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Holistic Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a gastro-intestinal health problem suffered by an increasing number of people.

Triggers of IBS

1. Hypersensitivity or intolerances to foods

2. Stress or emotional disturbances

3. Intestinal infections and inflammation caused by parasites or unfriendly bacteria. These can cause an increase in intestinal mucosal permeability (Leaky Gut Syndrome), which allows food and chemicals to enter the blood stream before they are properly digested. This can overload the immune system and cause an increase in the body’s inflammatory response, triggering mucosal sensitivity, abnormal motility and secretory response.

4. Dysbiosis (the imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the intestinal tract).

5. Bowel flora alteration. This can arise from the taking of bactericide medication or laxatives, regular bouts of diarrhoea or a low intake of dietary fibre.

Diet & Lifestyle

Increasing the intake of water can be beneficial as well as more dietary fibre, particularly in the form of fruit and vegetables. Reduce dehydrating drinks such as tea and coffee that contain caffeine.

Constipation, diarrhoea and dysbiosis (toxic bacteria) may be directly attributed to food sensitivities and intolerances.

Bloating and symptoms associated with this (meteorism) is caused by gas that’s trapped in the intestines, though how this actually comes about is not yet fully comprehended. The decomposition of disaccharide by bacteria can cause increased gas leading to bloating and rumbling, flatulence or diarrhoea soon after intake farm foods.

One of the factors thought to play a strong role in IBS pathology are food intolerances. Bacterial fermentation can be the result, with symptoms caused by the increased production of intestinal gases.

Natural methods of treating IBS

1. Drink plenty of water - about a litre and a half. This is in addition to other drinks.

2. Eliminating or reducing the consumption of deydrating and alkaloid containing drinks and foods such as tea and coffee, chocolate, colas and alcohol.

3. Identifying and eliminating doable food sensitivities/allergies.

4. Although some people do have problems with raw foods, in general there are benefits from increasing fibre intake from fruits and vegetables.

5. Reducing stress levels by finding ways to relax and cope with stressful situation.

The treatment involves a good client/therapist relationship. The client must be committed to taking an active part in overcoming this disorder.

The therapist may feel that that work blood tests are required to find out if there are any food allergies or sensitivities. Other tests that can be ordered include those for leaky gut syndrome and overgrowth of candida yeast.