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Natural herbal & homeopathic remedies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) · Symptoms · Causes
Irritable bowel syndrome is considered to be the
most common
gastrointestinal disorder in the world. In effect, it comes second
only to common cold amongst the most widespread diseases. It is a
motor or functional disorder of the intestine, in which the pressure
waves moving through the colon loose their coordination. The waves
thus become erratic because of which waste does not pass through the
digestive system at the normal pace. This usually gives the patient
alternative bouts of diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.
IBS is different from
colitis or
Crohn’s disease, which are
inflammatory diseases, although a few symptoms are similar, thus
becoming a cause of major confusion. IBS is also known as spastic
colon and irritable colon.
Although it can occur at any age, IBS is mainly encountered by
middle aged men and women, and women are twice as susceptible as
men. Strange but true, as stress is closely associated with majority
of the IBS cases, people who are methodical or say, rigid in their
working or attitude, are more prone to the disease.
IBS can be extremely troublesome in spite of not being a serious
health threat.
The
general symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:
·
Bloated stomach (although gas levels are normal)
·
Bouts of diarrhea alternating with periods of
constipation
·
Abdominal pain or discomfort (usually absent during
sleep)
·
Instead of continuous pain, there may be intermittent
sharp pains in the abdomen
·
Changes in the bowel habit
·
Worsening of symptoms during periods in women
·
There are periods of remissions, i.e. times when you won’t feel
a thing, even for months. But, then there are people who are not
so lucky and have the discomfort continuously.
No
particular causes can be attributed to this disease. There are
certain things, however, which are supposed to trigger its symptoms.
They are:
·
The main contributing cause of IBS has (for a long time
supposed to be) been stress. This is so as IBS symptoms
often show up during periods of
emotional turmoil.
·
It is also believed that your colon might be more
sensitive than others if you have IBS, due to which the
colon muscles contract immediately after taking food
thereby creating cramping and diarrhea.
·
Intolerance to lactose (milk sugar and an enzyme found
only in milk) has also been often associated with IBS.
·
Intolerance to certain other foods and beverages is also
suspected. This has to be checked by your doctor, or may
be you yourself, by finding out which ones give you the
most trouble. Remember, these are not ‘true’ allergies
as regular tests won’t prove that they are allergens for
you. (more discussion on these in helpful dietary
habits)
While
there are many synthetic over-the-counter and prescription
medicines to treat digestive complaints and disorders such as
IBS, they tend to come with side effects and can lead to
disruptions in delicate body systems.
Among other things, they can cause a weakened immune system,
electrolyte imbalances and a disruption in intestinal flora - all of
which may ultimately worsen the problems associated with IBS. For
these reasons, many people have started to turn to natural remedies
to treat IBS and other related conditions.
Medical treatment usually involves anti-depressants (especially to
control the IBS-associated pain), anti-diarrhea medications,
laxatives, and antispasmodic medication - although many of these
medications have unwanted side effects and should be taken under the
supervision of your health care provider.
Herbal ingredients such as German Chamomile, Meadowsweet,
Ulmus fulva and Sutherlandia frutescens have anti-inflammatory,
anti-spasmodic, and digestive - health properties that make it an
effective preventative for IBS flare ups. In addition to this, a
number of herbal ingredients work to immediately relieve IBS
symptoms.
Mentha piperita in particular has become widely known as a treatment
for IBS, as this herb works by relieving cramps and gently relaxing
the muscles of the digestive tract - thus effectively calming
irritable bowels and reducing stomach pain.
Other beneficial herbs include Ginger, Fennel and Pelargoneum
graveolens. Remember to always source your natural remedies from a
reputable company to ensure maximum effectiveness, safety, and
correct therapeutic dosage.
·
Mentha piperita is one of the most effective of
the mint herbs, has been used for centuries to relieve
indigestion, nausea and heartburn. Modern research has
demonstrated its effectiveness in soothing the symptoms
of diverticulosis, IBS and other digestive disorders.
Mentha piperita is widely cultivated for medicinal uses
and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic
properties. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive
tract and stimulates the flow of natural digestive
juices and bile, thereby assisting healthy digestion.
·
Sutherlandia frutescens ('Cancer Bush'
or 'Kankerbossie')
is a medicinal herb exclusively found in Southern Africa
and has been used by indigenous people for thousands of
years to treat chronic and acute digestive complaints,
internal cancers and as a powerful tonic. Recent
research has confirmed its adaptogenic properties.
Sutherlandia contains a number of highly active
compounds, including pinitol, L-canavanine and the amino
acid, GABA. L-canavanine is a strong L-argine antagonist
that has documented anti-cancer and anti-viral activity.
·
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) - With its
daisy like flowers throwing aromatic scents everywhere,
this wild herb is found throughout Europe. The essential
oil of German chamomile flower contains bisabols,
flavonoids and azulenes that give this herb its
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and muscle relaxing
properties. This makes it an excellent remedy for
digestive disorders. Bisabol which gives German
chamomile anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve
inflammation on the mucous membranes and promotes
healing. It’s a good remedy for stomach pains and
flatulence.
·
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) was a favorite herb
in medieval times and was used to stop stomach rumbles
and colic. It was commonly used after meals to prevent
flatulence, indigestion, colic and other digestive
problems. Fennel has strong calmative and
anti-inflammatory properties.
·
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) is an
anti-inflammatory, soothing digestive remedy which helps
to protect the digestive tract and reduce stomach acid
secretions. It is also effective in reducing the pain of
digestive disorders and ulcers and is similar in
structure to the synthetic drug called acetylsalicylate,
or aspirin - without the side effects commonly
associated with aspirin.
