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.
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.
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.
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 in treating the increase in gut permeability found in IBS. This treatment is needed for therapeutic improvement. Herbs such as Passionflower, Zizyphus and Magnolia are needed to calm the nervous system in IBS because of the chronic nervous communication constantly occurring between the gut lining and the nervous system.
A major factor underlying the IBS condition is stress. So it is important not just to support the body during times of stress but also to moderate lifestyle to minimise stress on a daily basis. The use of the mind/body approach along with cognitive behavioural psychology therapy can assist to moderate personality traits causing pain syndromes. These include low self esteem, perfectionism, hostility and aggression. Calcium and magnesium are key nutrients that are drivers of a more relaxed nervous system. Herbal remedies including chamomile, valerian and skullcap are all high in these and assist greatly. Gut inflammation results as permeability increases because the immune system has access to larger food molecules. These are seen as toxic and unfamiliar which causes an immune response to these particles. To address inflammation as a result of a leaky gut, a herbal medicine can include Boswelia and turmeric.
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.
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.
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.
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 in treating the increase in gut permeability found in IBS. This treatment is needed for therapeutic improvement. Herbs such as Passionflower, Zizyphus and Magnolia are needed to calm the nervous system in IBS because of the chronic nervous communication constantly occurring between the gut lining and the nervous system.
A major factor underlying the IBS condition is stress. So it is important not just to support the body during times of stress but also to moderate lifestyle to minimise stress on a daily basis. The use of the mind/body approach along with cognitive behavioural psychology therapy can assist to moderate personality traits causing pain syndromes. These include low self esteem, perfectionism, hostility and aggression. Calcium and magnesium are key nutrients that are drivers of a more relaxed nervous system. Herbal remedies including chamomile, valerian and skullcap are all high in these and assist greatly. Gut inflammation results as permeability increases because the immune system has access to larger food molecules. These are seen as toxic and unfamiliar which causes an immune response to these particles. To address inflammation as a result of a leaky gut, a herbal medicine can include Boswelia and turmeric.
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.
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