Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, or functional bowel syndrome.

Symptoms

The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain : Recurring abdominal pain or cramping, often in the lower abdomen.
• Bloating : Feeling bloated or uncomfortable after eating.
• Changes in bowel movements : Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two.
• Changes in stool appearance : Stools may be loose, hard, or lumpy.
• Urgency : Feeling an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
• Incomplete evacuation : Feeling like the bowel movement is incomplete.

Causes

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development:

• Abnormal gut motility : Abnormal movement of food through the digestive system.
• Hypersensitivity : Increased sensitivity to food, stress, or hormones.
• Stress : Stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms.
• Hormonal changes : Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Food intolerance : Intolerance to certain foods, such as lactose, gluten, or high-FODMAP foods.
• Gut bacteria imbalance : An imbalance of gut bacteria, also known as dysbiosis.

Naturopathy Treatments

Naturopathy offers several treatments that can help alleviate IBS symptoms:

• Dietary changes : Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, increasing fibre intake.
• Probiotics : Supplementing with probiotics to restore gut bacteria balance.
• Stress management : Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• Gut-soothing supplements : Using to soothe the gut lining.
• Digestive enzymes : Supplementing with digestive enzymes to support protein, carbohydrate, and fat digestion.
• Treatments like hip bath, castor oil pack, gastro hepatic pack, and cold and hot compress on abdomen.