Herbal Medicine For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Facts And Myths
by Kim Moser
The incidence of IBS is found to be more common among those aged under 50 and has a higher prevalence in women than in men. In western countries overall it affects around 20% of the population. Having to plan every move around bathroom availability is one of the most common complaints coming from people with IBS. Although it is a difficult condition it can be treated with herbal medicine.
IBS shows a number of symptoms including alternating constipation or diarrhoea, flatulence, abdominal pain and gut distension. Herbal medicine offers great potential for gaining excellent results for this condition using naturopathic approaches. Naturally the frequency and severity of symptoms varies a lot between individuals.
IBS pathology includes altered gut micro-flora, gut hypersensitivity to particular foods, dietary issues and also involves the nervous system. Sufferers require a full comprehensive assessment to give specific and individualised treatment due to the different layers of involvement. However, a tailored herbal medicine can do a lot towards assisting this condition.
Since IBS in multi-layered in nature, the following will give further information on each layer. The initial layer involves modulation of diet by elimination of gluten especially, but also other foods that may cause sensitivities. Fermentation of food irritants in the lumen causes distension of the gut and onset of symptoms. Nerves within the gut lining may be stimulated, causing hypersensitivity. Gut extension after eating certain foods is a clear indication that there is a food intolerance or sensitivity to that particular food. It often takes a bit of careful monitoring to narrow down specific foods. Other times it is down-right obvious.
Although enzyme dysfunction is not the only cause of IBS it is often beneficial to address this process. Enzymes, released from the pancreas to assist in the breakdown of foods may be a complicating factor in many people. Often, people report that IBS has developed after a bout of gastro-enteritis and IBS sufferers can show a reduced diversity of helpful gut bacteria. A herb called Phellodendron amurense is useful in re-establishing a healthy gut flora is and reducing of harmful bacteria.
Herbal medicine such as slippery elm and marshmallow along with anti-microbial herbs such as wormwood, olive leaf and barberry can be of great use in treating the increase in gut permeability found in IBS. This treatment is needed for therapeutic improvement. Herbs such as Passionflower, Zizyphus and Magnolia are needed to calm the nervous system in IBS because of the chronic nervous communication constantly occurring between the gut lining and the nervous system.
Stress is a major contributor to IBS symptoms so daily stress management is crucial to recovery. The mind/body approach taken in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help to moderate stress responses and lifestyle issues hat increase stress. Personality traits of low self-esteem, anxiety driven issues such as perfectionism and anger are sometimes involved in high stress responses. Nutrients such as calcium and magnesium can help to relax the nervous system and these are found in high quantities in chamomile, skullcap and valerian. As gut permeability increases it is known as leaky gut and this process leads to painful gut inflammation. This happens because the immune system is exposed to over large food molecules that are treated as toxins by the immune system eliciting an immune response. Herbal medicine can include Tumeric and Boswelia to help address this inflammation.
If you want to find out more about <a href='http://www.herbhub.com.au'>herbal medicine</a> for IBS and other common health issues, then visit Kim Moser's site on how to choose the best <a href='http://www.herbhub.com.au/herbal-products/4575326259'>herbal cure</a> for your needs.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Herbal Medicine For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Facts And Myths
Author: Kim Moser
Email: herbhubau@gmail.com
Keywords: herbal treatments, herbal medicine, herbalism, alternative medicine, natural health, naturopathy, health, home, family
Word Count: 557
Category: Alternative Medicine
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