Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Can be cured naturally

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

How to cure Irritable Bowel syndrome naturally?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the bowel without any organic pathology or disease. It presents with abdominal pain and abdominal distension associated with passage of stools or an alteration in the bowel habit. It may be diarrhea predominant or constipation predominant or changing from one to another. It is one of the commonest causes of hospital visits in young adults. Young women are affected 2 to 3 times more commonly than men. It is commonly associated with other disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and painful menstruation. Many of these patients have a history of sexual or physical abuse.

What are the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS?

The exact cause of IBS is not well defined but multiple factors are associated with its occurrence. The important factors include psychological stress, altered motility of bowel, sensations of abdominal viscera and luminal factors.

Psychological stress: About 50% of these patients have psychological factors which include conditions like anxiety, depression, panic attacks. Psychological stress is known to alter the intestinal motility and function. These factors contribute to the symptoms seen in patients with IBS

Gastrointestinal motility changes in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: People with diarrhea predominant symptoms have rapid movements in the jejunum or upper small intestine. There is a rapid transit of intestinal contents associated with contractions of large intestine resulting in diarrhea. On the other end, in people with constipation, the transit time of intestinal contents is increased allowing more time for water absorption.

Abnormal perception of gastrointestinal organs: The bowel has an increased sensitivity to distension as shown by experimental inflation of ileum, colon and rectum with balloons. This is associated with alteration in the control of autonomic nervous system and is seen in diarrhea predominant IBS. There is an enhanced perception of intestinal and pain.

Infection: About 10 to 30% people develop IBS after an episode of gastroenteritis. Giardiasis may be associated. Changes in normal bacterial population of gut may result in minimal inflammation and increased fermentation and gas production.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Allergy: Allergy to certain components of diet like lactose or gluten has been proposed as a cause of IBS.

What are the common symptoms of this condition?

Gut-Dysbiosis-and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The commonest symptom is abdominal pain which is relieved after defecation. The commonest site of pain is lower abdomen over the left side. The onset is associated with a change in frequency or form of stool. The other symptoms include mucus in stools, diarrhea or constipation, bloating and abdominal distension. There is upper abdominal discomfort after meals which may be associated with nausea. An urgency of defecation may occur which may be followed by a sensation of incomplete evacuation. Straining at normal consistency of stools may be noticed.

Is there a natural cure for IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome ?

Yes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS can be treated with natural methods. It is important to reassure the person that there is no organic disease. A normal life span is expected and with psychological support this can be achieved. Other supportive measures include:

Detoxification: This is an important component of treatment. It helps in flushing out intestinal toxins to restore normal intestinal flora of micro-organisms. Colonic irrigation or cleansing removes all the waste, improves motility and relieves symptoms.

Restoration of normal gut flora: This can be achieved by taking probiotics. These are good bacteria which help in restoration of normal population of healthy flora in the colon.

Diet: Take a healthy diet consisting of 4 to 6 small meals. Avoid food which results in gas production. Dietary fibre supplements improve the symptoms of diarrhea or constipation. Certain types of fibre supplements result in more bloating, so they may be prescribed by the physician appropriately. People with constipation should consume more fluids. These people should also avoid caffeine and fatty foods. Those with lactose or fructose intolerance should avoid these products as it aggravates bloating. In such cases, care should be taken to supplement calcium adequately. Scientific studies have shown that consumption of gluten free diet results in significant improvement of symptoms.

Exercise: A regular exercise boosts the immune system as well as healthy gut function. It improves blood flow which washes away all the accumulated toxins in the intestines. Digestion of nutrients also improves.

Stress relief: Maintaining emotional well-being is essential for relief from IBS. A psychiatric consult should be obtained. Any psychiatric disorder should be assessed and treated. Many of these patients require a long term follow-up. Research has shown that an improvement is seen with the use of antidepressants. Other modalities of therapy with positive results include behaviour therapy, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.