Holistic Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

An increasing number of people are suffering with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastro-intestinal health problem.

Possible IBS Triggers

1. Food hypersensitivity or food intolerance

2. Chronic stress

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. A change in the bowel flora. Possibly as a result of antiobiotics, laxatives, low intake of dietary fibre or diarrhoea.

Diet & Lifestyle

An increase in the intake of water and dietary fibre, mainly from fruit and vegetables, can be quite beneficial, as can a reduction in the consumption of diuretic beverages - tea, coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine.

Toxic bacteria (dysbiosis), constipation and diarrhoea may be caused by food intolerances and sensitivities.

Gas that’s trapped in the intestines can cause bloating and wind, though how this painful condition arises is not fully understood. Bacteria may cause lactose to decompose. This can give rise to much gas, bloating, and rumbling within the intestinal tract. Bowel movements or diarrhoea may result soon after consumption of dairy foods.

Food intolerances are thought to play a major role in the pathology of IBS. This can result in bacterial fermentation, creating an increase in hydrogen gas that may trigger certain IBS symptoms.

Natural remedies

1. Water is important. Drink about a 1.5 litres. This is on top of the consumption of other beverages.

2. Reduced consumption of alcohol, cola drinks, tea and coffee, and chocolate.

3. Identifying and eliminating possible 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. Cutting back on stress.

The treatment is a collaboration between the client and the therapist. It is, therefore, vital that the client be committed to taking an active role in dealing with the disorder.

If deemed necessary, a non-invasive muscle-energy allergy test to assess food allergies or intolerances can be used as well as private laboratory blood tests for food sensitivities/allergies, leaky gut, Candida overgrowth and other appropriate tests.