Are Your Bowels Irritable?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, mucus in stools, constipation, or diarrhea. It is a chronic condition with no known cause, but the symptoms are heavily influenced by the intestinal flora. In fact, this is thought to be a main contributing factor, as those with IBS tend to have less than normal Lactobacillus, Bifidobacter, and E. coli in the stool. Because of this, probiotic therapy has also been shown to give relief. It is very important to remember that probiotics are strain-resistant. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v decreased both abdominal pain and bloating in those with IBS. However, Lactobacillus plantarum MF1298 actually worsened IBS symptoms.

According to Dr. Gaby, many, if not all, symptoms of IBS can be relieved through dietary modifications. Malabsorption of sugars, including sucrose, cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea due to the alteration of intestinal flora. Because those who suffer from IBS already experience decreased levels of intestinal flora, they are more susceptible to changes in gut health. Gaby notes that the symptoms may be dose-dependent, and elimination followed by reintroduction of some sugars (such as in fruits) may be a beneficial in treating those with IBS.

Suffering from IBS? Try some of these remedies, along with your dietary modifications:

• Nutmeg: treats diarrhea and gas, as well is problems with the nervous system
• Black pepper: stimulates digestion and circulation
• Caraway seeds: decreases spams in the GI tract, relieves stomach pain when combined with peppermint
• Saffron: antispasmotic and decreases gas, may be used to treat depression

Stress can also be a major factor in IBS. Although IBS is often looked as at just a gastrointestinal issues, it's important to remember that your nervous system plays a big part. 

Gaby, A. (2011). Nutritional medicine. Concord, N.H: Fritz Perlberg Publishing.

Hawrelak, J. (2016). Probiotics. Presentation, www.uws.edu.

Jones, D. (2010). Textbook of functional medicine. Gig Harbor, WA.: Institute for Functional Medicine.