Holistic Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

by: MariaEsposito
Total views: 5
Word Count: 375

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

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 good and bad bacteria in the intestines become imbalanced.

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

Lifestyle and Diet Factors

An increase in the consumption of dietary fibre, mainly from vegetables and fruits as well as a greater water intake and reduced intake of diuretic caffeine containing drinks such as tea and coffee.

Diarrhoea, constipation and dysbiosis (toxic bacteria) may be attributed directly to sensitivities and intolerances to foods.

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 considered to play an important role in IBS. Bacterial fermentation within the digestive tract can be the result of this, causing production of gases that may trigger some of the symptoms.

Natural methods of treating IBS

1. Drinking one-and-a-half litres of pure water daily, in addition to usual beverage intake.

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

3. Identifying and eliminating possible food sensitivities/allergies.

4. Increasing fibre intake by eating more fruit and vegetables (NB: eating raw foods can be a problem for some people).

5. Cutting stress levels.

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

About the Author

Maria Esposito is a complementary health professional specialising in nutrition and allergy tests. She practises in England. She can be reached at london nutritionist. A complete version of this article is available there.  

More Articles from: Health