Treatment Strategis for Specific Ailments
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is proving to be the single most common digestive complaint presented to GP’s each year. It is a condition that appears to be twice as prevelant amongst women than men. The movement of the intestine is usually a perfectly orchestrated affair that arises from a sequence of rhythmic muscular contractions along the length of the bowel, aiding the movement of all material within the gut. In IBS, this perfectly orchestrated rhythm is interrupted. Patients typically report episodes of painful spasmodic diarrhoea, then moving into episodes of constipation, bloating and sensations of intestinal sluggishness. Such disruptions in the natural digestive transit will have obvious implications in the digestion of food and the absorbption of nutrients therein, and also, upon the elimination of waste material and toxins from the bowel. When patients are in this latter state, there can be an accumulation of mucous within the gut, hence the other common name for IBS - mucous colitis. This mucous can trap gas and fecal matter, which in turn gives rise to bloating and abdominal discomfort.
Upon investigation, patients with IBS do not show any signs of physical damage to the gut. As there is no observable physical pathology, there is no definitive explanation as to why these symptoms occur. There are a few theories in circulation, and one is that there maybe some disturbance in gut hormones. There are several hormones that contribute to the orchestration of gut motility. These are cholecystokinin (CCK), motilin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Imbalances in these hormones can obviously cause discrepencies in the peristaltic tone of the gut wall.
The above indicates a possible cause, but there are certainly some lifestyle factors that can exacerbate the condition. The number one on this list is state of mind. Stress and worry have, time and time again, been indicated as factors that worsen the symptoms. Stress for example is well known for its ability to aggrevate the diarrhoea and spasmodic element to this condition. Conversely, bouts of worry, and ‘holding onto things in ones mind’ tends to increase the amount of constipation experienced by the patient.
Herbal treatment strategies
Viburnum opulus - otherwise known as cramp bark, this herb is an effective antispasmodic. The active constituents of this herb are not well difined, but there are some elements that deliver a relaxant effect upon smooth muscle. In patients that regularly experience painful spasmodic diarrhoea, this herb can be used as many times as required for symptomatic relief at a dose of around 5-10ml of a 1:3 tincture.
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) - this is another effective antispasmodic herb. These blissfully fragranced flowers contain a flavanoid chemical called apigenin and a substance called alpha-bisabolol, both of which have a strong antispasmodic effect upon smooth muscle. This can be used as a 1:3 tincture or an FE (preferred) and included into a mix, or can be taken as a tea. However, if used as a tea it must be brewed strong! At least 4 teaspoons of herb per cup. This will taste bitter, but this type of concentration is required for symptomatic relief.
Geum urbanum - also known by the names Avens and Herb bennet, this plant offers an astringent action. Astringency refers to the ability to reduce the activity or ‘dry out’ secretory surfaces. This can be mucous membranes, or, of more relevance, the secretory surfaces in the gut. The tannins present within this plant are responsible for this drying action. They do this by causing a minor irritation to the cells of such secretory tissues and causing proteins within the cells to leak out and form a precipitate layer upon their surface. Have you ever had a very dry mouth the morning after a few glasses of wine (guilty!)? This action is useful when there is very watery diarrhoea, as it tends to dry things out a little.
Valeriana officinalis - or valerian, is a very useful addition to any treatment strategy for IBS. This is for two reasons. The first is that this herb has a notable antispasmodic effect. This will, as with the other herbs with this action mentioned above, reduce excessive griping spasms of the intestine. The second important application that is of relevance is this herbs sedative effect. This will prove especially beneficial in IBS patients that have a tendency to be very stressed alot, which as described previously, can greatly exacerbate symptoms.
Rumex crispus - or yellow dock is a useful aid in the patient with symptoms of constipation. This is because it is a stimulating laxative. There are chemicals present within this plant called anthraquinones which physically stimulate peristalsis within the gut.
Nutritional treatment strategies
L glutamine - is an important amino acid that actually helps the gut lining to regenerate itself. This is useful because obviously it will determine the overall health and performance of the gut. But, most importantly it will maximise the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients. Having this function running at maximum is vital, because if a patient has long running diarrhoea, nutrient absorption will be greatly reduced.
Mixed culture probiotics - will provide the required species of flora for the gut. These bacterium offer a miriad of functions in the gut, including proper digestion and regenerative actions upon gut tissue.
Increase fiber intake - this will help because the gut contains stretch receptors within its walls which stimulate peristalsis. Dietary fiber gives bulk to the stool because it draws fluid through the gut wall and swells. This swelling will stimulate the stretch receptors and help to normalise and improve peristaltic tone.