IBS is a debilitating condition however it is able to be treated with herbal medicine. In Australia, IBS affects around 20% of the general population. Most common complaints include problems socialising in a normal way because any travel requires careful planning about where the next bathroom will be.
There are a range of symptoms in IBS: They include diarrhoea, constipation, or switching between constipation or diarrhoea, gut distension, abdominal pain and flatulence. Usually the severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary between individuals. Using a naturopathic approach that includes herbal medicine provides good potential for excellent therapeutic success in treating this condition.
The pathology of IBS typically includes dietary involvement, imbalance in gut micro-flora, hypersensitivity in the gut to certain foods, and nervous system involvement. Because there are many layers of involvement, people with IBS need a comprehensive assessment from a herbalist or naturopath to provide targeted and individualised treatment. Having said that, a specially made herbal mixture can do much towards reducing the symptoms of IBS.
Because IBS in multi-layered, it is important to understand each layer. The initial layer involves modulation of foods in your diet that may cause sensitivities, gluten especially, but also other foods. Distension of the gut and onset of symptoms comes from fermenting of food irritants in the lumen. Hypersensitivity can be caused by nerves within the gut lining being stimulated. Gut extension after eating is a clear marker that there is a sensitivity or food intolerance to a certain food. It can often take careful monitoring of symptoms to narrow down a problem food. Although at other times it can be very 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.
Gut permeability is increased in IBS and treatment is key towards therapeutic improvement. Herbal medicine such as slippery elm and marshmallow along with anti-microbial herbs such as wormwood, olive leaf and barberry can be of great use. The gut lining and the nervous system are in constant communication. Herbs that calm and support the assault upon the nervous system resulting physically from IBS include Zizyphus, Magnolia and Passionflower.
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.
There are a range of symptoms in IBS: They include diarrhoea, constipation, or switching between constipation or diarrhoea, gut distension, abdominal pain and flatulence. Usually the severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary between individuals. Using a naturopathic approach that includes herbal medicine provides good potential for excellent therapeutic success in treating this condition.
The pathology of IBS typically includes dietary involvement, imbalance in gut micro-flora, hypersensitivity in the gut to certain foods, and nervous system involvement. Because there are many layers of involvement, people with IBS need a comprehensive assessment from a herbalist or naturopath to provide targeted and individualised treatment. Having said that, a specially made herbal mixture can do much towards reducing the symptoms of IBS.
Because IBS in multi-layered, it is important to understand each layer. The initial layer involves modulation of foods in your diet that may cause sensitivities, gluten especially, but also other foods. Distension of the gut and onset of symptoms comes from fermenting of food irritants in the lumen. Hypersensitivity can be caused by nerves within the gut lining being stimulated. Gut extension after eating is a clear marker that there is a sensitivity or food intolerance to a certain food. It can often take careful monitoring of symptoms to narrow down a problem food. Although at other times it can be very 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.
Gut permeability is increased in IBS and treatment is key towards therapeutic improvement. Herbal medicine such as slippery elm and marshmallow along with anti-microbial herbs such as wormwood, olive leaf and barberry can be of great use. The gut lining and the nervous system are in constant communication. Herbs that calm and support the assault upon the nervous system resulting physically from IBS include Zizyphus, Magnolia and Passionflower.
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.
About the Author:
If you want to find out more about herbal medicine for IBS and other common health issues, then visit Kim Moser's site on how to choose the best herbal cure for your needs.
