IBS is one of the most common conditions in Australia; in fact, 1 in 5 Australians experience IBS symptoms. As a naturopath, I treat people from various walks of life with IBS using herbal and nutritional medicine. In this blog post, I will share how a naturopath can treat IBS and why a naturopathic approach to resolving the root cause is beneficial.
A naturopathic diet full of whole foods can treat IBS.
"IBS affects every aspect of life" - Naturopath Daniel.
IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, and despite the name only mentioning bowels, IBS affects every aspect of life. Those that experience IBS have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. IBS is also linked to dementia, joint pain and hormonal imbalance.
"As a holistic health provider, I aim to provide symptomatic relief of IBS and address the root cause. Many chronic conditions stem from the gut, and long-term unresolved IBS can contribute to more severe diseases." - Naturopath Daniel.
What causes IBS?
When my patients suffer from IBS, I work with them to identify underlying causes, such as:
Dysbiosis
Low-grade inflammation
Altered GIT motility
Visceral hypersensitivity
HPA axis dysfunction
Food allergies
To read about 5 hidden causes of IBS, click here
What can a naturopath do for IBS?
1. Provide symptomatic relief with herbal medicine, digestive enzymes and dietary support.
Chamomile is a herbal carminative and can reduce abdominal cramping related to IBS.
Herbs classed are carminatives that can reduce abdominal cramping, pain and digestive Inflammation.
Many with IBS struggle to digest high-fat foods.
Digestive enzymes can reduce bloating and gas by supporting the digestive system's ability to break down fats, carbohydrates and protein.
HCL may support stomach acid, which breaks food down.
Ox bile can support the liver and gallbladder in producing bile which breaks fats down during digestion.
Amylase, protease and lipase can support pancreatic enzymes that break down fats, starches and sugars.
C) Dietary recommendations are always tailored to the person and their condition.
Garlic is rich in short-chain carbohydrates, which can aggravate symptoms of IBS.
FODMAPS are short-chain carbohydrate-containing foods that are incompletely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract of many with IBS and grow excessively fermented, causing bloating, cramping and gas. A low FODMAP diet achieves results for many people. When we remove FODMAP foods, symptoms may subside, and the body can begin to recreate a healthy microbiome ecology that can tolerate FODMAP foods in future.
A naturopath-guided Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diet can restore beneficial microbiome and reduce IBS symptoms.
Identifying food intolerances through functional testing and symptom diaries can provide answers and relief for those who don't know what is causing their symptoms.
2. Reduce inflammation
Studies have highlighted chronic mucosal inflammation is present on a molecular level in those with IBS. Inflamed states are breeding grounds for "opportunistic" microbiome that promote further inflammation and digestive discomfort.
Many herbal anti-inflammatories work systemically and locally to reduce inflammation contributing to or causing IBS.
Herbal medicine such as turmeric and ginger reduce inflammatory pathways, whilst Fennel seed can be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
Food can be pro-inflammatory, exacerbating IBS symptoms or anti-inflammatory, decreasing IBS symptoms.
Focusing on a diet rich in omega 3 from sources such as salmon, sardines, and chia seeds has been clinically shown to reduce multisystemic inflammation and symptoms of IBS.
3. Restore GIT microbiome
PHGG is a low-cost prebiotic that can promote beneficial gut bacteria.
Nutritional supplements like PHGG and glutamine can influence the diversity of gut bacteria. Healthy ratios of gut bacteria are associated with regulating bowel movements for regular constipation and diarrhea sufferers.
Herbs like Celery seed, Rosemary and Sage are sources of polyphenols that can suppress inflammatory signalling pathways that result in IBS symptoms and feed bifidobacteria in the gut. Those with IBS have lower levels of good gut bacteria like bifidobacteria.
Foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut and tempeh are sources of probiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms in the gut and play a pivotal role in addressing IBS for many. Probiotics can promote healthy micro-ecology within the gut-associated with, reducing inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Intestinal barrier dysfunction is colloquially known as a leaky gut syndrome and can result in nutrient deficiencies, food intolerances and further inflammation.
There are countless strains of probiotics, so it is vital to work with a qualified naturopath to find a strain that matches your symptomology.
Some strains I frequently match my client's symptoms with are
- L- acidophilus
- L casei
- L rhamnosus
Summary
IBS is an umbrella term that requires addressing the root cause of the symptoms. A naturopath can provide symptomatic relief using herbal and nutritional medicine. Simultaneously the naturopath will aim to resolve the root cause by reducing inflammation and restoring the GIT microbiome. Functional testing may be recommended to the patient for concise answers to highlight microbiome imbalances or food intolerances. From there, the naturopath can work with you to create an individualised dietary protocol to relieve and resolve the symptoms.
In vitality & health,
Perth naturopath