Do you experience abdominal pain or discomfort that is usually relieved by passing wind or a bowel motion?
Do you suffer from abdominal bloating, chronic diarrhoea, constipation or alternate between the two?
These symptoms are associated to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which can be triggered by a food intolerance, stress, medication or infection.
Symptoms are typically more common in women and may be worse during times of stress or menstruation.
What natural steps can you take to reduce IBS symptoms?
- Increase fibre
- Reduce processed unhealthy foods
- Reduce stress
- Increase water
- Avoid known triggers
How can a Naturopath support IBS?
- Provide lifestyle recommendations
- Provide dietary recommendations
- Prescribe natural herbal medicines
- Prescribe vitamins
- Help identify possible triggers
- Support healthy bowel function
- Manage gastrointestinal symptoms
- Optimise gastrointestinal microflora
- Support the nervous system
- Decrease gut inflammation
- Improve liver function
How do herbal medicines support IBS?
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Reduces gastrointestinal spasm, inflammation, flatulence, bloating, diarrhoea, anxiety and restlessness.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Reduces indigestion, flatulence, colic, tenseness, irritability, depression and nervous sleeping disorders.
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Reduces chronic digestive problems, bloating, spastic complaints of the gastrointestinal tract and gastritis.
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Reduces inflammation and soothes and protects the gastrointestinal mucous membranes.
If you would like support with your gut health contact Embrace Life to make an appointment with our Naturopath Kim.
References:
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
- Bone, K. (2003) A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs, Churchill Livingstone, St. Louis, Missouri.
- Sarris, J & Wardle, J. (2010) Clinical Naturopathy An evidence-based guide to practice, Elsevier, Chatswood, NSW.
