Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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- What is IBS?
- Symptoms of IBS
- Causes of IBS
- Prevention of IBS
- Risk factors for IBS
- Complications of IBS
- When to see a doctor about IBS
- Diagnosis of IBS
- Conventional treatment of IBS
- Alternative/complementary treatment of IBS
- Living with IBS
- Caring for someone with IBS
Alternative/complementary treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Alternative treatment for IBS is recommended as a starting point, due to the very reason that the cause of IBS is not known. To get a better understanding of your IBS symptoms and to create a tailored treatment plan just for you, see a qualified naturopath.
People who are taking any type of medication (not just for IBS) need to consult their doctor before trying any herbs or other supplements as there could be a serious and adverse interaction.
Herbs
There are a number of excellent herbs which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Peppermint - this herb (as a tea or tincture) helps to promote proper digestion, as it relaxes the digestive tract. Peppermint oil helps to relax the muscles in the bowel and restore normal bowel contractions to relieve discomfort and pain, which reduces bloating and flatulence associated with IBS. Note: Only take peppermint oil capsules which have been specifically created for IBS, do not try making your own peppermint oil as it can severely irritate and burn the upper digestive tract. The peppermint oil capsules made for IBS are coated with an enteric (protective) coating, which only dissolves and releases the peppermint oil once it enters the bowel
- Slippery elm powder - also known as ulmus fulva, this herb has a protective effect on the whole gastrointestinal system with its mucilaginous properties. It coats the whole digestive tract and as it has similar properties to the actual mucous that coats the digestive tract normally, it helps to relax the muscles, allows the stools to pass more easily through the bowel and enables the stomach, intestines and other areas of the digestive system to heal
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Vitamin A - this antioxidant vitamin is important in promoting healthy mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract and so could help reduce symptoms by allowing more normal stool movement in the bowel. Vitamin A could also be deficit in people with IBS, as they may not be absorbing many of the nutrients in food, but especially the fat-soluble vitamins as the bowel is not functioning properly and not digesting fat properly (which is needed to digest the fat-soluble vitamins)
- Vitamin D - people with IBS may not be able to digest and use the fat-soluble vitamin D properly because they are not able digest fats since the intestine is not functioning properly
- Vitamin E - people with IBS may not be able to digest and use the fat-soluble vitamin E properly because they are not able digest fats since the intestine is not functioning properly
- Vitamin K - people with IBS may not be able to digest and use the fat-soluble vitamin K properly because they are not able digest fats since the intestine is not functioning properly
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Magnesium - the mineral magnesium is a known, natural muscle relaxant as it helps all the muscle tissues, but especially the smooth muscles relax (and smooth muscle is what is surrounding the intestine walls). This means magnesium is also useful in reducing stress on a general level in the whole body. Magnesium helps to assist by reducing spasms that happen in the colon, reducing pain, cramping, bloating and flatulence and this reduces severity and duration of symptoms
- Zinc - the important antioxidant mineral zinc promotes healing of all tissue cells and especially in the bowel which may be highly irritated and sore from all the abnormal spasms and contractions
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Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which may help to provide relief for symptoms:
- Carnitine - the amino acid-like substance, carnitine helps to reduce symptoms associated with IBS as it assists the mucous membranes of the intestine to heal. Studies show the effect of carnitine is greatly enhanced when combined with zinc
- Lipoic acid - the antioxidant lipoic acid, may assist in reducing severity and duration of symptoms as it helps the immune system function more effectively and boost the other antioxidants in the body so that they perform their functions more effectively
- Omega 3 fatty acids - many studies show that the omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA/EPA have really potent anti-inflammatory properties which can provide relief of symptoms on all levels
- Probiotics - these are required to rebalance the intestinal flora, which may not be in proper balance, due to this condition. Several studies show the probiotic lactobacillus plantarum may be especially beneficial in reducing IBS symptoms by reducing the levels of intestinal bacteria that causes the bloating and flatulence
- Tryptophan - the amino acid tryptophan helps to supports the nervous system because adequate levels of this amino acid are required to make the "happy hormone" serotonin, which is important in mood regulation. Studies also show that serotonin may be especially depleted in times of stress and tryptophan may help to ensure that serotonin levels are normal, which helps the body deal better with stress and this can greatly reduce symptoms
Dietary modifications
There are a number of dietary modification strategies which may help to provide relief for symptoms (these are the same recommendations as the conventional ones):
- Increase fibre - gradually increase foods high in fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, legumes. Ensure that these foods are added gradually into the diet, as a sudden intake of high fibre foods may cause a flare-up of symptoms because they put too much pressure on the digestive system which is not functioning properly. Soluble fibre, especially from oats and psyllium are especially recommended as they both really help the bowel to function more normally
- Reduce gas-forming foods - some foods can cause an excess of gas (flatulence) and bloating and can be reduced (or limited) when symptoms are severe to stop aggravation of symptoms. Foods to limit: beans, raw vegetables, fasts foods high in fat, high fat dairy, foods with high caffeine content, spicy barbeque sauce, any foods high in saturated fat
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modifications which may help to provide relief for symptoms (these are the same recommendations as the conventional ones):
- Exercise - regular exercise may reduce stress (which is often associated with aggravation of IBS symptoms) and it also helps with well-being in general
- Relax - the symptoms associated with IBS seems to get worse under periods of stress, so relaxation is a must. The gastrointestinal tract is especially susceptible to stress and strain, so any form of relaxation is recommended - yoga, meditation, tai chi, visualisation
- Stop smoking - smoking cigarettes irritates the bowel and can make IBS symptoms worse, so it is recommended to stop smoking in order to help symptoms and get better
Alternative treatments
- Food sensitivities - get checked for food sensitivities and/or use an elimination diet to find any food intolerance or food allergies (especially for lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance)
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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< 9: conventional treatment 11: living with IBS > Last reviewed: 28 September 2008 || Last updated: 2 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
