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Complementary Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

by: MariaEsposito
Total views: 3 | Word Count: 386

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

Triggers of IBS

1. Food hypersensitivity or intolerances

2. Stress or emotional problems

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.

Lifestyle and Diet Factors

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.

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

Meteorism (bloating and associated symptoms) is caused by trapped intestinal gas, though the mechanism of this painful condition is not yet fully understood. Bacterial decomposition of lactose can increase the amounts of gas, leading to meteorism, intestinal rumbling, flatulence, bloating, diarrhoea or bowel movement immediately after consuming dairy products.

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.

Possible natural treatments for IBS:

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

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

The therapist and client must collaborate effectively. It is vitally important that the client is fully committed to playing an active role in dealing with IBS.

The therapist may feel that that laboratory 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.

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About the Author

The complete version of this article can be read at nutritionist london. The author is a nutritionist and carries out tests for allergies at her practice in Britain. She can be contacted on the complementary health website.  

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FollowText.com » Health » Complementary Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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