Proposed model to relate Ayurvedic doshas and food patterns to clinical biomarkers and symptoms of subtypes of IBS
Authors: Bedi Jessica J , Kazaks Alexandra , Dhru Dhuval , Dean William 
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in conventional medicine has been hard pressed to provide results that alleviate patient symptoms for a lifetime. Ayurvedic medicine may be able to provide long‐lasting relief and improve quality of life for individuals with IBS.

Ayurveda uses a combination of three doshas, or constitutions, to treat patients. Doshas are groups of qualities, making each human unique. The doshas are vata (wind), pitta (fire), and kapha (earth). Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) employs elimination diets to temporarily relieve symptoms. Ayurvedic diet uses constitution treatment to offer diets that may allow for enduring intestinal health.

According to Ayurveda IBS subtypes are related to doshic dominance. The variability of treatment modalities between Ayurvedic and conventional medicine has made it difficult to compare data and results across studies of IBS. The goal of this study is to develop a model to compare Ayurvedic and conventional assessment of IBS subtypes using Ayurvedic examination and diet analysis, as well as clinical biomarker testing for IBS‐Diarrhea (IBS‐D).

METHODS

In this model, participants previously diagnosed with IBS are evaluated to decipher Ayurvedic constitution. This includes pulse evaluation, facial line expression, and temperament examination. Participants complete a three‐day food journal prior to examination for analyses to determine if food choices coincide with any doshic dominance.

All participants have a blood draw to obtain serum samples that are run by ELISA using anti‐CtdB and anti‐vinculin antibodies to assess IBS‐Diarrhea correlation to pitta constitution.

Correlation statistics, demographic, and evaluation of food patterns for each dosha are calculated using SPSS. Food pattern tendencies are classified for each dosha.

RESULTS/APPLICATIONS

This model is intended to be applied to study participants recruited from GI clinics in the Seattle area and entered into a pilot research study at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. Anthropometric, dietary data, and dosha dominance will be collected at in‐person appointments.

While biomarkers of inflammation are traditionally applied to determine IBS diagnosis in in conventional medicine this model includes two recently validated serum biomarkers for IBS‐D, anti‐CdtB and anti‐vinculin. The model will test whether these biomarkers may show molecular correlation to pitta dominant people.

This methodology is subject to sampling error as evaluation of dosha is somewhat qualitative even with the most experienced practitioner. Statistical power is dependent on sample size and a limited number of participants in this pilot study and may alter interpretation of data.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

This model aims to provide a method to be employed when designing studies comparing Ayurvedic and conventional diagnosis and treatment of IBS. This study has the advantage of potentially decreasing the skepticism between conventional and holistic medical systems. A study such as this is novel, with little research currently reported.

Support or Funding Information

Bastyr Faculty Student Research Grant 2016