digestive fire, mainly. First up, IBS with diarrhea is often linked to an imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas. Vata governs movement and our nervous system, hence the anxiety and irregular bowel movements, while Pitta's involved when there's inflammation or urgency in digestion. What you want to do is to soothe these bad boys and balance them. We've gotta cool down the pitta and stabilize the vata. Eat warm and soothing foods, y'know like simple khichdi or cooked veggies, and avoid raw or cold foods as they can aggravate vata. Drinking hot water or tulsi tea might help with digestion and reduce gas, while adding a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and cumin to dishes can ease those movements and gas formation. For the anxiety and depression part, consider bringing in meditation and gentle yoga to help calm the mind, like the nadi shodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing), which can calm chatter upstairs. If that's too much at once, just focus on daily routine consistency. Feeling cold is typical of vata imbalances, so dress warmly, especially over your abdomen. Some warm self-oil massage (abhyanga) with sesame oil can warm up the body too and keep your doshas at ease. Now, if there's any severe weight loss or it's getting worse suddenly, better to check in with a doctor since that can signal something more. That’s a must before diving into any new treatments. Blend this advice into what fits you; the idea is to ease into changes so it's sustainable, bringing your body and mind into harmony. 🧘‍♂️ Don’t stress too much—body’s gotta figure out how to chill too!