IBS
 

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

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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:

bulletalternating between constipation and diarrhoea
bulletabdominal bloating and pain
bulletflatulence (trapped wind, dealt with separately, here)

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

bulletYour bowel habit changes significantly
bulletThere is blood in your stools
bulletYou have severe abdominal pain
bulletYou have noticed weight loss
bulletYou are experiencing fever

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

The following may help in alleviating the symptoms:

bulletKeep a diet diary. Note if symptoms are associated with eating particular foods. 
bulletRegulate your bowels.
bulletGradually increase soluble fibre to 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.
 

bulletDrink plenty of water Remember that Caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate your  body so it’s helpful to  have a water chaser.
bulletExercise Regular exercise as in brisk walking will help to avoid constipation
bulletReduce stress by recognising it and avoiding stressors, relaxation and self-hypnosis
bulletFlatulence
bulletherbs as for trapped wind
bulletStress and colonic spasm
bulletHops – antispasmodic and digestive tonic (caution: avoid these if you suffer from depression, are pregnant or impotent).
bulletValerian – to reduce stress (caution: avoid in pregnancy and lactation)
bulletWild yam – an antispasmodic to reduce cramping (caution: avoid if pregnant or lactating)
bulletConstipation
bulletDandelion root – a bitter herb to stimulate bile flow and aid digestion
bulletYellow Dock – a mild laxativve but containing anthaquinones which, if taken for long periods may weaken  the tone on the bowel
bulletDiarrhoea
bulletAgrimony - contains tannins that have a drying effect
bulletBilberries - steep the berries in boiling water for 20 minutes
bulletApples - contain pectin which will also help constipation by softening stools

 

To treat bloating, wind and stress symptoms, I supply a herbal tea containing valerian, hops, chamomile, fennel, dandelion root and wild yam.
This is not suitable for those who are pregnant or suffering from depression.
The precise ingredients can be varied depending on individual symptoms, so email me
here if you wish to do so.

The cost is £5.00 ($10) per 100 grams plus postage. Click here to order

I can also supply linseed at £3.50 ($7) per 100 grams plus postage. I can grind this, if required, but ground linseed will only keep for about six weeks. Click here to order.

I have also listed some useful books on IBS here.

 

Please Note

Information given here should not replace consultation with you doctor.

 

Remedies also available for  Trapped Wind    Insomnia    Eczema

 Back to main page