Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Approach of Naturopathy

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most misunderstood health problems in the world. Millions of people suffer from its effects every day. Unfortunately, the causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not yet known, so usually only symptom therapy can be applied. More and more people are turning to natural medicine approaches to find relief. 

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IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can affect human intestines. Typical symptoms are recurring abdominal pain and problems with bowel movements. In IBS, no organic causes such as structural abnormalities or inflammation are found, so only symptom therapy remains as an approach. The causes can be diverse and are still unclear.

People affected by irritable bowel often show a heightened sensitivity in their gut, which is one of the main features. This was discovered in a groundbreaking study [1], in which an empty balloon was inserted into the anus of subjects. It was then slowly inflated. Those with irritable bowel syndrome felt the balloon inflating much earlier, indicating a hypersensitivity of the gut nerves.

The causes are not yet clear, but it is assumed to be a combination of various factors. Food intolerances and allergies could be responsible for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Problems with the gut microbiome are also likely. When the balance of bacteria living in the gut is disturbed, numerous symptoms can occur.

Irritable bowel caused by stress and other emotional factors also seems possible. Accordingly, many doctors recommend relaxation therapies or other relaxing daily routines. 

Last but not least, inflammatory processes in the gut could be responsible for irritable bowel syndrome. However, no such inflammation is detected when diagnosing IBS, so no major inflammation can be present. 

We can only hope that future research will provide more insight into the true causes of irritable bowel syndrome. Then it might be possible to specifically treat the causes instead of the symptoms.

There are no specific tests or other procedures available for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome because no structural tissue changes or other organic causes can be detected. Therefore, the diagnosis is made by the exclusion principle: if other diseases can be ruled out as the cause of the symptoms, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is made.

After the medical consultation, the torso is usually palpated. Then the following examinations may be performed to completely rule out other diseases:

• Ultrasound
• Blood test
• Stool test
• Urine test
• Colonoscopy
• Lactose tolerance test
• Test for sorbitol intolerance

Occasionally, diseases such as celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or the chronic inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's disease are mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. An experienced internist will be able to skillfully rule this out. 

The following irritable bowel symptoms may indicate the condition:

• recurring abdominal pain and cramps
• changes in bowel movements (constipation-dominant IBS, diarrheal IBS)
• bloating and fullness (after meals)
• mucus in stool
• feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
• worsening irritable bowel symptoms after eating
• increased symptoms during stress

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, you should discuss treatment with your doctor. For example, they can prescribe medications that actively help with the symptoms. However, more and more people do not want to take chemical medications every day and therefore turn to naturopathy. It is important to note beforehand that the following naturopathic approaches have no scientific basis. There is either no or only very weak research that could prove a positive effect on irritable bowel syndrome. The following approaches are recommended in naturopathy:

• Diet therapy: An adapted diet can alleviate symptoms. A FODMAP diet, characterized by avoiding sugar and industrial foods, could be helpful. However, those affected usually have individual foods to which they react sensitively.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are live gut bacteria taken in capsule form. The goal is for these bacteria to settle in the gut. Whether this is helpful for irritable bowel syndrome is not medically proven. However, many affected people rely on it.
• Medicinal plants and herbs: Various herbs are recommended in naturopathy to soothe irritable bowel syndrome. chamomile are said, according to naturopathy, to have a calming effect on the digestive system, Ginger could therefore support digestion. Some naturopath also recommends our BitterKraft!
• Relaxation techniques: Stress can promote IBS, which is why relaxation could have a soothing effect. Special practices such as yoga, meditation, or autogenic training might help.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cure: Some providers of natural remedies recommend cures for irritable bowel syndrome. The effectiveness of these cures is in no way proven.
• Acupuncture and TCM: Increasingly, those affected turn to methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They can find out for themselves whether TCM might also help them.
• Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are used according to the homeopathic understanding of humans and nature. Some swear by homeopathy as a helpful aid, while others find it ineffective due to the highly diluted active ingredients.

The problem with irritable bowel syndrome is that no organic cause is known. Therefore, unfortunately, the cause of IBS cannot be treated, but only the symptoms can be tried to be alleviated. This realization is always sobering for those affected by this disease. 

We recommend a healthy mix of conventional medicine, supplemented as needed with complementary medical approaches. If nausea is a main symptom, few want to take chemical anti-nausea drugs every day. A herbal alternative is often desired despite lower effectiveness. Taking painkillers every day for abdominal pain is also a thought that few can accept.

Please discuss the optimal therapy with your doctor. If necessary, a naturopath can usefully complement the therapy methods.

If irritable bowel syndrome is suspected, you should first see a doctor. They should rule out other causes so that these do not worsen. The diagnosis of IBS is made by the exclusion principle. Once the diagnosis is made, you can work out a sensible treatment plan with your doctor. It can be worthwhile to include naturopathy here.

That is very individual. Some only notice symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome occasionally, while for others it is a lifelong companion. If there are signs of irritable bowel syndrome, you should definitely see a doctor and start symptom relief.

Irritable bowel syndrome, as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, cannot be completely cured. To do so, the organic cause would have to be identified, which is unfortunately not possible so far. If the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome has been made, you should pursue a good symptom therapy to still live well. Once you have found the methods that work for you, irritable bowel syndrome no longer has to cause problems.

Whether irritable bowel syndrome can be caused by the pill is unlikely. In fact, there is evidence that the pill might even alleviate irritable bowel symptoms in women. Therefore, a causal link between irritable bowel syndrome and taking the pill most likely does not exist. 

Sources
[1] https://gut.bmj.com/content/14/2/125