(also referred to as ...) IBS, Irritable Colon, Neurogenic Mucous Colitis, Spastic Colitis, Unstable Colon
Description Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a physical condition that affects 15% of the North American population. It occurs more frequently in adult women than men. Research is being done into the potential links between IBS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia.
Symptoms and Signs: In approximately 25% of cases, constipation alternates with a normal bowel movement and diarrhea. Pain is experienced in the area below your breastbone. There may also be feelings of an incomplete bowel movement. Stool is usually small, hard, narrow, cylindrical, fragmented. Mucus may also be present in the stool. The lower, descending portion of the colon (located on your left side) is sensitive to the touch and also spasms during an attack. A rectal examination often shows up negative (no lesions, inflammation, colon dilation, et cetera). Additional symptoms include anxiety, faintness, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, menstrual cramps, nervousness, sweating and frequent urination
Causes: Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be caused by emotional tension, fatigue and general weakness, menstruation, bowel irritants, smoking, and general diet. IBS has also been linked with improper function of the vagus nerve -- a primary nerve associated with digestive processes. The esophagus, gallbladder, and small intestine may also not be functioning properly. Many clinicians have also noted a strong link between IBS and Candidiasis (see dedicated section).
What to Expect: Irritable bowel syndrome typically requires long term treatment. It often stems from other factors that must be determined to properly deal with this condition. Discuss this situation with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the most ideal course(s) of action.
Remedies
Foods A number of studies have shown that high levels of dietary fibre intake can benefit those with irritable bowel syndrome. Fibre is able to absorb water, helps increase stool weight, and reduces the rate of "transit time" through your intestines. Wheat bran has better water-absorbing properties than carrots, cabbage, or apples, which are also ideal soluble fibre sources. You may also experience a reduction in abdominal pain. Do not juice fruits or vegetables intended as fibre sources as these components will be lost in the resulting pulp. You may also consider fibre supplementation. To rehydrate, drink vegetable broth. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily before meals, preferably in the morning. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added. Digestive enzymes (available at any health food store) will assist in the digestion of foods, thereby reducing the stress placed on your digestive tract. Peppermint oil capsules (enteric-coated) may be helpful since peppermint oil will reduce cramping of the digestive tract's smooth muscle. It also reduces gas and bloating. If a fungal component is suspected (Candida), follow the recommendations as listed in that section.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Kali sulph: use when the stools are slimy yellow colour. There may be cramping and gas. Kali phos: for situations where there is a strong link between stress or anxiety and the IBS. The stools are very foul smelling and may be strongly yellow coloured. Mag phos: Where the predominant symptom is cramping and gas, to the point where one is doubling over with the pain.
Lifestyle High intakes of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates (cookies, cakes, muffins, white bread, chips, crackers, et cetera) cause gastrointestinal distress and increased muscle spasms in those experiencing IBS. Reduce or eliminate these foods from your diet. It is also important to test for food allergies such as dairy, wheat, corn, or soy, which can further complicate proper digestion. See Therapies, Healing Aids, & More, below. An experimental blinded study found that the food additives sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite, erythrosine, and carminic acid irritated symptoms in 82 percent of those tested. Symptoms improved over the course of six months following elimination of suspect additives from the diet. Check food labels and avoid additives and preservatives, where possible. Consider the possibility of parasites. Testing is available through your doctor or naturopath.
Therapies, Healing Aids, & More Investigate possible food allergies. Allergens further complicate proper digestive and also inhibit normal nervous, and immune system function. A series of double-blind studies concluded that various allergens exacerbated symptoms in people with IBS following an elimination diet and strategic, non-irritating food intake. Common food allergens include dairy products, wheat, corn, and soy. Skin tests or positive IgE RAST testing can help isolate specific allergens. Actions and Remedy Listings | Acidophilus | Avoid High-Sugar Foods | Avoid Refined Carbohydrates | | Bifidus | Digestive Enzymes | Food Allergy Testing | | Increase Dietary Fibre | Kali Phos. | Kali Sulph. | | Mag Phos. | Peppermint Oil Capsules (Enteric Coated) | Reduce Fat Intake | | Vegetable Broth | | | See also Candidiasis
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