"Health begins in the colon" is a frequent saying among naturopathic physicians. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is prevalent in the U.S. because our diet consists mostly of processed foods such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, refined sugar and fast foods. Combine nutrition-poor, low fiber foods with increased stress in our society and the incidence of colon disease continues to climb.
A healthy colon means a healthy immune system. When waste sits in the colon longer than it should (a long transit time), it becomes a perfect environment for toxins that can eventually cause the whole body to become toxic. It is estimated that approximately one out of seven people in the U.S. suffers from IBS. It is the most common gastrointestinal disorder.
The manifestation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is unique to each individual. The symptoms of IBS can be characterized by altered bowel function, diarrhea or constipation, pain or distention of the abdomen, relief of pain with bowel movements, and varying degrees of anxiety or depression. The bowel may have a sensitivity to stress and certain foods or drugs.
Here are some therapeutic considerations for treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Eat small, frequent meals.
Eat slowly.
Eat citrus fruits in small amounts.
Avoid beans (they cause gas).
Avoid fried foods and other "trigger" foods such dairy products, wheat products, carbonated beverages, foods with high sugar content, caffeine, and chocolate.
Sorbitol (found in sugar-free foods) can be another trigger. I recommend stevia as a sweetener--it is natural, tastes good, and is less likely to upset your stomach than artificial sweeteners.
Increase your intake of soluble fibers such as cooked vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini, peeled apples, carrots, oat bran, and barley. Insoluble fibers tend to be irritants.
To prevent heartburn, take enteric coated peppermint oil capsules between meals. Peppermint relaxes the GI smooth muscle and acts as an antispasmodic.
Take magnesium every day. Magnesium deficiency is associated with IBS. Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant.
Supplement your diet with digestive enzymes to help digest your food and avoid undigested proteins.
Express your frustrations verbally. "Stuffing" your problems, anger, and concerns affects you as much physically as it does mentally. I usually give myself forty-eight hours to vent, then try to forgive and let go of the past. Control psychological functions through stress reduction techniques like meditation and exercise.
As always, if symptoms are severe or long-lasting you should consult a physician.
Other symptoms sometimes occur including: * Nausea * Poor appetite * Tiredness * Backache * Bladder symptoms * Heartburn * Easily feeling full after eating
Symptoms often come and go with little rhyme or reason; but almost invariably they are related to emotional states and stress. On internal investigation, there is usually no physical sign of abnormality in the bowel.
Stress And Nerves Are The Key On questioning sufferers, they usually agree that emotions or stress are involved. It may be that: - There is a particular stressful situation either now, or when the symptoms started - They have a 'high stress' type of constitution in general - The symptoms are worse if they are stressed - or perhaps if they are over-tired
In all these situations, the answer to IBS can be summarised in 3 steps: 1. Calm down the bowel 2. Build up the nerves 3. Address any underlying health issues
Step 1. Calm Down The Bowel The quickest way to do this is usually by using the fantastic herb Slippery Elm. A teaspoon of this powdered bark is mixed into a little cold water in a mug, then topped up with hot water to make a thin 'porridge-like' drink. This is a soothing, nourishing, calming drink which will often give relief within the hour. If it works for you - and it does for most people - you have a safe herbal remedy which will stand you in very good stead. I have never know anyone to have a sensitivity (an 'allergy') to Slippery Elm, and it is very safe, being recommended for its nourishing properties for children, the elderly and those recovering from illness. If you really just CANNOT take the drink - it is available in capsules too. If you travel a lot, capsules may be essential for you. Take the equivalent of a teaspoon of the herb - about 4 capsules for a dose, 2 or 3 times a day.
Step 2. Build Up The Nerves Alternative medicine will build the nerves and make them stronger and better able to deal with stress. Herbs, homoeopathy or acupuncture can all be helpful here.
For example, you can use a 3-month course of herbs to boost the nervous system. This might include scullcap, vervain, wood betony and hops. In addition, herbs for the adrenal gland help the nervous system greatly especially if stress has been long term. Here, a top herbal recommendation is borage, a great adrenal tonic. Licorice is also good and combines well with borage. (Large amounts of licorice should not be used if you have known hypertension - high blood pressure.)
Step 3. Address Any Underlying Health Issues If you have another illness this will certainly be sapping your energy and making it harder to build the nerves and correct the IBS.
In terms of general health, the commonest symptom which will slow recovery is; fatigue and tiredness. This can be addressed by an alternative practitioner - not by a doctor, who has no weapons to deal with general fatigue and tiredness. (Though do eliminate thyroid deficiency by talking to your doctor if you feel this might be involved.)
Doctors say than IBS has 'no known cause', which is why they have trouble treating it. If you follow this fairly simple 3-step programme - with the help of practitioners in alternative medicine as appropriate - you will almost certainly deal with IBS in a much more reliable way than your doctor alone can. One day all sides of the medical profession will be working together to use our combined skills for the good of patients!
Both Dr. Tina Marcantel & Max Hill are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr. Tina Marcantel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stress Management, Cancer and Nutrition. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic physician in Mesa, Arizona, who also serves Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and greater Phoenix. Visit her website at www.drmarcantel.com. Dr. Tina Marcantel's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
Max Hill has sinced written about articles on various topics from Colon Cleanse, Alternative Medicine and Irritable Bowel. Max Hill, a practitioner for 20 years, writer on (get 6 free health reports here), has helped develop quality herbal pro. Max Hill's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.