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
