Friday, August 11, 2006

Relieving IBS Symptoms Through Diet

In my clinic, as you might expect, I meet a wide range of people seeking help with an equally wide range of disorders. High on the list is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

By the time I see a client for the first time they have usually been told that nothing can be done to help them. Nutritional therapy offers an alternative approach.

Let us take IBS as an example.

IBS symptoms can include severe diarrhoea, constipation, cramps, bloating or all of these. An inflamed colon often manifests in other ways too, such as fatigue and skin problems. Of course, every client must be treated individually, but a typical treatment would begin with drinking plenty of pure water every day, to help re-hydrate the colon.

Golden linseeds, soaked in water overnight could be taken each morning to help soothe inflammation of the Gastrointestinal Tract as well as adding bulk and aiding peristalsis. This is the term used to describe the natural rippling, wave-like movement of the colon.

Irregular movements may be felt as abdominal cramps, a common feature of IBS. Aloe Vera juice is an excellent internal anti-inflammatory and can be taken daily in water or juice.

Herbal teas such as peppermint, camomile and Irish Moss can also be very soothing.

Whilst diets are prepared in consultation with each client, I would normally recommend avoiding high concentrations of meat, dairy and wheat products, and any food or drink which noticeably worsens the symptoms.