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The 5 Categories of Irritable Bowel Treatment
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain and discomfort. Although the true cause of the disorder is unknown, health care professionals and natural healers have worked together throughout the years to offer effective and efficient types of irritable bowel treatment.
The goal of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms present in the condition and to promote optimum health for the individual. Although, what is sometimes missed from a treatment plan are steps to identify the root causes and triggers for the condition in the individual.
Although there seems to be no specific cure for the disorder, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms and manage them so there is minimal impact on a person’s lifestyle. The good news, although it may not feel like it, is that irritable bowel syndrome despite being long-term in nature, does not progress or lead on to other diseases or trigger other conditions.
Several techniques and approaches have proven to be useful for sufferers to allow them to live a normal productive life. There are five categories that have been established for IBS identification and treatment.
Since irritable bowel syndrome is an enteric condition, diet plays a very important role in the cause, effect and treatment. Those with IBS symptoms might already be aware that several foods may either be helpful or detrimental to their condition and either irritate or soothe the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
In general there are certain foods that trigger IBS symptoms more than others, although everyone’s reaction will differ. It is advisable for IBS suffers to avoid irritating foods that are high in fat and insoluble fiber as these may worsen the altered bowel pattern. Caffeine and carbonated beverages also aggravate the symptom of abdominal distension and gassiness, potentially leading to diarrhea.
Once diagnosed your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of IBS like laxatives, Anti-spasmodics or Anti-Depressants. The right medication regimen should be carefully considered to provide maximum benefits to lessen side effects and reduce adverse drug-to-drug interaction. Although medication can help soothe the symptoms of IBS, they will not help resolve the root cause or triggers of the condition.
Unfortunately, some anti-spasmodic and anti-depressant agents may only intensify the symptoms associated with the condition so proper medical advice on the brain-gut physiology and action are essential.
Aside from food and drugs, adding supplements to the diet may be of great help in managing the symptoms of abdominal pain and inconsistent bowel movement. There are several supplements available that aid in the digestive and absorption process thus improving bowel action as well as stool formation and passage.
Probiotics, lactate enzyme and soluble fiber are some of the beneficial agents for proper gastrointestinal function that can improve and reduce the hypersensitivity within the bowels and reduce the frequency of muscle contractions in the intestines. They may also serve as neutralizing agents for possible trigger foods.
Since psychological factors have also been linked to the development of irritable bowel syndrome it’s interesting to note that there have been promising results from the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
The use of mental relaxation, biofeedback and anxiety relief techniques have also shown to be helpful in cases that are linked to these symptoms.
The irritable bowel treatment options mentioned in this article are not exhaustive, but whichever one chosen there must be a double approach to combating the condition. On one hand there is the need to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms, and on the other is to remove or reduce the conditions or situation, which triggers the IBS attacks in the first instance.
Don’t forget, if you haven’t already done so, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other Irritable Bowel Treatment options.
November 8th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Has anyone ever tried dirt? It is found in the book “Restoring your Digestive health” by Dr. Jordan Rubin and Dr. Joseph Brasco. I ordered Clay sonne’s #7 detoxificant liquid. I received it today in the mail. I am wondering how well received it is in the IBS community.
Thank you.