IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The term Irritable Bowel Syndrome covers a number of conditions, one of which is Trapped Wind, dealt with separately here

Symptoms

Symptoms arise when colon muscles become sensitive and then spasm, possibly as a response to diet factors and stress, but it can also be indicative of a serious medical problem.
IBS symptoms include:

• alternating between constipation and diarrhoea
• abdominal bloating and pain
• flatulence (trapped wind is dealt with separately, here )

IBS symptoms could indicate other medical conditions and therefore it is important to see your doctor, especially if,

• Your bowel habit changes significantly
• There is blood in your stools
• You have severe abdominal pain
• You have noticed weight loss
• You are experiencing fever

IBS is often diagnosed when investigations find no organic basis for the symptoms.

Treatment

The following may help in alleviating the symptoms:

• Take a probiotic. One strain, Bifidobacterium infantis, has proved to be particularly helpful. Take as capsules or try Activa yoghurt / probiotic drink.
• Keep a diet diary. Note if symptoms are associated with eating particular foods and if so eliminate that food type.
• Gradually increase soluble fibre in your diet

Eat more leafy vegetables and fruit. Snack on dried fruit apricots (prunes, apricots etc. rather than biscuits, chocolate or crisps. Be warned, this may initially increase flatulence and bloating, but research had shown that fibre improves bowel function. Link here.

• Drink plenty of water. Remember that caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate your body so it is helpful to have a water chaser.
• Regular exercise, as in brisk walking will help to avoid constipation
• Reduce stress. be aware of situations you find stressful and avoid them. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga and hypnosis.
• Flatulence
  • Slippery elm powder (1 teaspoon) mixed with a ittle powdered ginger and cinnamon taken in porridge helps to reduce abdominal bloating
  • Herbs as for trapped wind are also recommended.
• Stress and colonic spasm
  • Hops antispasmodic and digestive tonic ( caution: avoid these if you suffer from depression, are pregnant or impotent).
  • Valerian to reduce stress ( caution: avoid in pregnancy and lactation)
  • Wild yam an antispasmodic to reduce cramping ( caution: avoid if pregnant or lactating)
• Constipation
  • Psyllium husks taken daily on cereal (one tablepoon) will help to protect against constipation as it provides soluble fibre which bulks out stools.
  • Dandelion root a bitter herb to stimulate bile flow and aid digestion
  • Yellow Dock a mild laxative but containing anthaquinones which, if taken for long periods may weaken the tone on the bowel
  • Aloe vera juice has a gentle, soothing effect on the bowel and will help with chronic constipation. Take one tablesppon twice daily.
• Diarrhoea
  • Agrimony contains tannins that have a drying effect
  • Bilberries steep the berries in boiling water for 20 minutes
  • Apples contain pectin which will also help constipation by softening stools

Please Note
Information given here should not replace consultation with you doctor.

See also Trapped Wind - Insomnia - Eczema

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