Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the large intestine which is characterised bydigestive symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and altered intestinal motility. A diagnosis for IBS is based on the symptoms being present for at least 12 weeks of the last year and the exclusion of structural abnormalities of the bowel which might indicate another cause for the problems being experienced. IBS is a common disorder affecting approximately 15% of Australians and is twice as common in women then in men. Commonly, symptoms in women begin in their early adult life, even in their early teen years. 

 

 

• Constipation and/or diarrhoea (sometimes alternating)

• Cramping abdominal pain

• Presence of mucus in the stool 

• Straining or increased urgency (depending on presenting symptoms)

• Bloating and/or flatulence

• Feelings of incomplete evacuation 

• Symptoms may be relieved by passing a bowel motion

 

 

A specific cause of IBS has not been identified. Instead, there is agreement on factors that are associated with IBS and may play a role in its progression to varying degrees in different people. These include:

 

 

Managing stress is an important factor in helping reduce the symptoms of IBS. Taking the time to prioritise preparing healthy food, regular exercise and getting enough sleep is a great foundation to build on. Meditation, holidays or other ways of managing stress could be helpful. It is important to avoid dealing with stress by using stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and cigarettes as they adversely affect nervous system function and can make things even worse in the long term. 

 

Allergies or sensitivities to certain foods can trigger or exacerbate IBS symptoms. The easiest way to determine if a food substance is a problem is to eliminate that food for a minimum of three weeks and then take careful note of any symptoms upon re-challenging the food at the end of this time period. Wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, corn and fructose are common problem foods in susceptible people so may be a good place to start. 

 

Digestive system health is important for everyone but even more so if IBS is a problem. Soluble fibre such as oat bran, guar gum and the fibre in fruits and vegetables is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, fermented vegies and miso contribute to a healthy intestinal bacterial balance along with probiotics as more recent research has confirmed. Too much sugar, on the other hand,  can disrupt the intestinal flora, favouring the proliferation of unhealthy bacteria species such as Candida albicans or the Clostridium species.

 

Herbs have a lot to offer in the treatment of IBS and the associated symptoms. As always, the choice of herb is dependent on that herbs actions in the body and should be based on an individual’s presenting and/or underlying symptoms.