Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Homeopathic Medicines

CRAMPS, BLOATING AND CHANGES IN BOWEL HABITS MAY POINT TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME, SAYS

DR. VIKAS SHARMA

IRRITABLE Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines that leads to cramps, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Some people with IBS have constipation while others have diarrhea and experience both intermittently. The cause of IBS is not known. Doctors call it a functional disorder because there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not cause permanent harm to the intestines and does not lead to intestinal bleeding of the bowel or to a serious disease such as cancer. Other IBS is just a mild annoyance, but for some people it can be a disabling. The colon (part of large intestine), which is about 6 feet long, connects the small intestine with the rectum and anus. The major function of the colon is to absorb water and salts from digestive products that enter from the small intestine. Two quarts of liquid matter enter the colon from the small intestine each day. This material may remain there for several days until sorbed into the body. The stool then passes through the colon by a pattern of movements to the left side of colon where it is stored until a I bowel movement occurs.

Movements of the colon propel the contents , slowly back and forth but mainly towards the rectum. A few times each day, strong muscle contractions move down the colon pushing fecal material ahead of them. Some of these strong contractions result in a bowel movement. Because doctors have been unable to find an organic cause, IBS often has been thought to be caused by an emotional conflict or stress. While stress may worsen IBS symptoms, research suggests that other factors are also important. Researchers have found that the colon muscle of a person with IBS begins to contract after only mild stimulation. The person with IBS has a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual, so it responds strongly to stimuli that would not bother most people. It is important to realize that normal bowel function various from person to person. Normal bowel movements range from as many as three stools a day to as few as three a week. A normal movement is one that is formed but not hard, contains no blood, and is passed without craps or pain. People with IBS, on the other hand, usually have abdominal pain with painful constipation or diarrhea. In some people, constipation and diarrhea alternate. Sometimes people with IBS pass mucus with their bowel movements. Bleeding, ever, weight loss, and persistent server pain are not symptoms of IBS but may indicate other problems.

Ordinary events such as eating and distention from gas or other material in the colon can cause the colon to overreact in the person with IBS. Certain medicines and foods may trigger spasms in some people. Chocolate, milk products, or too much alcohol are frequent offenders.

The potential for abnormal function of the colon is always present in people with IBS, but a trigger also must be present to cause symptoms. The most likely culprits seem to be diet and emotional stress. Many people report that their symptoms occur following a meal or when they are under stress.

Fat in any form (animal or vegetable) is a strong stimulus of colonic contractions after a meal. For many people, eating a proper diet lessens IBS symptoms. Dietary fibre may lessen IBS symptoms in many cases. Whole grain breads and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fibre. High-fibre diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help to prevent spasms from developing.

The conventional system of medicine has practically no treatment but homeopathy does, for it does not treat diseases but humans beings suffering from diseases, thus giving a total cure. As a comprehensive holistic approach to health care, homeopathy is able to offer solution to many of these problems.

Use of Nux Vomica four times a day provides great relief to patients who suffer from cramps followed by little stool many times a day. Aloes Socotring helps when the cramps are followed by varies from sudden loose motions, at times causing the patient to person to person. Normal bowel movements range from soil his clothes before he even reaches the toilet. If the as many as three stools a day to as few as three a week. A problem originates from overeating, try Antimmonium normal movement is one that is formed but not hard, crudum and Pulsatilla. If it is caused by any excitement, contains no blood, and is passed without cramps or pain. the cure lies in Argentum Nitricum and Gelsemium. When loose stools are associated with menses, Bovista dominal pain with painful constipation or diarrhea. In ,and Lachesis prove very helpful. Carbo Veg is indicated some people, constipation and diarrhea alternate. when the abdomen feels bloated immediately after eating. Serious food allergies like milk intolerance and movements. Bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent coelic disease (wheat allergy) are curable but require a deep study of the case and should be handed by a professional homeopath.

Homeopathic Treatment Of IBS

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 15 Comments

What perplexes most of the patients who suffer from the IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is the fact that even though there are no pathological changes present in their gastrointestinal tract, they still suffer from the disease. So, how is it that the disorder which produces diverse symptoms such as diarrhoeas, constipation, excessive gas feeling and even severe cramping pain does not show any anatomical changes?

The answer lies in the fact that this disorder is a functional disorder which means that the bowel doesn’t work as it should. It is related to how the intestinal tract contracts and pushes the food forward. The irritable bowel syndrome is a problem with the intestines. In people with IBS, the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the intestines

How is IBS diagnosed?

As the IBS has no pathological findings, the physician bases his diagnosis on the symptoms as told by the patient, still the physician may need to do certain tests to rule out other ailments. The symptoms that indicate the IBS are bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhoea, especially after eating or first thing in the morning, Feeling the need to have a bowel movement after already having one, feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain and cramping that may go away after having a bowel movement

What causes the IBS?

It remains a mystery as to how the IBS develops. Research suggests that the large intestine of those who suffer from this disorder is more sensitive and reactive than usual to a wide range of things which include certain foods and stress.

For example, people who suffer from bloating after eating usually assume that there is too much gas in their abdomen, but it is the increased sensitivity of their intestine to the stretching caused by small amounts of gas. Diarrhoeas in the IBS are caused by increased contractions of the intestines resulting from a trigger factor such as a particular food substance or stress.

Food triggers mainly include milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and fatty foods. In some cases, simply eating a large meal will trigger symptoms Stress, anxiety and strong emotions also affect how intestines contract. In stress or anxiety they contract too much or too little, resulting in symptoms of the IBS.

Homeopathy takes a different route in treating this disorder. It takes a holistic approach by studying the emotional and physical make-up, also keeping in view the symptoms of the IBS presented by the patient. It is this well-rounded approach that gives homoeopathy better success in treating this disorder. Argentum nitricum, colocynth, sulphur, and nux vomica are the leading homoeopathic medicines that are used in treating this disorder.

Managing IBS

*The best way to handle the irritable bowel syndrome is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse and find ways to handle your stress.
*Eat varied foods, including those high in fibres and avoid food that is rich in fat. Fibre reduces IBS symptoms – especially constipation – because it makes stool soft, bulky and easier to pass.
*Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhoea in people with the IBS. If this happens, break your meals into five to six small meals in a day.
*Drink plenty of water in a day.
*Learn new and better ways to deal with your stress. Meditation, yoga, exercise and counselling are some of the things that might help.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 783 Comments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome ..by Dr. Vikas sharma

Almost everyone experiences an occasional bout with abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea or constipation. However, if you are having it very frequently or if they have become chronic, chances are that you may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is one of the most common gastro intestinal disorder although this disorder is not a serious one but its impact one ones life can be tremendous. Chronic and recurring symptoms of IBS can disrupt personal and professional activities, upset emotional well being and limit individual potential.

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