In Australia alone, IBS affects almost 20% of the population. Its incidence is more highly reported in women than in men and mostly found in those younger than 50 years of age. It is a debilitating condition however it is treatable with herbal medicine. Most common complaints include inability to socialise in a normal way as every move requires careful planning around bathroom availability.
IBS presents with a variety of symptoms: constipation, diarrhoea, alternating constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gut distension and flatulence. Of course severity and frequency vary between individuals. A naturopathic approach using herbal medicine offers great potential for gaining excellent therapeutic success for this condition.
IBS pathology includes altered gut micro-flora, gut hypersensitivity to particular foods, dietary issues and also involves the nervous system. Sufferers require a full comprehensive assessment to give specific and individualised treatment due to the different layers of involvement. However, a tailored herbal medicine can do a lot towards assisting this condition.
Since IBS in multi-layered in nature, the following will give further information on each layer. The initial layer involves modulation of diet by elimination of gluten especially, but also other foods that may cause sensitivities. Fermentation of food irritants in the lumen causes distension of the gut and onset of symptoms. Nerves within the gut lining may be stimulated, causing hypersensitivity. Gut extension after eating certain foods is a clear indication that there is a food intolerance or sensitivity to that particular food. It often takes a bit of careful monitoring to narrow down specific foods. Other times it is down-right obvious.
Although enzyme dysfunction is not the only cause of IBS it is often beneficial to address this process. Enzymes, released from the pancreas to assist in the breakdown of foods may be a complicating factor in many people. Often, people report that IBS has developed after a bout of gastro-enteritis and IBS sufferers can show a reduced diversity of helpful gut bacteria. A herb called Phellodendron amurense is useful in re-establishing a healthy gut flora is and reducing of harmful bacteria.
An increase in permeability of the gut is part of IBS and treating this is essential to improvement of IBS symptoms. Slippery elm, marshmallow, olive leaf, wormword and barberry are herbal medicines that are anti-microbial and can help to heal the gut. There is constant communication between the gut lining and the nervous system and herbs such as Zizyphus, Magnolia and Passionflower can be used to support and calm the nervous system.
A significant problem in IBS is gut inflammation that results from increased gut permeability or leaky gut. When the gut leaks, these larger food molecules are seen as toxic by the immune system and this results in an immune response. To heal inflammation from a leaky gut, a herbal medicine should include Boswelia and Tumeric. Another key element underlying the IBS condition is stress so it is essential to support the body and also to change lifestyle to minimise daily stressors. The use of cognitive behavioural psychology therapy can help with personality traits that add to stress. These issues may include low self-esteem, hostility and aggression or perfectionism. Calcium and magnesium are important nutrients to ensure a more relaxed nervous system. This will help IBS sufferers deal with stress better and these nutrients are found in high quantities in chamomile, valerian and skullcap herbal remedies.
IBS presents with a variety of symptoms: constipation, diarrhoea, alternating constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gut distension and flatulence. Of course severity and frequency vary between individuals. A naturopathic approach using herbal medicine offers great potential for gaining excellent therapeutic success for this condition.
IBS pathology includes altered gut micro-flora, gut hypersensitivity to particular foods, dietary issues and also involves the nervous system. Sufferers require a full comprehensive assessment to give specific and individualised treatment due to the different layers of involvement. However, a tailored herbal medicine can do a lot towards assisting this condition.
Since IBS in multi-layered in nature, the following will give further information on each layer. The initial layer involves modulation of diet by elimination of gluten especially, but also other foods that may cause sensitivities. Fermentation of food irritants in the lumen causes distension of the gut and onset of symptoms. Nerves within the gut lining may be stimulated, causing hypersensitivity. Gut extension after eating certain foods is a clear indication that there is a food intolerance or sensitivity to that particular food. It often takes a bit of careful monitoring to narrow down specific foods. Other times it is down-right obvious.
Although enzyme dysfunction is not the only cause of IBS it is often beneficial to address this process. Enzymes, released from the pancreas to assist in the breakdown of foods may be a complicating factor in many people. Often, people report that IBS has developed after a bout of gastro-enteritis and IBS sufferers can show a reduced diversity of helpful gut bacteria. A herb called Phellodendron amurense is useful in re-establishing a healthy gut flora is and reducing of harmful bacteria.
An increase in permeability of the gut is part of IBS and treating this is essential to improvement of IBS symptoms. Slippery elm, marshmallow, olive leaf, wormword and barberry are herbal medicines that are anti-microbial and can help to heal the gut. There is constant communication between the gut lining and the nervous system and herbs such as Zizyphus, Magnolia and Passionflower can be used to support and calm the nervous system.
A significant problem in IBS is gut inflammation that results from increased gut permeability or leaky gut. When the gut leaks, these larger food molecules are seen as toxic by the immune system and this results in an immune response. To heal inflammation from a leaky gut, a herbal medicine should include Boswelia and Tumeric. Another key element underlying the IBS condition is stress so it is essential to support the body and also to change lifestyle to minimise daily stressors. The use of cognitive behavioural psychology therapy can help with personality traits that add to stress. These issues may include low self-esteem, hostility and aggression or perfectionism. Calcium and magnesium are important nutrients to ensure a more relaxed nervous system. This will help IBS sufferers deal with stress better and these nutrients are found in high quantities in chamomile, valerian and skullcap herbal remedies.
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