·
Ulmus fulva (Slippery Elm) is one of the most
effective herbs used in reducing digestive pain and
irritation, and also protects and soothes the lining of
the stomach and digestive tract due to its high mucilage
content. Only bark from top quality Slippery Elm is used
in
Gastronic Dr.
·
Kalium phosphate (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt
and a natural component of all fluids in the body. It
acts as a nerve nutrient, and is naturally present in
all brain cells and nerve tissue. Kalium phosphate is an excellent nerve tonic and
natural calmative, helping to soothe nerves and lessen
edginess. Kali. phos. supports emotional calm and can
therefore assist with a common nervous stomach or
digestive systems which are affected by stress.
·
Natrium phosphate (D6) is known as the ‘biochemic
antacid’, Nat. phos. is widely used to address digestive
comfort, especially after meals and is of great benefit
for people who tend to suffer from common indigestion.
Helps maintain digestive comfort and
promotes healthy digestion.
Promote healthy digestion and comfort
after meals
Promotes healthy and trouble-free
digestion and digestive balance.
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being
·
Soluble fiber – Eat lots of soluble fiber like that
found in apples, pears and most other fruits and
vegetables. Although fiber is generally believed to be
beneficial only in cases of constipation, that is not
true, especially in the case of IBS. Even people with
symptoms of diarrhea actually benefit from the soluble
kind of fiber as it improves the working of the
intestine and its muscles. Other good resources are
oats, dates, barley, rye and brown rice.
Remember – Fiber intake should always be increased
gradually so as to allow your gastrointestinal system to
adjust to it. The usual recommended fiber intake is
around 18g.
·
High fluid intake – Along with high soluble fiber, you
need a medium for it to be soluble in! High fluid intake
thus becomes as important as high fiber intake. The two
cannot work in isolation and together they do wonders by
making the bowel movement smooth. A minimum of eight
glasses of water over and above the other fluids you
take is necessary.
·
Less on specific sugars – Apart from lactose, i.e. milk,
you should also foods containing fructose and sorbitol.
Fructose is the sweetest form of sugar and is mainly
found in honey, fruit juice and dried fruits. Sorbitol
which is a sugar substitute or artificial sweetener is
usually taken in the form of dietetic candy. They are
supposed to be hard to break in the intestines of people
with IBS.
·
Avoid foods and beverages that you find irritate you the
most. Use exclusion diet therapy to find out the
allergens. Although there are certain foods that disturb
almost everybody, still the allergies are case
sensitive.
·
Low fat diet – Cut down on fat rich diet including fried
foods, salad oils, sauces etc. as their fat tends to
stimulate the colonic contractions worsening the already
existing IBS symptoms.
·
Spicy foods – Try avoiding spicy (those containing lot
of peppers and other spices) foods for a week or so
before reintroducing them. If you find your condition
worsening, you know what you have to do. Same holds true
for certain highly acidic raw fruits and salads like
grapefruits, oranges, tomatoes etc.
·
Coffee – Caffeine and the resins in the coffee beans
might 'brew' trouble for you. In effect, coffee usually
causes more trouble in IBS and is better avoided,
sometimes even if it is decaffeinated.
·
Alcohol – It is believed that alcohol is not good for
IBS patients. But, it has been seen that actually only
beer and red wine pose problems (of course large amounts
of any alcoholic drink is not good for people with any
gastrointestinal disorder). It may be due to the
presence of carbohydrates in beer and tannins in case of
red wine. So, avoid these two and drink others only in
moderation.
·
Carbonated drinks – Sorry folks, but carbonated drinks
too go away with beer. Their gas is way too disturbing
for your colon if you yourself have not figured it out
by now. Gas is also produced after eating lentils, beans
and peas. So, avoid them.
·
Regular meals – It is normally seen that people with
IBS, again as is any other gastrointestinal disease,
cannot digest food properly if taken in large amounts.
Therefore, meals should comprise less quantity and
should be strictly regular. This will avoid an irritable
bowel.
·
Eat properly – Proper mastication of food is extremely
important. It has been seen that improper mastication
often gives a whole lot of more trouble in IBS, as told
by its sufferers.
·
Yoghurt – Live yoghurt, in very good quantities, is
essential to maintain high concentration of good
bacteria in the stomach. Yoghurt is especially helpful
when an antibiotic course kills these beneficial
bacteria.
·
De-stress – Although this may turn out to be the most
difficult part of the treatment, one just cannot get
away with it. As stress is the primary contributing
cause of IBS, its cure is also the most important.
Psychological counseling should be taken if you feel you
are in deep emotional turmoil. Also, don’t get panicked
or stressed out after hearing about your IBS, as this might
start a vicious cycle, wherein you get stressed due to
your IBS and your IBS gets worse due to this continued
stress.
Other methods include meditation, self-hypnosis,
biofeedback, visualization techniques and acupuncture.
Elaboration on these points is out of the scope of this
informational piece.
You can and shall also keep a record of the reasons or
occasions when you particularly feel whacky. This will
help you and your doctor in fighting out stress.
·
Jogging – Jogging (remember, in moderation as extreme
physical exercise may give you diarrhea) makes your
intestinal muscles flexible thereby helping in bowel
movements. It is also a major stress buster and also
makes you release endorphins that help in pain
relieving.
Helps maintain digestive comfort and
promotes healthy digestion.
Promote healthy digestion and comfort
after meals
Promotes healthy and trouble-free
digestion and digestive balance.
Aids nervous system in stress resistance
for balanced moods and feelings of well
being
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