What is it?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a disease but a collection of symptoms, marked by chronic or periodic diarrhoea, alternating with constipation, and is accompanied by straining and abdominal cramps.
IBS is alternately called mucous colitis, nervous indigestion, spastic colitis, and intestinal neurosis.
IBS is caused by a functional, rather than structural, defect and is characterised by the following symptoms: abdominal Pain; dyspeptic symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia); altered bowel functions (constipation or diarrhoea); hypersecretion of colonic mucus; and varying degrees of anxiety or depression.
Treatment includes increasing dietary fibre, eliminating certain foods (food allergy or food intolerance), and controlling psychological components. Usually twice as common in women than in men, the onset of irritable bowel syndrome occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood.
It is a condition to be diagnosed only when other, more serious causes for abdominal pain, have been excluded. Irritable bowel is painful, but not serious, and most people who have it can lead active lives if they change their diets, get regular exercise, and replace needed nutrients.
Please refer to our
Ailment Encyclopaedia for further information.
Some Useful Remedies
Vitamin B-Complex : The beneficial influence of B Vits on stress tolerance may be especially important in IBS management. Deficiencies in certain B vits can lead to various manifestations of nerve and muscle dysfunction, which is a major factor in IBS (B vits are needed for proper muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract).
Vitamin B-12: Needed for proper absorption of foods, protein synthesis, and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and to prevent anaemia.
Acidophilus capsules at the end of meals to replace healthy bacteria in the gut and also improve digestion.
Aloe Vera is healing to the digestive tract. Results show that compounds found in aloe vera help regulate pepsin levels, reduce hydrochloric acid production and provide a demulcent effect all helpful in healing digestive ulcerations. Do NOT use when pregnant.
Tormentil Complex Tincture: The main ingredient tormentil is a prime remedy in gastrointestinal disturbances where diarrhoea with accompanying inflammation and irritation are prominent.
Silicea liquid is one of the best selling IBS products in Germany. It has many applications in alternative medicine, including being recognised as an excellent anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and absorbent for stomach and intestinal disorders.
Papayaforce tincture: Used widely for its therapeutic effect on inflammatory conditions in the intestines and liver. Research has also verified that it has an antiulcer effect.
Peppermint Complex : A fresh herb tincture which can help improve the symptoms associated with IBS. Peppermint helps reduce the spasms in the colon and so reduce the pain associated with IBS. Caution: Those suffering from gallstones must consult their physician before undertaking supplementation with peppermint. Peppermint may increase stomach acid secretion and should therefore NOT be used by those suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcers.
Oil of Peppermint is anti-spasmodic massage on your abdomen and drink peppermint tea after meals.
Psyllium Seed Husks aid intestinal cleansing and detoxification. The soluble fibre portion of psyllium accomplishes this without irritation due to its soft, gel-forming attributes. Aside from helping to relieve constipation, soluble fibre sources such as psyllium may also help treat diarrhoea due to its water-absorbing characteristics.
Garlic (kyolic) aids in digestion and destruction of toxins in the colon. Liquid form is best.
VM-75Multivitamin & mineral complex supplies those nutrients lost or not absorbed.
Evening primrose oil or Flaxseed oil supplies essential fatty acids needed to protect the intestinal lining.
With IBS its often wise to treat your liver as well as your digestive tract, preferably with milk thistle . Liquorice can also be used. Other beneficial herbs include burdock root; these herbs are good for cleansing the bloodstream, and thereby the liver.
Betaine hydrochloride is often good if absorption of nutrients is poor and stomach acid is low. Caution: if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers do NOT take Betaine instead take a digestive enzyme.
Enzyme digest helps breakdown food in the digestive tract and as such can be excellent for getting rid of putrefactive bacteria and relieving the effects of flatulence, bloating and a host of other digestive conditions. Caution: Some digestive enzymes have Betaine hydrochloride, which may aggravate stomach or duodenal ulcers.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please refer to our Ailment Encyclopaedia for further information. Some Helpful Remedies are just that: elixirhealth.co.uk does not attempt to diagnose or recommend.
In all cases be directed by what is written on the manufacturers labels mindful of stated dosages, cautions, etc.
If on prescribed medicines, or in any doubt about medication, always consult your health care practitioner first.
