Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Article by Angela Haldane

**Q. After a recent colonoscopy I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, but no treatment was prescribed. Meanwhile, I continue to suffer from wind, bloating and diarrhoea. What natural remedies do you suggest?

A. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is responsible for about 50% of gastro-intestinal complaints and 20-50% of referrals to gastroenterology clinics. It mainly affects adults. Evidence shows IBS can be caused by allergies, so I'd start with an allergy test to identify food intolerances Allergy test

Magnesium helps relieve bowel cramps as it relaxes the bowel muscle wall; it's found in nuts, seeds and vegetables, though supplementation would hold more therapeutic value – do a mineral appraisal

Digest Ease is our herbal formulation with chamomile, to relax the gut wall, relieves trapped wind and alleviates stress – also an aggravating factor for IBS. The formula also contains the herbs globe artichoke and ginger, which enhance movement of the digestive tract and reduce intestinal cramps.

Aloe vera (juice) may alleviate inflammation of the digestive tract associated with IBS.

Psyllium seeds are useful in treating constipation and diarrhoea.

Beneficial bacteria (probiotics) help with the bloating and flatulence – good quality product available via your natural health practitioner.

I often prescribe this alongside slippery elm and glutamine, which repairs damage to the intestinal wall.
I can prescribe in more detail, according to your needs in a naturopathic consultation with Natural Ange