Ailments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or (IBS) is a very common condition with varying symtoms including bloating, abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, flatulence, backpain and fatigue. Triggers for this condition can include:

  • Food sensitivies or intolerances (as opposed to true food allergy which occurs rapidly after injesting small quantities of the food concerned for example peanuts).
  • Abnormal fermentation of the colon, following antibiotic usage and candidal colonisation of the bowel.
  • Emotional stress, overwork, anxiety, frustration, lack of sleep etc..
  • Abuse of laxatives.
  • Hurried meals and over-drinking alongside meals. It is ideal to wait 20 minutes before and after a meal to drink so that the hydrochloric acid and enzymes present in the stomach that are used to break down the food are not diluted.

Steps to manage and alleviate IBS:

  • Test for any foods that aggravate the IBS symptoms.
  • Keep a diary of your life and bowel habits. Pay attention to events, stresses or hormonal changes relating to your bowel habits. You may discover factors that trigger an attack and find ways to prevent future problems.
  • Avoid sugar, as it can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and fermentation which can affect the digestion of food.Eat food rich in fibre such as whole grains and fresh vegetables (if not intolerant to them). The best time to eat fruit is at the beginnig of a meal as it can cause indigestion if eaten as a desert. Oat bran and ground flax seeds can be helpful.
  • Learn to relax and handle stress. Many IBS sufferes appear cool and calm on the surface while holding much anxiety and anticipation inside. This causes tension in the colon. Learn to express yourself in a positive manner.
  • Exercise helps to relieve stress and can improve musle and bowel tone.Keep hydrated, drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Keep coffee and tea at a minimum, as they can dehydrate and irritate the colon.

While the above factors can help alleviate IBS, Homeopathy is very valuable as a therapy. It is truly a holistic form of treatment, addressing not only the bowel symptoms, but also the psyche and the other extra-bowel symptoms that may be present. A detailed consultation with your local homeopath can help to identify and address any maintaining causes, as well as ensuring you take the correct homeopathic remedies.

Here at the Saffron Clinic, clients are tested for food intolerances to discover any trigger foods and consult with our Registered Homeopath to determine a course of treatment.

 

Please note:

All information and opinions stated here are for information purposes only and are not intended as a subsitute for professional advice offered during a consultation.Please consult with your healthcare provider/Homeopath before following any treatment on this site especially if you have ongoing health issues.