Cindy’s Other Blog

An increasing number of people are suffering with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastro-intestinal health problem.

Triggers of IBS

1. Food hypersensitivity or food intolerance

2. Stress or emotional disturbances

3. Inflammation and infections in the intestines caused by unfriendly bacteria or parasites. These can give rise to Leaky Gut Syndrome, where there is an increase in the permeability of the intestinal mucosa. Here, undigested food particles and chemicals can permeate the walls of the intestines and enter the bloodstream. The immune system can become overloaded by this and cause inflammation, mucosal sensitivity, abnormal movements and response from secretions.

4. Dysbiosis. The good and bad bacteria in the intestines become imbalanced.

5. A change in the bowel flora. Possibly as a result of antiobiotics, laxatives, low intake of dietary fibre or diarrhoea.

Diet & Lifestyle

An increase in the consumption of dietary fibre, mainly from vegetables and fruits as well as a greater water intake and reduced intake of diuretic caffeine containing drinks such as tea and coffee.

Constipation, diarrhoea and dysbiosis (toxic bacteria) may be directly attributed to food sensitivities and intolerances.

Bloating and symptoms associated with this (meteorism) is caused by gas that’s trapped in the intestines, though how this actually comes about is not yet fully comprehended. The decomposition of lactose by bacteria can cause increased gas leading to bloating and rumbling, flatulence or diarrhoea soon after eating dairy foods.

Food intolerances are considered to play an important role in IBS. Bacterial fermentation within the digestive tract can be the result of this, causing production of gases that may trigger some of the symptoms.

Natural remedies

1. Water is important. Drink about a 1.5 litres. This is on top of the consumption of other beverages.

2. Reduced consumption of alcohol, cola drinks, tea and coffee, and chocolate.

3. Identifying and eliminating possible food sensitivities/allergies.

4. Although some people do have problems with raw foods, in general there are benefits from increasing fibre intake from fruits and vegetables.

5. Cutting stress levels.

The treatment is a collaboration between the client and the therapist. It is, therefore, vital that the client be committed to taking an active role in dealing with the disorder.

If the practitioner feels it is necessary, laboratory tests may be ordered to find out if the patient has food allergies or intolerances, candida overgrowth or a leaky gut.