Diet Sheet for IBS

Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS) is an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition, common symptoms being abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation.

Over active bowel muscles result in spasmodic cramps with excessive flatulence, audible rumbling and swelling of the abdoment and may be provoked by food and relieved by bowel movement.  Stools may be pellet or ribbon like with or without mucous.

There are many causes of IBS included stress, food intolerance and lack of digestive enzymes, each case is different and must be evaluated separately.

Although the condition is debilitating, it is not life threatening and it can be stabilised by an holistic approach of herbs, change of diet and even lifestyle.

Conventional treatment consists of drugs for cramps, analgesics for pain, anti diarrhoea drugs or anti depressants to relieve anxiety and stress.

IBS can be treated very successfully with herbal medication to relax the bowel muscle and reduce bloating and flatulence.  It is often found that IBS is aggravated by a fungal infection such as Candida.  Colonic hydrotherapy has been found to be extremely effective.

If motions are hard and pelleted increase water or other fluid intake.  Good digestion of food is important in reducing bowel gas production.  Eat small meals especially if gastro-colic reflex is strong and chew food thoroughly.  If digestion is weak digestive enzymes can be useful.