Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

See also : Colon Spasm

Symptoms

Causes

• lactose intolerance : If milk and other dairy products bother you, you may have lactose intolerance. This means that your body is unable to digest the sugar in milk. If you suspect you are lactose intolerant, limit the amount of dairy products in your diet, and talk to your doctor.
• aspartame is known to cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome and fibromyalgia.
• Foods that tend to aggravate IBS include wheat, rye, barley, beans, cabbage, some fruits, chocolate, alcohol, milk and caffeinated beverages.
• Anxiety has been linked with IBS. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night, and if possible, try to clear a little time in your day to relax and enjoy yourself. Some people claim that therapy can help with IBS symptoms.
• Magnesium deficiency has been linked with IBS.
• IBS may be caused or worsened by lack of B vitamins (Vitamin B6)
• Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), wheat gluten, refined sugars and flours, hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and pesticides all contribute to IBS in some way, shape, or form.
• FODMAP foods (see : Low FODMAP diet)

Home remedies

• Remove unfriendly bowel flora, which make toxins or bad stuff, usually with the help of collostrum antibody supplements, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and sometimes medication.
• Reinnoculate friendly flora, the acidophilus and bifidus and other good flora, which make good stuff (nutrients).
• Replenish the Digestive Enzymes, which are required to break down food properly into smaller, absorbable molecules.
• Try to de-stress, in whatever way possible.
• Exercise : Studies show that people who weigh less and are more physically fit report less abdominal pain than those who are heavier. Also, for a lot of people, exercise is a great way to reduce stress.
• Low FODMAP diet
• As with heartburn, avoid large meals and eating too fast.
• Add more fiber to your diet : Fiber helps regulate diarrhea and constipation. Soluble fiber, in particular, can be very effective. Foods high in soluble fiber include apples, beans and citrus fruits. Don’t try to cheat with fiber supplements – these can actually make symptoms worse.
• Probiotics can reverse ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gut inflammations that occur from a lack of sufficient probiotics.
• Bifidobacterium Infantis is sometimes used as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. A 2006 article in the "American Journal of Gastroenterology" reported the effects of these bacteria on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Taking these bacteria relieved gas, bowel dysfunction, problems with incomplete bowel movements and straining in patients with irritable bowel syndrome without causing any significant side effects.
• Hepatorestorative (liver supporting) and cholerectic (increasing bile) herbs such as Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) and Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) are an important part of treatment for IBS.
• Coriander works like an antispasmodic drug, relaxing the contracted digestive muscles that cause the discomfort of IBS and other “overactive gut” disorders.
• Healthy intestinal flora bestows resistance to intestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's Disease, leaky gut syndrome, autoimmunity, and colon cancer.
• Turmeric is a remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome and other Digestive Disorders.
• Combination of Turmeric + Activated Charcoal + Fennel
• Cumin extract can significantly reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Cumin oil essential oil is also used for IBS.
• Magnesium and Vitamin C helps promote healthy bowel function.
• Vitamin B6 is associated with less frequent and severe IBS symptoms.
• Vitamin D : A preliminary review of individual reports suggest that vitamin D may an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Glutamine : even serious gastrointestinal and digestive diseases such as Crohn's, IBS and Colitis can see substantial improvement with glutamine supplementation.
• a traditional Chinese medicinal tea composed of fennel, flax, and fenugreek, is known to help treat coughs and cold, mucus buildup, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Crohn's Disease.
• Neem Tree is very powerful against irritable bowel syndrome.
• Bromelain is a popular natural digestive aid due to it's ability to digest proteins. It's used for bloating, gas and other digestive symptoms and for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
• Cat's Claw is used to effectively handle digestive problems such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and leaky bowel syndrome
• Aloe Vera : Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can derive much benefit from supplementing with aloe vera juice, gel, or dried flakes.
• eating 2 kiwifruit a day for a month significantly “shortens colon transit time, increases defecation frequency, and improves bowel function” in those with constipation-type IBS.
• peppermint oil and pills has been shown helpful in controlled trials.
• Digestive enzymes : A good digestive enzyme supplement can also help ease IBS by improving the efficiency of your digestive system. When food has not been digested as much as possible before reaching the small intestine, it can cause great discomfort and hinder the entire elimination process. Taking a high quality digestive enzyme supplement that contains components such as bromelain (naturally found in pineapple), lipase, pancreatin, papain and pepsin can really help increase the efficiency of digestion. By breaking the food down as much as possible earlier in the process, you may avoid a lot of the uncomfortable symptoms that come later on in the intestine.
• Acupuncture
• zinc L-carnosine is used to cure gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, ulcers, leaky gut, and IBS.

Warnings

If a person is experiencing symptoms of colon spasms, it is important that they see a doctor to determine the cause. They can then receive proper medical care. Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease often require ongoing treatment. Some viruses, such as norovirus, can cause colon spasms that go away when the person recovers from the illness. These types of illnesses usually last for around 1–3 daysTrusted Source. If a person has symptoms that last longer than this, they should speak to a doctor. Also, a person should seek medical care if their symptoms are severe and accompanied by any of the following:

• swelling of the stomach
• loss of appetite
• an inability to pass stool or gas
• sweating, chills, or fever

These symptoms may indicate a blockage in the intestines, which can be serious.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.