Natural ways to help you relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases seen by doctors. IBS tends to occur in young to middle aged women (women outnumber men 4: 1) with the major complaint being chronic constipation, diarrhoea, or both that has been present for months to years. Abdominal pain, flatulence/wind, and other symptoms such as faintness and weakness may also be present. People with IBS often feel an urgent need to open their bowels, especially after breakfast. The stools may vary in consistency from hard and pellet-like to loose and watery or just small amounts of mucus. Afterwards, there may be a sense that the bowels have not been completely emptied.

The underlying cause of IBS is not known. It is thought to be a combination of psychological, physiological, and dietary factors. Unlike Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, IBS is not a disease of inflammation. It is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. A complete examination should be done that includes a thorough history, stool examination for parasites, blood, and bacteria, complete physical examination, and possibly a colonoscopy.

IBS symptoms usually occur in response to some kind of trigger, which is often dietary or stress-related.
Stress
It is often suggested that stress, anxiety and depression cause IBS, but these conditions often only exacerbate the symptoms rather than bring them on. Research has found the colon muscle of someone with IBS is more sensitive than that of a non-sufferer, which means that IBS sufferers have strong reactions to stimuli that would not affect others. It is also suggested that hormones may influence symptoms, as women generally have more symptoms of IBS when menstruating.

Magnesium and B complex vitamins may help reduce the effects of stress.

Diet
Those who have a tendency towards constipation, and to a lesser extent those with diarrhoea, will benefit from increasing their dietary fibre, especially in the form of fruits and vegetables. Porridge or slippery elm is a more soluble form of fibre. Dried apricots or prunes are also beneficial.

Herbalists often recommend an elimination diet to determine if symptoms improve with the removal of certain foods. Some researchers suggest that up to 45% of those with IBS have a sensitivity or intolerance to dairy and certain grains.

Flatulence comes from two main sources swallowed air and the breakdown of undigested foods by bacteria in the colon. Eating or drinking too fast can cause this. Sometimes, however, the body lacks enzymes necessary to break down certain carbohydrates. Katie has supplements of natural plant enzymes that can help with this condition. She has found them very successful in helping people to reduce wind especially after a big meal.
Herbal teas that have carminative (wind reducing) and stress reducing properties are often helpful. Chamomile, lemon balm, fennel and valerian may be taken separately or in combination and taken throughout the day to ease symptoms.

Enteric-coated peppermint oil: one to two capsules (0.2 ml peppermint oil per capsule) three times a day after meals has been found very beneficial in clinical trials on IBS.

Herbal medicine is very beneficial in addressing digestive system illnesses. Katie Dobiesz BSC MNIMH will address all aspects of your diet and lifestyle and devise a unique herbal treatment plan which is aimed at reducing your symptoms. She runs a clinic at Living Health in Grantham on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please call on 01780 757442 or email katiedobiesz@hotmail.com

For advice on IBS or to make an appointment for a consultation
Herbal teas that have carminative (wind reducing) and stress reducing properties are often helpful. Chamomile, lemon balm, fennel and valerian may be taken separately or in combination and taken throughout the day to ease symptoms.

Enteric-coated peppermint oil: one to two capsules (0.2 ml peppermint oil per capsule) three times a day after meals has been found very beneficial in clinical trials on IBS.

Herbal medicine is very beneficial in addressing digestive system illnesses. Katie Dobiesz BSC MNIMH will address all aspects of your diet and lifestyle and devise a unique herbal treatment plan which is aimed at reducing your symptoms. She runs a clinic at Living Health in Grantham on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please call on 01780 757442 or email katiedobiesz@hotmail.com

For advice on IBS or to make an appointment for a consultation