IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common digestive disorder. It is a functional disorder showing no physical signs in the tissue of the bowel. The normal rhythmic contractions of the colon becomes irregular and uncoordinated and this interferes with the movement of food and waste through the tract. This leads to a build up of toxins and mucous in the intestines. The accumulated material creates a backlog in the digestive tract causing trapped wind and stools with in turn causes bloating, constipation, distention and pain. The entire gastro intestinal tract maybe affected.
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain is often triggered by eating and may be relieved by a bowel movement
- Flatulence
- Diarrhoea and or constipation
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Borborygmus
- Mucous in the stools
- Food intolerances
Possible causes
- Lactose intolerance
- Candidiasis
- Low stomach acid
- Leaky gut
- Lack of dietary fibre
- Stress
- Smoking
- Medication
- Food intolerances
- Parasites
Dietary advice
Reduce or avoid
- Common food allergens especially wheat and dairy
- Refined and processed foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
- Trans and hydrogenated fats
- Sugar
- Pepper and spices
Increase
- Complex carbohydrates
- Fibre from vegetables & fruit
- Oily fish
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Water
ACUPUNCTURE
Your acupuncturist will use fine disposable needles at various acupuncture points in order to help return the body back to homeostasis. By improving the flow of blood and Qi (energy) the body is in a better position to heal itself. A lengthy consultation will be taken in order to establish the root cause of the IBS. By treating the cause as well as the symptoms there is a greater chance of curing the condition.
As naturopaths we also advise on dietary and lifestyle changes that together with a course of acupuncture sessions will greatly improve the uncomfortable symptoms of IBS.
