Normally, muscular contractions of the bowel are rhythmic and coordinated, facilitating the movement of food and waste materials. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by irregular and uncoordinated motility of the intestines. Accumulated material traps gas, stools, and toxins causing nausea, bloating and constipation, alternating with loose, mucusy stools. Abdominal pain may be triggered by eating. Poor absorption of nutrients can result in deficiencies. Diagnosis depends on ruling out other disorders with similar symptoms. Medications prescribed to control the symptoms of IBS can have serious side effects. Home treatments are frequently just as effective.
Diet
According to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," foods that increase the secretion of mucus in the gut are animal fats, carbonated beverages, coffee, dairy products, refined foods, mannitol, sorbitol, hydrogenated oils, spicy foods, wheat, and alcohol. Foods less likely to trigger IBS symptoms are non-acid fruits and vegetables, brown rice, quinoa, sprouts, oats, cold water fish and olive oil. Fresh or lightly steamed foods digest more easily. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) advises removing common allergens, such as dairy, wheat, corn, peanuts, citrus, soy, eggs, shellfish and tomatoes, from the diet completely and adding them back in one at a time, to see if they exacerbate symptoms.
Supplements
The Mayo Clinic suggests that probiotics may relieve the pain and bloating associated with IBS. Balch states that an imbalance of gut flora is common for those with IBS. Usually, pathogenic flora outnumber friendly bacteria. Use a non-dairy formula containing acidophilus and bifidobacterium to replenish cultures that aid digestion.
Peppermint is a natural remedy for digestive problems. To be effective for the gas and cramping of IBS, peppermint oil needs to be enterically coated to prevent it's release before reaching the gut. Omega-3 essential fatty acids in ground flaxseeds may help protect the intestinal lining while providing a good source of fiber. The UMMC suggests that taking the hormone melatonin at bedtime may calm IBS symptoms. Balch also recommends L-glutamine, an amino acid necessary for gut health, and spirulina, a blue-green algae rich in absorbable protein.
Mind-Body Therapy
Deep breathing, yoga, and massage can oxygenate tissues, improve concentration, and promote relaxation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the symptoms of IBS can be triggered by, as well as be a source of, stress. Interrupting the cycle with stress reduction methods has been successful.
Nineteen IBS patients studied at the University of North Carolina were given a hypnosis program to practice at home over three months. Subjects using the program were twice as likely to report improvement than those in a control group who received only medical care. However, anxiety proved to be a block to getting good results with the at-home version of hypnosis.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "The International Journal for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis", Hypnosis home treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, Palsson OS, January 2006, 54(1)
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC, 2004
