Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Introduction

IBS is often used as an umbrella term for bowel dysfunction, although it is a very specific condition with a psychological element affecting the gut. Sufferers often have chronic diarrhoea and/or constipation which are worse when they are stressed. Therefore, both the biochemical and psychological aspects of any case must be taken into account for true lasting success.

Common Symptoms

Usually a combination of any of the following:

• abdominal pain
• altered bowel movement (ie, diarrhoea, constipation or alternating between them)
• mucus in the stool
• wind
• nausea
• bloating
• anxiety and depression

Diagnosis

Is usually made after ruling out other functional gut disorders like Crohn's, colitis or diverticulitis. Many sufferers never see their GP and just put up with symptoms, which is a shame. That said, it is still probably the most common gut disorder seen in general practice. If nothing else is found and there are indicators such as bloating, pain with frequent bowel movements and a relief of pain when you do pass a stool, then it is normally thought of as IBS.

IBS can mimic other conditions, though, so it is worth getting checked out.  For example, if you mostly have loose stools, you should check out coeliac disease and poor absorption problems like pancreatic insufficiency or even a bacterial infection. If you are more constipated, look at wheat intolerance, or get checked out that there are no mechanical issues like a blockage.

Other conditions to consider include:

Lactose intolerance

Wheat, gluten and/or dairy intolerance

Inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's and colitis)

Candidiasis in the gut

Gut dysbiosis (an upset bowel bacteria balance)

Thyroid or adrenal problems

Tests Available

Tests are important with a condition such as this as IBS can be caused by or be contributed to by so many different factors. Once you know what's involved, you can then target the problem much more effectively and hopefully solve it once and for all. There are many tests that could be done, but here are my top recommendations:

IBS Test (bacteria, candida, yeasts, moulds, coeliac, malabsorption and inflammation)

Coeliac Test

Candida (inc other yeasts, moulds and bacteria)

Intestinal Inflammation

Pancreatic Insufficiency (ie poor absorption)

Food Intolerance (dairy, wheat, grains, gluten, yeast)

You can search through the tests here and have a read about others.

Approach

Over the years, I have seen many people with a diagnosis of ‘IBS' which turns out to be caused by one of the factors above. Food intolerance is the leading cause I've found, followed by candida overgrowth.  For constipation, wheat intolerance and thyroid issues come up a lot.

Once you have ruled out acute problems such as bacterial infection (say, picked up on holiday) and coeliac disease (a clue is constantly low iron levels and/or feeling tired all the time), if the problem is chronic, you should take steps to eliminate it rather than continue to suffer.

Your Plan

1. Eliminate stress. If you think that stress is a factor for you, consider hypnotherapy and biofeedback. Both of these have a great record for helping to lower anxiety and break what's called the ‘gut-brain link'. You don't normally need more than about 5 sessions and there is a specific approach called the 'IBS-100 Programme' which we found great in-clinic.
2. Organise any tests appropriate if you can so you know what you're dealing with and can approach it in a targeted way.
3. Have a wheat and dairy-free holiday, increase fibre (from oats, rice and veg, definitely NOT wheat or rye) and water if you suffer more from constipation, and avoid sugar and too much fruit.
4. Consider these remedies:

• Probiotics - a minimum of 1-2 billion live bacteria per day taken on rising or before bed, away from any other supplements.  Must include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifido bacterium. See Probiotics section.
• Aloe Vera - is a great source of gentle fibre as well as being anti-inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti-fungal. We only recommend Nutrigold's Aloe Gold which is a little more expensive than some, but works because of the way it is manufactured. I've had tried others to no avail. Always take away from food if you can. 30-40 ml in 100ml water twice a day works well, although start low and work up as you may need less.
• Peppermint Oil - can be a boon to help spasms, wind and bloating. Find enteric-coated capsules.

You can get any items and advice from Natural Dispensary or feel free to contact me if you need help with what to buy.

Important

Remember - always check out with your health practitioner or GP before starting anything new especially if you are taking any other medicines, are pregnant or trying to conceive or have high blood pressure. See here for more advice on interactions with meds and general cautions.

For More Help

See the full Gut Ebook (coming soon) or contact me.

For details of the IBS-100 programme, visit: http://www.ibsregister.com/content/ibsap100

FoodsMatter site has a great list of organisations and groups. Go to http://www.foodsmatter.com/links_non_food/campaigning.html