Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS treatments

St George Naturopathic Clinic

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Disclaimer: None of the information on this web site is intended to replace any medical advice or any other professional advice, nor is it intended to replace any prescribed medication. It is dangerous to self-prescribe, so if you have any health problems, see your doctor, qualified naturopath or other qualified health professional.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is possibly the most common gastrointestinal disorder seen by doctors. It appears to affect mostly younger adults, and with women more than men. It is known as a functional disorder - meaning that there is no disease state present, despite the often debilitating symptoms. Before we go any further, I must give you an important warning : the symptoms of IBS may also be symptoms of other possibly serious diseases - you must get this checked out with you doctor before you start self-treating for IBS.

Symptoms : Most common symptoms are abdominal pain and cramping, with gas and bloating after a meal. Symptoms are often aggravated by stress and certain foods. There may also be varying patterns of stool consistency, with possible mucous discharge as well as dyspepsia, heartburn, nausea, and in some cases vomiting. Many IBS patients suffer problems such as anxiety, fatigue, hostile feelings, depression and sleep disturbances. It has been discovered in an experiment which monitored results of inflating small balloons in various parts of the digestive tract, that most IBS sufferers have a heightened sensitivity to pain in the intestine.

What can be done for IBS?

Medical treatment usually aims at symptoms, with such drugs as anti -diarrhoeal agents, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants and fibre supplements.

Naturopathic treatment involves dietary measures to avoid food triggers, and improve the digestive process generally. It may involve an elimination diet to find out what foods are causing you the most problem. Supplemental soluble fibre needs to be gradually introduced as it can worsen symptoms in some cases. It is essential to drink adequate water. Herbal treatment is very good for improving the digestive system, calming the intestinal spasms as well as addressing the nervous system generally. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be prescribed and a particular strain of probiotic has been shown to be most beneficial. Stress management may be beneficial.

Certain probiotics can help IBS

The Journal of Pedeatrics 2005;147(2);197-201 reported that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus found in a particular brand of yoghurt was NOT effective in treating IBS in children. Similarly another study found that Lactobacillis reuteri did not help (Clinical Nutrition 2005;24(6);925-31. This shows clearly that all probiotics are not the same. There are more than 500 species of bacteria in our intestines, with each one having its own characteristic. A comment on these two reports in the Journal of Complementary Medicine reminds us that it has been shown that Lactobacillus plantarum 299V is effective in relieving symptoms of IBS. This is available in one product I can recommend.

Ring naturopath Peter Kelly at St George Naturopathic Clinic on 02 9580 6708

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Peter Kelly ND, BHSc (Comp. Med.), DBM. Ring 9580 6708 for an appointment. 63 Moore Street Hurstville 2220

Last modified: 11/11/08