Natural Approaches to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
By Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®
"Few people realize that the intestinal tract has its own nervous system that communicates directly with the brain [called the gut-brain axis]. Because of this unique nervous system, people with irritable bowel syndrome often have intensified responses to abdominal distension or movement that can result in the brain receiving distressingly strong pain
signals...Despite its prevalence, there is no universally accepted medical treatment that directly addresses irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in all people."
~ Life Extension Magazine, Relief From Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2015) I
t is estimated that at least 20% of the American population has IBS. If you suffer from chronic digestive disturbances, your healthcare practitioner may conclude from your medical history
and a physical exam that you have this painful and potentially debilitating condition. If you would rather not merely mask or suppress your symptoms with standard medical therapy, you may want to consider certain natural treatments that can address the major biological changes that contribute to them.
Symptoms & Causes IBS is a poorly understood gastrointestinal disorder that is
characterized by some combination of chronic intestinal cramp- ing, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, feelings of fullness, excess secretion of colonic mucus, diarrhea, or constipation, that lasts for at least three months. It is generally diagnosed through the elimination of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including cancer, parasitic infections, intestinal disturbance from antacid or laxative abuse, inflammatory bowel, diverticular, and celiac diseases, ulcerative colitis, and metabolic disorders (adrenal fatigue/diabetes/hyperthyroidism).
The recognized IBS risk factors are: youth (occurs most in those under age 50); female gender (and menopausal estrogen
therapy); family history (both genetic and environmental factors); and mental health problems (anxiety, depression, history of abuse). Hormonal changes, unmanaged stress, and food allergies or intol- erances, are key triggers that can cause or exacerbate IBS.
While IBS is not a serious threat, there are five major in-
terconnected biological changes that together contribute to its symptoms, regardless of cause, which can greatly impair quality of life: (1) altered intestinal muscle contractions that cause abnormal movement of food through the intestines (motility); (2) intestinal hypersensitivity resulting in intense pain response (see the quote above); (3) low-grade inflammation in intestinal walls from the presence of increased immune cells; (4) leaky gut and food sen- sitivities; and (5) imbalance of intestinal microflora (dysbiosis). To fully address IBS, it is ideal to address all five of these processes simultaneously.
Therapeutic Dietary Considerations
Some people can control their IBS symptoms by managing stress, lifestyle, and diet. In addition to exploring counseling, bio- feedback, mindfulness training, and ways to improve sleep quality, it makes sense to address these dietary factors that have been found to exacerbate IBS:
FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides,
monosaccharides, and polyols): Since these short-chain carbohy- drates are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, small intestinal bacteria tend to ferment them, thereby generating large amounts of gases that cause bloating. Curbing intake of these types of car- bohydrates, and the foods containing high amounts of them, can thus be instrumental in curbing IBS symptoms in most patients: (1) fructans (wheat, onions, artichokes) [inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), called prebiotics, which feed good gut bacteria]; (2) galac- tans (legumes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts); (3) lactose (milk sugar, found in dairy products, chocolate and other sweets, beer, and
www.NaturalNutmeg.com 65
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
