Ananda Mahony
NaomiNaturally treating...IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)
October 5th 2006 00:00
Stomach ache by Prawny
The normal motion of propelling food through the digestive tract, caused by the intestinal muscles rhythmically contracting; is called peristalsis.
There are lots of claims as to the cause of IBS and the common denominator is stress which definitely aggravates the symptoms. Some other contributors to IBS can be: overuse of antibiotics, poor diet, heavy consumption of fried or greasy food, smoking, alchohol and an intolerance to lactose or gluten.
Symptoms that are not attributed to IBS are: blood in the stools(unless from hemorrhoids caused by constipation), continuous abdominal pain that doesn't abate or gets worse, fever, dramatic weight loss without intention, sudden change in stool patterns. These symptoms must be referred to a doctor for further investigation.
The best remedies for IBS are ones that slow down or relax the intestinal muscles and regulate the spasms or; ones that slow down and relax the patient, holistically. Each one exacerbates the other.
Suggested treatments are:
Peppermint oil capsules (enteric coated): the coating ensures that the oil is not released until it is in the stomach. Peppermint is very effective in calming down the spasms and soothing other IBS symptoms. Peppermint tea can be taken with equally effective results.
Acidophilus: A source of good bacteria that is needed to keep the digestive system healthy. This is particularly helpful in cases of IBS that are brought on by candida(thrush), heavy alchohol consumption or an overuse of antibiotics.
Psyllium Husks: a type of dietry fibre that absorbs the water in the intestine and bulks up stools. This lessens the severity of the spasms and restores balance either to constipation or diarrhea. Psyllium husks can be added to cereal or used in baking. This is particularly effective if you suffer from chronic IBS. You must drink at least 8 glasses of water when adding psyllium husks to your diet.
Eat well: reduce alchohol and fried food consumption when suffering symptoms as they may well be aggravating the condition.
Valerian: taken in tablet form; valerian helps to relax the body and reduce the effects of stress.
Lavender: Used topically in conjunction with olive oil as a vehicle, massage into the temples, back of the neck of over the abdominal area to releive symptoms of stress and to calm the body.
Buscapan: derived form the Australian plant, Dubosia; buscapan is taken in tablet form and is one of the best treatments vailable to reduce the symptoms of IBS.
Holistic treatments:
Yoga,Tai chi, Float Therapy,
Reiki, Chiropractic, Walking.
Any therapy that relaxes the body and stimulates natural endorphins will be proactive in releiving the symptoms and possibly the cause.
Remember that IBS is usually a chronic condition so you must deal with the problem by making a complete life style change. Recognize the triggers and be ready with your chosen remedies on hand. if you treat it in the early stages you will be less likely to suffer the extreme pain that can potentially occur and affect your quality of life.
Resources
Vitamins and herbs, Readers Digest
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