IBS: Causes and Natural Remedies

By Jeany Miller

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder that results in two simple occurrences for sufferers: abdominal discomfort and bowel movement irregularity. While the exact cause of IBS continues to be a mystery, health experts primarily attribute it to flawed communication between the brain and the intestinal tract. It appears that a number of factors can interfere with messages transmitted between the brain and bowel. Some of those factors are as follows:

Neurotransmitters
Efficacy of the immune system
Hormones
Psychological stress

The result in miscommunication spurs colon muscles to abnormally spasm and contract. In addition to electrical activity in those muscles, the colon is also regulated by a series of complex nerves and hormones. Depending upon the person, IBS spasms either increase the colon's rate of speed, thus causing diarrhea, or slow it down exponentially and result in bloating or constipation.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The intestines of people with IBS are known to be unusually sensitive, although the cause for this is undetermined. The occurrences that most likely contribute to IBS are as follows:

Eating, although no particular food appears worse than another
Stress, as it impacts movement of the intestines as well as how a person registers pain
Trapped gas that leads to bloating
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle
Genetics, in that IBS may be the result of family history
Bacterial infection, as some patients who suffer this in their gastrointestinal tract also develop IBS
Bacterial growth that occurs excessively in the small intestine
Abnormal levels of serotonin, a hormone that is found in both the brain and walls of the colon

Natural Treatment Options for IBS Symptoms

Although no cure exists for IBS, a number of natural ways to treat the symptoms do. These can promote healthy living and also manage all aspects of IBS. One of the most widely-used and accepted natural remedies is peppermint oil. This is believed to decrease bloating and abdominal pain by easing excessive muscle contractions in the intestines. Peppermint oil also eliminates excess gas to provide comfort and relief. Studies on the efficacy of this herb reveal it is more effective than a placebo. Peppermint oil capsules are the safest for ingestion, but the potential for side effects does exist. Patients should thus consult with an expert before starting such a regimen. A water-soluble and non-gelling fiber known as partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) may also help reduce the symptoms of IBS. This is known to decrease constipation as well as diarrhea, thereby also alleviating abdominal pain. Proponents of PHGG also indicate it increases the amount of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. A 12-week study compared the use of PHGG, a placebo and wheat brain in 199 persons with irritable bowel syndrome. The PHGG and wheat bran both improved abdominal pain and bowel movements, but the PHGG was better tolerated.

Controlling IBS with Food and Diet

For many sufferers, IBS can be controlled by monitoring what they eat. For example, fiber can alleviate a number of intestinal ailments, and oat bran supplies this while remaining mild enough to be colon friendly. Water consumption is also necessary to compliment fiber intake and combat diarrhea. Fruits and vegetables may prevent and relieve symptoms of IBS. Cabbage juice is known to soothe the intestines, while carrots (raw or cooked) regulate bowel movements. Carrots should be only lightly cooked so they do not lose their nutritional value. Dark lettuce is another vegetable that offers plentiful nutrients and IBS relief. In addition, pears and yogurt both work to provide nutrition. Yogurt is especially beneficial because it can supply the digestive tract with helpful bacteria, thus easing IBS symptoms. From the spice rack, both fennel seeds and flaxseed have proven beneficial for IBS relief. Fennel seeds can relieve intestinal spasms, help to eliminate fats from the digestive system and inhibit excessive production of mucus in the intestine. These and flaxseed alike can be added to tea for a comforting and healthful drink.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-cause

http://www.everydayhealth.com/ibs/causes-of-ibs.aspx

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome3.htm

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/IBS.htm