Irritable bowel syndrome
Normally, food is propelled through the digestive tract by rhythmic
contractions of the intestinal muscles, a process called peristalsis. In irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), these muscles go into spasm, and the
contractions become uncoordinated. This disturbance can cause the intestine's
contents to move too fast or too slow, leading to abdominal pain and
either diarrhea or constipation.
An older term for IBS is "spastic colon."
Over the years, researchers have proposed many causes for IBS, none of which
has ever been proved. The list of suspects includes a bacterial, viral, or
parasitic infection; overuse of antibiotics; lactose intolerance; or adverse
reactions to foods (such as wheat or broccoli). Some experts think people with
IBS have highly sensitive smooth muscle tissue, not only in the gastrointestinal
tract but also elsewhere in the body. Others believe that IBS is the result of
an inflammation in the lining of the intestine. One underlying factor in almost
all cases of IBS, however, is that stress aggravates the symptoms. Because no
one is sure exactly what makes bowel function go awry, doctors tend to diagnose
IBS by eliminating other disorders with similar symptoms, such as
diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Supplements and herbs
Natural supplements offer a good way to control many IBS
symptoms. All those listed here can be combined with one
another or with conventional drugs. Enteric-coated
peppermint oil capsules-which ensure that the oil is released in
the intestine, not the stomach-are very effective in calming the
intestinal spasms that cause abdominal pain, as well as soothing other IBS
symptoms. In a study of 110 people with IBS, enteric-coated peppermint oil
reduced abdominal pain in 79% of those taking it and eliminated the pain in 56%. Virtually
no adverse reactions were seen.
Psyllium, a type of dietary
fiber, eases
IBS symptoms for many
people-although not for all. In most cases, it works to correct
constipation and is useful for diarrhea because it absorbs water in the intestine
and adds bulk to the stool (bulk also seems to lessen the severity of
spasms). Drink at least eight glasses of water a day when using psyllium.
If you find that it aggravates your symptoms, stop taking it.
Acidophilus, a type of "good" bacteria that normally inhabits the
intestine, helps digest food and prevents the harmful bacteria that
cause disease from growing unchecked. FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), sometimes
added to acidophilus supplements or available separately, comprises indigestible
carbohydrates that feed the friendly bacteria.
Homeopathy
Remedies listed below may help bring some relief in moderate situations. A
constitutional remedy prescribed by an experienced professional is often helpful
in restoring balance to a person's system.
- Argentum nit.
Digestive upsets accompanied by nervousness and
anxiety suggest the use of this remedy. Bloating,
rumbling flatulence, nausea, and greenish
diarrhea can be
sudden and intense. Diarrhea may come on
immediately after drinking water. Eating too much sweet or
salty food (which the person often craves) may also
lead to problems. A person who needs this remedy
tends to be expressive, impulsive, and claustrophobic,
and may have blood sugar problems.
- Colocynthis
This remedy is indicated when cutting pains and
cramping occur, making the person bend double or
need to lie down and press on the abdomen. Cramps
may be felt in the area of the pubic bone. Pain is
likely to be worse just before the diarrhea passes, and
after eating fruit or drinking water. Problems tend to
be aggravated by emotions, especially if indignation
or anger has been felt but not expressed. Back pain,
leg pain, and gall bladder problems are sometimes
seen when this remedy is needed.
- Lilium tigrinum
When this remedy is indicated, the person may make
frequent unsuccessful efforts to move the bowels all
day and have sudden diarrhea the following morning.
A feeling of a lump in the rectum, worse when
standing up, is common. Hemorrhoids may develop.
Constricting feelings are often felt in the chest. The
person is likely to be worse from excitement and
strong emotions, and may tend toward irritability or
even rage.
- Lycopodium
This remedy is often indicated for people with
chronic digestive discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating
and a feeling of fullness come on early in a meal or
shortly after, and a large amount of gas is usually
produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are common,
and the person may feel better from rubbing the
abdomen. Things are typically worse between 4:00
and 8:00 P.M. Despite so many digestive troubles, the
person can have a ravenous appetite, and may even
get up in the middle of the night to eat. Problems with
self-confidence, a worried facial expression, a craving
for sweets, and a preference for warm drinks are other
indications for Lycopodium.
- Natrum carb.
This remedy is often indicated for mild people who
have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods
and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion,
heartburn, and even ulcers may occur if offending
foods are eaten. The person often is intolerant of milk,
and drinking it or eating dairy products can lead to
gas and sputtery diarrhea with an empty feeling in the
stomach. The person may have cravings for potatoes
and for sweets (and sometimes also milk, but has
learned to avoid it). A person who needs this remedy
usually makes an effort to be cheerful and considerate
but, when feeling weak and sensitive, wants to be
alone to rest.
- Nux vomica
Abdominal pains and bowel problems accompanied
by tension, constricting sensations, chilliness, and
irritability can indicate a need for this remedy. Soreness
in the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as
painful gas and cramps, are common. Firm pressure
on the abdomen brings some relief. When
constipated, the person has an urge to move the bowels, but
only small amounts come out. The person may
experience a constant feeling of uneasiness in the rectum.
After diarrhea has passed, the pain may be eased for a
little while. A person who needs this remedy often
craves strong spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, coffee,
and other stimulants-and usually feels worse from
having them.
- Podophyllum
This remedy is indicated when abdominal pain and
cramping with a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are
followed by watery, offensive-smelling
diarrhea alternating with constipation, or pasty yellow bowel
movements containing mucus. Things tend to be
worse in the very early morning, and the person may
feel weak and faint or have a
headache afterward.
Rubbing the abdomen (especially on the right) may
help relieve discomfort. A person who needs this
remedy may also experience stiffness in the joints and
muscles.
- Sulphur
This remedy is often indicated when a sudden urge
toward diarrhea wakes the person early in the
morning (typically 5:00 A.M.) and makes them hurry to the
bathroom. Diarrhea can come on several times a day.
The person may, at other times, be constipated and
have gas with an offensive and pervasive smell.
Oozing around the rectum, as well as itching,
burning, and red irritation may also be experienced. A
person who needs this remedy may tend to have poor
posture and back pain, and feel worse from standing
up too long.
What else you can do
- Add more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans,
to your diet. But do it slowly to minimize bloating and gas. Eating lots of
these foods may eliminate the need for psyllium.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and foods high
in fat. Eliminate certain foods and add them back one at a time over
several weeks to find out which, if any, cause symptoms.
- Take control of stress. Relaxation techniques or biofeedback may help.
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes a day to keep the bowels moving normally and reduce stress.
How much to take
-
- Peppermint oil
- 1 or 2 capsules 3 times a day between meals.
Take enteric-coated capsules with 0.2 ml of oil each;
start at lower dose and increase if necessary.
- Psyllium
- 1-3 tbsp powder dissolved in water or juice a day.
Be sure to drink extra water throughout the day.
- Acidophilus
- 1 pill a day on an empty stomach.
Get 1-2 billion live (viable) organisms per pill; also
available as a powder; may require refrigeration.
- FOS
- 2,000 mg a day.
Take in combination with acidophilus; not effective for
IBS when used alone.
|