IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea or constipation, or both. 

 

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR IBS

Living with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can be challenging. IBS symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, gas and bloating, often interfere with your life. But IBS is manageable. You can improve symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.

With the help of homoeopathic medicines you can treat your irritable bowel. Since homoeopathic medicine work in holistic way, it also helps in managing stress and anxiety of the patient which is the main aggravating factor of the disease.

To address the physical symptoms, IBS treatment in homoeopathy works on abnormalities in the nervous system; it regulates the immune system and provides relief from the symptoms at the physical level. It heals abdominal pains and bowel problems accompanied by tension and astringent sensations.

The link between stress and IBS goes both ways. Stress and anxiety sometimes trigger over- activity of the gut which causes IBS symptoms. Conversely irregular bowel movements may also affects the emotional state of a person and he/ she might feel anxious all depressed. Homoeopathic treatment helps to manage stress and anxiety by reducing the cortisol level (stress hormone), this helps to relax the muscle contraction of the large intestine and eases the digestive functions.

TYPES OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Researchers categorize IBS based on the type of bowel movement problems you have. Often, people with IBS have normal bowel movements some days and abnormal ones on other days. The type of IBS you have depends on the abnormal bowel movements you experience.

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C) Most of your poop is hard and lumpy
• IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) .Most of your poop is loose and watery.
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day.

WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING IBS?

The condition most often occurs in people in their late teens to early 40s. Women can be twice as likely as men to get IBS. IBS may happen to multiple family members. You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Family history of IBS
• Emotional stress, tension or anxiety
• Food intolerance
• History of physical or sexual abuse
• Severe digestive tract infection

WHAT TRIGGERS IBS?

If you have IBS, you may have noticed that certain things trigger symptoms. Common triggers include some foods and medication. Emotional stress can also be a trigger. Some researchers suggest that IBS is the gut’s response to life’s stressors.

CAUSES OF IBS Exact cause of IBS is unknown. Combination of factors can lead to IBS, including:

• Dysmotility .Problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through the GI tract.
• Visceral hypersensitivity .Extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract.
• Brain-gut dysfunction. Miscommunication between nerves in the brain and gut.

SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME include.

• Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen.
• Bloating.
• Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual.
• Diarrhoea, constipation or alternating between the two.
• Excess gas.
• Mucus in your poop (may look whitish).

Women with IBS may find that symptoms flare up during their periods.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

The first step in diagnosing IBS is a medical history and a physical exam.
Depending on your symptoms, you may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Blood tests, stool samples and X-rays can help rule out other diseases that mimic IBS.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF IBS

No specific therapy works for everyone, but most people with IBS can find a treatment that works for them. Typical treatment options include dietary and lifestyle changes. A dietitian can help you create a diet that fits your life.

Many people find that with these changes, symptoms improve.

Dietary changes

• Increase fiber in your diet ;eat more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts
• Drink plenty of water — eight 8-ounce glasses per day
• Avoid caffeine (from coffee, chocolate, teas and sodas)
• Limit cheese and milk. Lactose intolerance is more common in people with IBS. Make sure to get calcium from other sources, such as broccoli, spinach, salmon or supplements.

Activity changes

• Exercise regularly
• Don’t smoke
• Try relaxation techniques
• Eat smaller meals more often
• Record the foods you eat so you can figure out which foods trigger IBS flare ups. Common triggers are red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat and cow’s milk.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS