IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic problem with varying symptoms, including abdominal pain and bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation, flatulence, back pain, and fatigue. The cause is not clearly understood; however, since no significant tissue changes in the bowel are evident on medical examination, some speculation indicates that allergies and emotional stress may contribute to this condition affects up to one in five individuals.women have a higher incidence as compared to men, and stress and foodstuff commonly trigger an attack of IBS. Symptoms usually vary from mild constipation to severe diarrhea with associated gases, colic and urgency. In short, IBS is a mysterious condition, the cause and course of which cannot be predetermined. Why Homeopathy? The most recent approach in treating IBS is addressing the overall symptoms of this disease and prescribing a remedy capable of normalizing unfavorable responses to aggravating factors (stress, diet, hormonal etc). A holistic or constitutional approach, in our opinion, is the only choice of treatment capable of helping this ailment truly. Thus, unlike conventional IBS treatment, homeopathic treatment is a ‘Personalized Approach’. What can one expect from Homeopathic Treatment Initially, acute symptoms of diarrhea or constipation can be relieved immediately Relapses during the course of treatment are common and subside gradually As treatment progresses you can expect the relapses and intensity of symptoms to reduce Relapses due to diet and environmental factors can be better handled Significant improvement can be expected on completion of few week of treatment Improving your Quality of Life Most individuals suffer in silence or opt for over-the-counter remedies which only help temporarily. Though no treatment can guarantee a 100% cure, you can definitely improve the quality of your life by reducing the intensity and frequency of IBS relapses. We strongly urge IBS suffers globally to consider Homeopathy for its safe, gentle & long-term benefits. Causes of IBS: IBS is purely a functional disorder of the intestinal wall muscles. There is no pathological evidence of any visible disease within the colon. Normally, muscles lining the intestines contract rhythmically forcing the food out of the bowels. In IBS, the contractions are either too strong (fast) or slow, resulting in diarrhea or constipation respectively. There are numerous theories (altered nervous signals, hormonal etc) explaining this faulty mechanism. However there is no tangible evidence supporting the same. Common triggers of IBS are: (These trigger off an attack of IBS and aren’t the cause of IBS) Stress: Emotional factors such as grief, shock, anxiety, nervousness and anticipation Food: Dairy products, egg yolk, oily/fried foods, red meat, alcohol, coffee, fats, beverages, chocolates etc Drugs: Certain medicines may precipitate an attack of IBS Infections: Gastroenteritis or infection within the digestive tract Symptoms: Gases / Bloating,Cramps / Colic, Nausea / Vomiting, Constipation or Diarrhea (or alternating), Mucous stools, Sensation of incomplete evacuation, Weight loss Preventions: Lifestyle Change :by Relieving stress / Yoga / Meditation Avoiding alteration in food habits and Regular Exercise Foods to be avoided: Individuals respond differently to food items and should evaluate specific items which aggravate their condition. Food items causing gas may be avoided. These are: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, apple, grapes, artificially sweeteners, carbonated drinks, fats and fermented food. Alcohol & chocolates tend to increase IBS. Milk may be avoided when you are lactose intolerant and if milk or milk products aggravate your problem. Increase: Dietary fiber suited to your needs. Excess fiber may cause diarrhea. Grains, fruits and vegetables may be increased in bouts of constipation. Related Conditions: Celiac disease: When a person with celiac disease consumes foods containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, medicines, vitamins, adhesives etc) their immune response responds by damaging the tiny villi lining the small intestine. Avoiding gluten helps most individuals. Optimal absorption of food requires healthy villi. Due to damage of the villi poor absorption of food leads to weight loss and malnutrition over time. Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. The cause, though unknown, is widely believed to be an autoimmune condition. A genetic predisposition exists and often affects individuals in their teenage years.Abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss are the predominant symptoms. Skin, eye and joint inflammation are some of the non-intestinal affections. Bowel obstruction, fistulae, abscess and cancer are some of the complications. Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a disease of unknown origin characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon (intestine) and rectum. A genetic predisposition exists and usually affects those between ages 15 & 30. Anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools, joint pains, growth failure are some of the leading symptoms. The risk of colon cancer increases with an increase in the duration of the disease. Homeopathic Remedies for IBS: Argentum nitricum: Digestive upsets accompanied by nervousness and anxiety suggest the use of this remedy. Bloating, rumbling flatulence, nausea, and greenish diarrhea can be sudden and intense. Diarrhea may come on immediately after drinking water. Eating too much sweet or salty food (which the person often craves) may also lead to problems. A person who needs this remedy tends to be expressive, impulsive, and claustrophobic, and may have blood sugar problems. Asafoetida: A feeling of constriction all along the digestive tract (especially if muscular contractions in the intestines and esophagus seem to be moving in the wrong direction) strongly indicates this remedy. The person may have a feeling that a bubble is stuck in the throat, or that a lump is moving up from the stomach. The abdomen feels inflated, but the person finds it hard to pass gas in either direction to get relief. Constipation brings on griping pains. Diarrhea can be explosive, and the person may even regurgitate food in small amounts.The person may exhibit a strong emotional or “hysterical” element when this remedy is needed. Colocynthis: This remedy is indicated when cutting pains and cramping occur, making the person bend double or need to lie down and press on the abdomen. Cramps may be felt in the area of the pubic bone. Pain is likely to be worse just before the diarrhea passes, and after eating fruit or drinking water. Problems tend to be aggravated by emotions, especially if indignation or anger has been felt but not expressed. Back pain, leg pain, and gall bladder problems are sometimes seen when this remedy is needed. Lilium tigrinum: When this remedy is indicated, the person may make frequent unsuccessful efforts to move the bowels all day and have sudden diarrhea the following morning. A feeling of a lump in the rectum, worse when standing up, is common. Hemorrhoids may develop. Constricting feelings are often felt in the chest. The person is likely to be worse from excitement and strong emotions, and may tend toward irritability or even rage. Lycopodium: This remedy is often indicated for people with chronic digestive discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating and a feeling of fullness come on early in a meal or shortly after, and a large amount of gas is usually produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are common, and the person may feel better from rubbing the abdomen. Things are typically worse between four and eight p.m. Despite so many digestive troubles, the person can have a ravenous appetite, and may even get up in the middle of the night to eat. Problems with self-confidence, a worried facial expression, a craving for sweets, and a preference for warm drinks are other indications for Lycopodium. Natrum carbonicum: This remedy is often indicated for mild people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers may occur if offending foods are eaten. The person often is intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating dairy products can lead to gas and sputtery diarrhea with an empty feeling in the stomach. The person may have cravings for potatoes and for sweets (and sometimes also milk, but has learned to avoid it). A person who needs this remedy usually makes an effort to be cheerful and considerate, but, when feeling weak and sensitive wants to be alone to rest. Nux vomica: Abdominal pains and bowel problems accompanied by tension, constricting sensations, chilliness, and irritability can indicate a need for this remedy. Soreness in the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as painful gas and cramps are common. Firm pressure on the abdomen brings some relief. When constipated, the person has an urge to move the bowels, but only small amounts come out. The person may experience a constant feeling of uneasiness in the rectum. After diarrhea has passed, the pain may be eased for a little while. A person who needs this remedy often craves strong spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and other stimulants—and usually feels worse from having them. Podophyllum: This remedy is indicated when abdominal pain and cramping with a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are followed by watery, offensive-smelling diarrhea—alternating with constipation, or pasty yellow bowel movements containing mucus. Things tend to be worse in the very early morning, and the person may feel weak and the person may feel weak an
