What is IBS? (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
IBS is a functional motility illness of the small and large intestines, in the absence of true structural damage to the intestines that is common in IBD (Irritable Bowel Disorder)
IBS Symptoms: alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal bloating, excessive gas and pain, usually as a reaction to stress, food sensitivity and possibly Candida yeast overgrowth. Other symptoms can include: Heart burn, Fatigue, Faintness, Back pain, Palpitations, Weakness
IBS does not usually lead to a serious disease such as IBD or malignancy.
Causes and aggravating factors: diet, drugs, hormones, emotional stress.
“What’s eating you up inside? “What feelings are you swallowing and not expressing leading to gut-wrenching pain?” – In these cases emotional stagnancy can lead to IBS.
Diet is very important in digestive disorders as well as stress reduction.
Foods to enjoy:
- Steamed vegetable rather than raw are best according to TCM.
- Strive for a high complex carbohydrate, high fiber diet.
- Eat while calm.
- Miso soup, beets, parsnips, carrots, potato broth, rice porridge (congee), etc.
- Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids: nut and seed oils, cold water fish, Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet.
- Foods high in water-soluble fiber: psyllium, barley, rye, flax seed, pectin, oat bran, brown rice and vegetables are most likely to provide benefit and less likely to cause reactions. Avoid starch, sugar, protein combinations (cheesecake), avoid eating too many types of foods at one time, stick to one starch/meal and avoid wheat and gluten products, dairy and raw foods.
Foods to avoid:
- Food sensitivities and intolerances are present in individuals with IBS.
- To decrease symptoms avoid eating 3.5 ounce daily of: Wheat, corn, dairy. Also: peanuts, meat, sugar, refined/processed food, soybeans, legumes, coffee, caffeine, oranges, alcohol, hot sauces, hot foods, fried foods, fatty foods, rich and salty foods.
Alternative Therapy:
Acupuncture has been found to be helpful for the IBS in conjunction with herbal and or food medicine. It is an alternative medicine that restores health by balancing and improving the flow of chi, the body’s natural energy flow, thus restoring proper function of muscles, nerves, vessels, glands and organs.
Acupuncture in IBS has been shown to relieve:
Abdominal pain, Muscle cramping, Constipation, Diarrhea, Anxiety, Insomnia, Nervousness, Menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms
Stress reduction also helps with techniques such as breathing and Tai Chi and Qi Gung
IBS TCM Herbal Formulas:
Please call (208) 625-0538 for a consultation to determine your individual TCM requirements.
All these contribute to promote a healthy digestive tract for more energy and better quality of life.
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – actual changes in the tissue of the digestive tract
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC): – Inflammation and sores called ulcers lining the GI
- Crohns disease: causes deeper inflammation within the intestinal walls, usually the small intestine; but can occur in other areas the GI tract.
UC causes: either the body’s immune system is reacting to a virus or bacterium causing ongoing inflammation of the intestinal wall. Abnormalities of the immune system can be a cause or result.
Avoid: raw fruits and vegetables, gluten, dairy and highly seasoned foods
Psyllium seeds – help prevent flare ups and are beneficial to the digestive tract (non-dairy probiotics are best)
Increase cooked fruits and vegetables, reduce sugar and fat to reduce flare ups, if having a flare up, a bland low fiber diet
TCM Herbal Formulas: Please call (208) 625-0538 for a consultation to determine your individual TCM requirements.
Crohn’s Disease:
Deepest layers of the intestinal wall affected
TCM: Acupuncture, Qi-gong and Chinese herbs can help strengthen the immune system by balancing the flow of energy within the abdomen. Also, it can help relive the stress that can exacerbate the flare ups.
Diet – High in protein and vitamins but low in fat and fiber
Avoid sweets alcohol, coffee and cold drinks
Take vitamins, especially the B vitamins
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