How To Overcome Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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 problems
3. Inflammation and infections in the intestines caused by unfriendly bacteria or parasites. These can give rise to Leaky Gut Syndrome, where there is an increase in the permeability of the intestinal mucosa. Here, undigested food particles and chemicals can permeate the walls of the intestines and enter the bloodstream. The immune system can become overloaded by this and cause inflammation, mucosal sensitivity, abnormal movements and response from secretions.
4. Dysbiosis. The good and bad bacteria in the intestines become imbalanced.
5. Altered bowel flora. This can be the result of antibiotics, laxatives, diarrhoea or low dietary fibre.
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.
Constipation, diarrhoea and dysbiosis (toxic bacteria) may be directly attributed to food sensitivities and intolerances.
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.
One of the factors thought to play a strong role in IBS pathology are food intolerances. Bacterial fermentation can be the result, with symptoms caused by the increased production of intestinal gases.
Possible natural treatments for IBS:
1. Drinking one-and-a-half litres of pure water daily, in addition to usual beverage intake.
2. Reducing or eliminating tea, cocoa, chocolate, cola and alcohol.
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. 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 the practitioner feels it is necessary, laboratory tests may be ordered to find out if the patient has food allergies or intolerances, candida overgrowth or a leaky gut.