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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a spastic colon, chronic pain (often after eating), bloating, gas and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It is a diagnosis of exclusion that is made after all other possibilities have been ruled out and therefore not the same as Irritable Bowel Disease (see below). Often, IBS is linked to a heightened stress response. This does not necessarily mean that someone with IBS is "stressed out" or has a Mood Disorder. It is simply that when faced with a stressor (even mildly uncomfortable or new situations), the nervous system becomes stimulated in a way that causes spasms and cramping of the digestive tract. IBS also can occur following an infection or stomach virus. For some, IBS symptoms resolve over time but for others this condition requires ongoing management.
Naturoapthic treatment and management involves a multi level approach depending on the severity of the symptoms and the unique health picture of the individual:
- Nutrition: A simplified diet that limits foods that are difficult to digest or promote excessive gas.
- Botanical Medicine: Using specific herbs to calm the nervous system, reduce gas, reduce spasms and regulate the bowels.
- Lifestyle coaching: Used to identify triggers and manage stress response.
- Acupuncture: To help in relieving acute symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation but also for long term energy balance
What is Irritable Bowel Disease?
This term refers to a group of inflammatory conditions of the bowel. At this time there is no known cause or cure of these diseases, however they may be managed by controlling inflammation and immune response. The presence of IBD can cause the following:
- Irregular bowel movements
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal cramping
- Gas, bloating
- Nausea, vomiting
- Weight loss
- Vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiencies
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
The two most common forms of IBD include Crohn`s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Both are lifeline conditions but when well managed, may be marked by long periods of remission.
Crohn's Disease (CD):
Crohn`s Disease is considered a type of autoimmune conditions that can affect the entire GI tract from mouth to anus. It is associated with patchy lesions, leaving areas of unaffected tissue (skip lesions). In Crohn's Disease, these lesions damage the entire bowel wall. Although, it can occur throughout the entire digestive tract, it most commonly affects the terminal ileum which is involved in absorption of key nutrients including Vitamin B12. Therefore, vitamin deficiencies are also a common side effect of Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC):
Ulcerative Colitis affects only the large intestine and colon. Ulcer type lesions that only affect the mucosal surface are characteristic of this bowel disease. UC is characterized by blood and mucous in the stool. Pain when having a bowel movement and incomplete voiding are also common symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Undetermined Type (IBDU) or Crohn's-Colitis:
When IBD lesions are found only in the colon area, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between CD and UC. In this case, a patient may receive a diagnosis of Undetermined Type or Crohn's-Colitis together.
How can Naturopathic Medicine help?
In both IBD and IBS conditions, a proper diet is essential to management of the flair ups. It can be overwhelming for a newly diagnosed person to identify food triggers and change lifestyle. Naturopathic medicine can help with nutritional assessments, meal planning and lifestyle modifications.
Treatments may include advice on the following:
- Reduced dietary fat intake (saturated fats in particular)
- Identifying food sensitivities which commonly include: eggs, dairy, soy, gluten
- Gluten-free diets and meal planning
- Improving the breakdown of food in the digestive tract for improved absorption
- Identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies: vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids
- Supplements to help heal and restore the lining of the digestive tract
- Coaching for enhanced quality of life and stress management
DR CARRIE WATKINS | NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN VICTORIA BC
VICTORIA MASSAGE THERAPY AND HEALTH SOLUTIONS CLINIC
YARROW BUILDING
645 FORT STREET, SUITE 212
250.590.5221
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