IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is the most common digestive condition in the United States, affecting one in five adults. Twice as many are women than men. The condition occurs when the normal rhythm of your colon becomes irregular, typically leaving you experiencing diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or nausea. Pockets of trapped intestinal gas can cause pain, especially after eating, and are often temporarily relieved by bowel movements. Victims may dread mealtime due to the anticipated discomfort afterward.

The November 11, 1999, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported Chinese herbal medicine appears to significantly alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Common triggers of IBS include stress, food intolerances (such as high fat content), and hormonal changes. Your physician may schedule tests such as a proctosigmoidoscopyto examine the inside lining of the bowel to rule out conditions such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance, and ulcerative colitis.There are few well-controlled studies that demonstrate the benefit of any one medication. Symptoms may be reduced by prescribing individual medications to treat specific symptoms such as bloating, flatus, and belching.

Dairy products, wheat bran, wheat products, caffeine, alcohol, sorbitol-containing chewing gums and sodas, nuts, fatty foods, chocolate, and fried foods: These produce mucus and block nutrient absorption. Cut them out of your diet if at all possible.

We’ve helped many patients return to a more normal life through oriental medicine. In addition to working out an acupressure and acupuncture plan, we also ask patients to examine their lifestyle habits, such as diet and stress management. Typical treatment lasts for several months, with acupuncture sessions spreading farther apart as your condition stabilizes and your own self-care becomes more effective. I also recommend that my patients begin taking acidolphilus and bifidus supplements. These are the naturally occurring bacteria that are supposed to be in your intestines, but frequently are depleted with diarrhea. Adding fruit and fiber, plus whole grains like brown rice, can help stabilize your colon and reduce painful spasms.