Irritable Bowel Syndrome
LOOKING AT THE WHOLE PERSON
Although there is clearly still much research to be done on IBS, the most recent findings suggest that IBS sufferers have colons that are too easily stimulated. Stimulated by what? Food sensitivities, stress, lack of sleep and many other factors. Everyone is unique. Studies show that there is an interaction between the gut, the brain and the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary reactions of internal organs.
This over stimulation and hypersensitivity cause the standard symptoms of IBS: lower abdominal pain, extreme cramping, vomiting in association with the pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating. Constipation may follow an attack as the colon may shut down in response to the earlier spasms. Controlling the symptoms may help eliminate the problem. IBS is like having sensitive skin, except on the inside.
Seek the help of a licensed physician so he can eliminate the possibility of the following: food allergies, gluten intolerance disorders such as celiac sprue, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, colon cancer, endometriosis, and even ovarian cancer. These can all mimic the symptoms of IBS and must be conclusively ruled out. Removal of the gallbladder or ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) can also result in chronic diarrhea that may be mistaken for IBS. Please note that a diagnosis of IBS is acceptable only if the person has the hallmark symptoms in combination with a lack of physical abnormalities as determined by diagnostic tests done by a doctor.
The basic way of eating with IBS is to avoid foods that over-stimulate the colon, and eat foods that soothe and regulate it. This means strictly limiting the amounts of fat; eating soluble fiber consistently with every snack and meal; eliminating coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol; being very careful with insoluble fiber; and avoiding overeating by having frequent small meals; eliminating tobacco. Stress management is also a big help: meditation, yoga, light exercises, visualization and many more.
If it is any consolation, by eating to relieve IBS symptoms you are actually lowering your risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact Charlotte at charlotteleb@rogers.com or www.wellness-healthworks.com
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness. These recommendations are for supporting the body nutritionally, to help it normalize itself regardless of any disease that may or may not be present. Consult a licensed physician for the diagnosis or treatment of any ailment or disease.
CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7,
tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644, e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com
Although there is clearly still much research to be done on IBS, the most recent findings suggest that IBS sufferers have colons that are too easily stimulated. Stimulated by what? Food sensitivities, stress, lack of sleep and many other factors. Everyone is unique. Studies show that there is an interaction between the gut, the brain and the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary reactions of internal organs.
This over stimulation and hypersensitivity cause the standard symptoms of IBS: lower abdominal pain, extreme cramping, vomiting in association with the pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating. Constipation may follow an attack as the colon may shut down in response to the earlier spasms. Controlling the symptoms may help eliminate the problem. IBS is like having sensitive skin, except on the inside.
Seek the help of a licensed physician so he can eliminate the possibility of the following: food allergies, gluten intolerance disorders such as celiac sprue, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, colon cancer, endometriosis, and even ovarian cancer. These can all mimic the symptoms of IBS and must be conclusively ruled out. Removal of the gallbladder or ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) can also result in chronic diarrhea that may be mistaken for IBS. Please note that a diagnosis of IBS is acceptable only if the person has the hallmark symptoms in combination with a lack of physical abnormalities as determined by diagnostic tests done by a doctor.
The basic way of eating with IBS is to avoid foods that over-stimulate the colon, and eat foods that soothe and regulate it. This means strictly limiting the amounts of fat; eating soluble fiber consistently with every snack and meal; eliminating coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol; being very careful with insoluble fiber; and avoiding overeating by having frequent small meals; eliminating tobacco. Stress management is also a big help: meditation, yoga, light exercises, visualization and many more.
If it is any consolation, by eating to relieve IBS symptoms you are actually lowering your risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact Charlotte at charlotteleb@rogers.com or www.wellness-healthworks.com
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness. These recommendations are for supporting the body nutritionally, to help it normalize itself regardless of any disease that may or may not be present. Consult a licensed physician for the diagnosis or treatment of any ailment or disease.
CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7,
tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644, e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com
Written by: Charlotte LeBlanc at 10:38 PM
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