Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. There are subtypes of this condition based on the pattern of symptoms involved: IBS-C (constipation), IBS-D (diarrhea), or IBS-M (mixed). While there is no cure for IBS, there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. In this article, we’ll discuss holistic approaches to treating IBS.
Understanding the Causes of IBS
IBS encompasses a broad spectrum of symptoms. It may be caused by a combination of many factors including alterations in the gut microbiome, GI motility, the sensitivity of the digestive system itself, intestinal permeability, genetics, dietary sensitivities, and may also occur as a consequence of infection or psychological stressors. It’s important to understand the potential causes of each individual person’s symptoms in order to determine the best treatment plan.
Common triggers for IBS include:
Eating certain foods such as food allergens, gluten, dairy products or high-fat foods
Prolonged stress or anxiety
A delayed response to gastroenteritis (GI infection)
Hormonal changes during menstruation or menopause
Side effect from medications such as antibiotics, oral birth control pills, or antacids
Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines (SIBO)
A childhood history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse increases the susceptibility to developing IBS in adulthood
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes for Treating IBS
Making dietary and lifestyle changes can be an effective way to reduce symptoms associated with IBS-related diarrhea. Here are some tips for managing your symptoms through diet and lifestyle modifications:
Carefully identify and avoid specific triggering foods: Identify which foods may be triggering your symptoms and avoid them as much as possible. Common trigger foods include gluten, dairy products, high-fat foods, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, food additives like gums and thickeners, and spicy foods. Work with a qualified practitioner to help determine specific foods that need to be eliminated to achieve clarity and avoid excessive food restrictions.
Improve food hygiene: Eat meals intentionally with conscious and thorough chewing. This improves digestion and reduces bloating.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration involved in either constipation or diarrhea.
Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity such as walking or swimming.
Manage stress: Stress can worsen symptoms associated with IBS. It’s important to adopt practices that help you feel less stressed and impact the gut-brain axis: the part of the nervous system that connects our mental/emotional world with the digestive system. Techniques that have been studied to have important impacts on IBS symptoms include cognitive behavioral therapy, gut-centered hypnotherapy, having a steady therapeutic relationship with a healing practitioner, and practicing yoga or meditation.
Natural Approaches for Treating IBS
There are several natural remedies that may help reduce symptoms associated with IBS including:
Gut-healing supplements—L-Glutamine powder or deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) help heal intestinal permeability.
Acupuncture — Patients who received up to 10 weekly sessions of acupuncture in addition to their usual care achieved significantly greater improvement in overall IBS symptoms compared with patients receiving usual care alone.
Probiotics — Combination probiotic products significantly decreased the persistence of IBS symptoms compared with placebo. Reductions in symptoms favored specific strains of probiotics (i.e. Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium).
Fiber — Studies suggests that soluble (e.g. psyllium husk) but not insoluble (e.g. wheat bran) fiber has a significant effect on IBS symptoms. Work with a practitioner to determine the right source and amount of fiber appropriate for you as responses vary greatly.
Botanical therapies — Essential oils like peppermint, chamomile, or fennel may help reduce gas pains.
While there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there are a variety of treatments available that can help manage its symptoms including dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, medications, therapies that affect the gut-brain axis over time via hands-on or mental-emotional techniques, and botanical and nutrient therapies. It’s important to talk to your doctor about which treatment plan is best suited for you. If your symptoms are persistent, remember to request testing to rule out other possible conditions. Working holistically can help you to arrive at a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
REFERENCES
❍ MacPherson H, Tilbrook H, Agbedjro D, et al. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: 2-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2017; 35: 17–23.
❍ Ford AC, Harris LA, Lacy BE, et al. Systematic review with meta-analysis: the efficacy of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and antibiotics in irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 48: 1044–1060.
❍ Cangemi DJ, Lacy BE. Management of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a review of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 2019, Vol. 12: 1–19