Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterised most commonly by cramping abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and or diarrhoea. It is a common problem affecting about one in ten adults in the Western world. Sometimes IBS is referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach or irritable colon. The cause is not well understood but it is a distressing and embarrassing condition whose precise causes and treatment are the subject of much dispute. It is probably the most common intestinal disorder seen by doctors today.
Much of the pain in IBS is caused by abnormal contractions of the lining of the intestines. A given episode may be milder or more severe than the one before it but the disorder itself does not become worse over time. It's what is called a functional disorder which means that the bowel doesn't work as it should. However, some people may have both IBS and another disorder so don‘t just assume you have IBS get it checked out by your doctor or healthcare practitioner just in case something else is causing your problem.
To make matters worse, IBS can be triggered by a number of factors, including stress, hormonal changes associated with the menopause and even the disruption of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin that helps regulate the digestive system. Because selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), such as Prozac, increase serotonin levels, SSRI’s are sometimes prescribed to treat IBS. Anti-gas and anti-diarrhoeal medications are also prescribed
as well as acid reflux drugs.
How can I help myself?
When you are in the supermarket next time have a look at some of the products on the shelves (cereals, soft drinks, crackers etc) and look for ‘fructose’ on the label. This was once thought to be a healthy alternative to sugar but the evidence now suggests that it may trigger IBS. Many people might easily reduce their symptoms simply by avoiding fructose in their diet. This is not easy to follow as fructose shows up in many of our foods and is very difficult to avoid completely.
Probiotic supplements may also bring IBS relief. Taking probiotics along with any agents that might assist in strengthening the intestinal wall. Yoghurt that is ‘live’ and contains acidophilus could be eaten but a supplement is better.
FOS (fructooligosaccharides), a natural fruit and vegetable fibre is very good and also helps to
re-establish good bacteria.
It is also worth trying very good quality Aloe Vera juice which has a long history of calming bowel problems.
If you have a lot of pain then a straightforward antispasmodic like peppermint oil acts directly on the muscle itself to stop or reduce spasm. The advantage of peppermint oil is that it has a low incidence of side effects.
Diet is an important factor as food intolerances may be causing your IBS. This is a very contentious subject as far as the medical profession goes but many people suffering from IBS get relief by changing their diet. The main culprits being wheat and dairy products. If you suspect that this may be the case then it is important to get tested first. Trying to find out yourself can take a long time and you may not find it easy to find out what the offending food or foods are.
Although a very unpleasant problem, IBS can be treated and controlled very successfully allowing you to get on with living life to the full.
By using specific diagnostic tools and consultation, a specific and individual treatment package will be tailored for you by the Herbal and Healthcare Clinic. Support is given as needed to ensure that patients return to and stay in good health.
Ann Chester
Consultant Medical Herbalist
and Health Coach.
Herbal and Healthcare Clinic
Market Harborough
01858 433382
www.herbalandhealthcareclinic.com
