Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders among both the young and the old. This condition primarily affects the large intestine (also known as the colon), and includes symptoms such as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. IBS is not life threatening, and most people find relief from their symptoms by simply learning how to manage their condition through diet, exercise, and proactive lifestyle choices. While the IBS on its own is not life threatening, the condition sometimes accompanies a dual diagnosis of a more serious problem. For this reason, any person experiencing symptoms should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
While the exact cause of IBS is not clear, many people with the condition are able to identify certain things that trigger their symptoms. For many people, these triggers include certain foods (especially high fat foods), stress, and hormones.
If your symptoms began after drinking untreated water, or during a trip to an equatorial or developing country, you may consider seeking medical assistance to ensure that you have not contracted an intestinal parasite.
Self Help
As mentioned above, IBS does not act like other intestinal diseases in that it does not cause inflammation or alter the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, IBS does not put people at risk of developing colorectal cancer. For most people suffering from IBS, symptoms can be managed effectively by making proactive lifestyle and dietary changes. It is very rare for the symptoms of this condition to become so severe that they become disabling. The following are some of the steps that you can take to better control your symptoms:
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress
- Stay hydrated
- Eat more fiber
- Avoid high-fat foods
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid dairy
- Consider probiotics
- Use caution when dealing with anti-diarrheal medications and/or laxatives
- Practice deep breathing
Luckily, IBS typically responds well to treatment. Regular exercise, dietary maintenance, and stress management are the three most important lifestyle factors to consider if your doctor diagnoses you with IBS.
Western Treatments
There are a number of tests used to detect IBS, ranging from minor to relatively invasive. Some of these tests include lactose intolerance tests, blood tests, CT scans, and colonoscopy. Once diagnosed, there are a range of western treatments available.
While most people are able to manage their symptoms through the lifestyle changes mentioned above, these treatments are used for addressing symptoms that are acute and/or especially severe. These treatments include:
- Fiber supplements
- Eliminating high-fat foods
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Counseling for stress management
As always, you should consult your health care practitioner before taking any medications.
A Case Study in TCM Treatment
A 44-year-old nurse was diagnosed with IBS after years of assuming her symptoms were due to a bad case of “nervous stomach.” She sought assistance after noticing that her symptoms were not confined to the parameters of stressful life events—she would become bloated after meals, experience chronic fatigue, and she began having bouts of diarrhea in the morning. In addition to these symptoms, she was also experiencing PMS, nighttime urination, thirst without the desire to drink, and a bitter taste that lingered in her mouth.
Traditional Chinese diagnosis found that her pulse was thin and wiry while her tongue was pale in the center with red edges. It was recommended that she begin a regular exercise regime, and to incorporate three herbal mixtures into her daily routine. The first mixture was comprised of bovine colostrum complex. The second and third formulas were to be taken during ovulation. One contained bupleurum root, tang kuei root, white peony root, salvia root, poria sclerotium, white atractylodes rhizome, cyperus rhizome, and citrus peel. The other contained gastrodia rhizome, uncaria stem, abalone shell, gardenia fruit, scute root, leonurus herb, cyathula root, eucommia bark, loranthus stem, polygonum stem, and fu shen sclerotium.
After one month, there were complains of constipation and the bovine colostrum complex was decreased by half. After the second month, she reported no PMS symptoms, less nighttime urination, and more energy throughout the day—a definite improvement by her own standards.