Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome





Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - also known as 'spastic colon' is one of the most common chronic health disorders in the world and affects up to 20% of the population. It is a dysfunction of the bowel and large intestine, causing lower abdominal pain, cramping, constipation and diarrhea. Causes have not been conclusively identified, but are thought to involve problems in communication between the bowel and the brain.

Twice as many women suffer from this condition as men, and it usually affects people between the ages of 25 - 45 years old.

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

With IBS, normally rythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated, which interferes with the normal passing of food and wastes through the colon. This can lead to a building up of mucous and toxins in the intestinal tract. This toxic build-up can sometimes partially obstruct portions of the digestive tract. Trapped gas and stools can cause symptoms of bloating, distention, and constipation. These symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, even painful.

The entire intestinal tract, from the mouth, to the colon, can be affected.

Symptoms of IBS

Abdominal pain, often triggered by eating.

Anorexia.

Bloating.

Constipation.

Diarrhea.

Flatulence.

Food intolerances.

Mucous in the stools.

Nausea.

Vomiting.

Headaches.

Hemorrhoids

What Causes IBS

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known. There is no physical sign of disease in bowel tissue with IBS. One theory proposes that irregularities in the intestinal hormones, cholecystokinin (CKK), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which are responsible for bowel motility, are behind this disorder. With this theory, people with IBS have normal contraction of the smoothe muscle tissue in the digestive tract.

Other researchers suggest that viral or bacterial infection may play a role.

Lifestyle factors like stress and diet are thought to contribute to this condition.

Other possibilities are the over use of antibiotics, antacids, and laxatives, all of which can dirupt the microflora in the bowel.

Diagnosing IBS can be tricky. Symptoms which cause similar symptoms, like Chrohn's Disease, depression, diverticulitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, ulcerative colitis, or lactose intolerance, must all be ruled out. Sometimes a health care practitioner will want to do a barium enema, colonoscopy, or rectal biopsy to help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome.

Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS can be quite painful, but is generally not serious. Complications can be avoided wih proper lifestyle changes and proper supplements.

Professional Formulas

Native Remedies makes a wonderful Natural Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome that many people find very effective. HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED!

Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Essential Fatty Acids are useful for reducing inflammation and protecting intestinal lining.

L-Glutamine is a major metabolic fuel for the intestinal cells, helps maintain villi, and improve absorption.

Vitam B Complex is needed for proper muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, proper absorption of foods, and protein synthesis.

Probiotics are extremely useful for replenishing friendly bacteria, and proper digestion.

Colostrum helps heal intestinal lining and aids in nutrient absorption.

Fiber has both a healing and cleansing effect in the colon and intestines.

A good Whole Food Multivitamin can help guard against nutrient deficiencies from poor absorption.

Quercitin helps control the allergic response to foods.

Chelated forms of calcium and Magnesium helps nervous stomach and the central nervous system.

Liver support is important when treating IBS. The follwing herbs are good for cleansing the blood and supporting the liver:

Milk Thistle

Burdock root

Red Clover

Alfalfa contains vitamin k which is essential for building intestinal flora for proper digestion. It is also high in clorophyll for healing and cleansing the bloodstream.

Aloe Vera is healing to the digestive tract. The standard dosage is 1/2 aloe juice 3 x's daily on an empty stomach.

Peppermint aids in healing and digestion. It can be very useful in avoiding gassiness after meals.

Skullcap, and Valerian are useful for soothing the nerves that regulate intestinal muscle function.

Homeopathy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Colocynthis is indicated for cutting pains and cramping in the abdomen. Person wants to lay down or bend over. Feels angry and irritable.

Lycopodium is used for flatulence, gas, heartburn, and bloating.

Nux Vomica is indicated for symptoms that include diarrhea, nausea, pain in rectum, chilliness, craves spices and coffee.

Tissue Salts for IBS

Get More Information on Triple Complex Digestion Tonic Tissue Salts

What Else You Can Do

Eat a diet of fresh, unprocessed foods that are easily digested.

Avoid red meat, which takes a long time to pass through the digestive tract, and has a greater chance of becoming putrified.

Avoid foods that are known to irritate the wall of the digestive tract, or that produce gas:

Dairy products

Grains

Nuts

Seeds

Cruciferous Vegetables

Drink fresh vegetable juices, which are easily digested and contain lots of vitamins and minerals.

Look into possible food allergies that may be aggravating the condition.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco which irritate the lining of the stomach and colon.

During a flare-up stick to extremely bland foods. Try organic baby foods.




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The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.


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