Posts Tagged ‘IBS’
Recommendations for controling Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Q: I’ve recently been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and I’m interested in controlling the condition with natural supplements. Can you recommend anything?
A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a diagnosis only to be considered when all other reasons for the symptoms have been ruled out. The characteristics of IBS are persistent and recurrent abdominal pains, usually gripping but sometimes with sharp or cutting episodes, bloating, irregular bowel habits with diarrhoea or constipation, flatulence and associated nausea, and lethargy. All or some of these symptoms may be present.
When considering a treatment plan for any ailment an understanding of the potential cause must be contemplated. At ICIM we devise strategic testing to help determine and uncover the cause for each and every patient. For example, stress may be a cause in one individual, low stomach acid or pancreatic enzyme production another, intestinal yeast, bacterial or indeed parasitic infection, food allergy or intolerance or indeed gut damage or inflammation for another person.
Specific testing can be conducted to confirm possible underlying causes before strategic treatment programs implemented.
Once the potential cause has been uncovered then treatment is devised to address the cause. Valerian root can aid IBS where stress is a trigger. Digestive enzymes help you digest your foods where low enzymes are contributing. Anti-microbial herbs such as Hydrastis, Berberis Vulgaris, Black Walnut may be considered where intestinal infections are occurring. Glutamine powder helps to heal a damaged or irritated gut. Acidophilus or probiotics help restore balance to the intestinal flora.
Allergy like reactions can often be a ‘symptom’ of an underlying cause. If you suddenly appear to have allergies that you never had before – they are most likely resulting from maldigestion, intestinal infections or gut inflammation. Although the food looks like the cause it can actually be the consequence. Meaning,that it is in fact your digestive system that needs treatment.
Avoiding fermenting foods can help accelerate the healing process – avoiding sugar, dairy, fermented drinks, wheat, deciduous fruit etc. but may not solve the problem.
For further information on IBS, treatment or testing contact the ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or e-mail info@icim.ie
