Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterised by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits which are not associated with any abnormalities seen on routine clinical testing. IBS is usually described in a patient as either:

                        IBS-D: diarrhoea-predominant

                        IBS-C: constipation-predominant

                        IBS-A: alternating stool pattern

IBS often starts in young adulthood and accounts for half of all gastrointestinal referrals. It affects twice as many women as men.Chronic stress or depression can trigger attacks. Eating in general can cause immediate need for a bowel movement. Specific foods such as high-fat meals, wheat, dairy products, and citrus fruits, as well as drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, can aggravate the condition.

Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to the incidence of IBS include:

Stress

Depression

In some cases, eating specific foods, including wheat, dairy products, or citrus fruits

In some cases, alcohol or caffeine

Familial predisposition

Certain drugs (e.g., NSAID’s) can aggravate the bowel’s tendency to contract abnormally.

Hormones – menstruation frequently triggers or exacerbates IBS symptoms, while pregnancy and menopause improve symptoms.

Hormone replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of developing IBS.

Symptoms & Signs

Common signs and symptoms of IBS include the following:

Abnormal stool frequency (“abnormal” may be defined as greater than 3 bowel movements per day and less than 3 bowel movements per week)

Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool)

Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation)

Passage of mucous

Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.

Straining during a bowel movement

Urgency (having to rush to have a bowel movement)

Feeling of incomplete bowel movement

Abdominal pain and/or discomfort relived by defaecating

Changes in bowel habits

Diarrhoea or constipation, or both alternately

Need for bowel movement immediately on waking or after eating

Diet and Lifestyle

Dietary and lifestyle guidelines may assist in the management of IBS:

Stress reduction techniques through biofeedback, hypnosis, or counselling can help patients to deal with stress.

Removal of known food allergens or food irritants is imperative. The most common food allergens are dairy, wheat, corn, peanuts, citrus, soy, eggs, fish, and tomatoes.

An elimination/challenge trial may be helpful in uncovering sensitivities. Remove all suspected allergens from the diet for two weeks. Add in one food every three days and wait for reaction which may include digestive upset, headache, fatigue, flushing, or worsening of symptoms.

Fibre supplementation helps reduce abdominal pain, cramping, and as.

Foods and beverages to be avoided or minimised include red meat, fried products, dairy, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages and artificial sweeteners.

Electric heating pads, hot water bottles, and long hot baths can relieve painful spasms and cramping in the abdomen.

Regular exercise, such as walking, can reduce stress, and encourages bowel movements in constipated individuals.

Castor oil pack: Used externally, castor oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Apply oil directly to skin, cover with a clean soft cloth and plastic wrap. Place a heat source (hot water bottle or heating pad) over the pack and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes. For best results, use for three consecutive days.

Abdominal breathing helps to induce the relaxation response and may aid normal physiological functioning.

How we can help?

At Soultonik Wellness Centre our highly qualified Naturopaths and Nutritionists have access to technology and testing that can help evaluate your condition. We have successfully treated many cases of IBS with specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations as well as nutritional supplementation and herbs. We are different to other practitioners – we really care and we get great results in the fastest time possible.

We also have a unique team of complimentary practitioners and can offer additional services such as counseling, acupuncture, massage, reiki and reflexology to enhance your program.

Our beautiful and tranquil clinic will also ensure that each consultation experience is a truly relaxing and rewarding one!

Soultonik Wellness Centre - Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Nutrition, Live Blood Cell Testing/ Hemaview, Cellular Health Analysis, Therapeutic Massage, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Life Coaching, Fertility and Pain Specialists

42 Grosvenor Street, Woollahra/Bondi Junction NSW 2025

(02) 9389 6000

Servicing Sydney's Eastern Suburbs including Paddington, Woollahra, Bondi Junction, Edgecliff, Bellevue Hill, Double Bay, Rose Bay at Soultonik Wellness Centre 9389 6000