Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS as it is more commonly known is a condition of the Digestive System. It can cause bouts of Stomach Cramps, Bloating, Diarrhoea and Constipation. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common condition that affects both men and women, it can also be misdiagnosed!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can affect anyone but usually symptoms are noticed between the ages of 20-30. People who suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome can experience these symptoms in bouts which are often during times of stress and after eating certain foods.

One major characteristic of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is fluctuating transit time. This is when food travels too quickly through the Digestive System. The undigested food particles can irritate the gut causing it to empty suddenly. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also co-exist with Premenstrual Syndrome and has also been associated with Fibromyalgia.

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

The exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is unknown but it has been linked to a sensitivity of the gut.

There are however several triggers that can exacerbate the condition. Some of these are:

·         Stress

·         Intestinal Parasites

·         Poor Digestion

·         Food Sensitivity or Food Intolerance

·         Feeling Emotionally Low

·         Being Physically Run Down

·         Bowel Infection

·         Candida

·         Disorders of the Nervous System

·         Drug Side Effects

·         Gynaecological Problems

·         Inadequate Digestive Enzymes

·         Nutrient Deficiencies

·         Poor Diet

·         Surgery

The Intestine is connected to the Brain. Signals go back and forth between the Bowel and Brain. These signals affect bowel function and symptoms. The nerves can become more active during stress causing the intestines to be more sensitive and contract more.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can vary from person to person but most people will experience Diarrhoea, Constipation or both. The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome tend to be worse after eating and tend to come and go in bouts. Many people will have a flare up of their symptoms which can last from 1 day up to 4 days.

The most common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are:

Abdominal Pain and Cramping – which can be relieved following a bowel movement

·         A change in bowel habit - such as Diarrhoea, Constipation or Both

·         Bloating and Swelling of the Abdomen

·         Excessive Wind (Flatulence)

·         An urgent need to go to the toilet

·         A feeling that you need to open your bowels even if you have just been to the toilet

·         A feeling you have not fully emptied your bowels

·         Passing mucus from your back passage (bottom)

Due to the embarrassment, pain and discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, many people with the condition also have feelings of Depression and Anxiety.

Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

There are no specific tests for Irritable Bowel Syndrome because it does not cause any obvious detectable abnormalities in your Digestive System.

If you have the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome your GP will not always need to order blood tests to help diagnose you.

However, in some cases they may recommend blood tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms such as an Infection or Coeliac Disease (a stomach condition caused by Gluten Intolerance).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is usually diagnosed by carrying out a physical examination and checking whether your symptoms match those typical of the condition.

Treatment for irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can often be reduced by changing your diet and lifestyle. In some cases, medication or psychological treatments may also be helpful.

Colonic Hydrotherapy Treatments are also very good for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. They can also be combined with a Colonic Enema which has been tailored for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome to help calm the Colon and reduce the spasms.

The Claudia McGloin Clinic have treated several people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome both in the UK and Ireland with excellent results.

Claudia’s tips for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

·         Change your diet

·         Increase fibre intake

·         Keep a food diary

·         Take probiotics

·         Exercise

·         Reduce STRESS

·         Avoid sugar

·         Avoid excess alcohol

·         Restrict your tea and coffee intake

·         Restrict fizzy drinks

·         Eat regular meals

·         Avoid red meat

·         Avoid artificial sweeteners

·         Avoid fatty and fried foods

·         Drink plenty of water

·         Get a good night’s sleep

·         Have regular Colonic Hydrotherapy treatments

Further details on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colonic Hydrotherapy can be found on the Claudia McGloin Clinic website - www.claudiamcgloinclinic.com