Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a “functional” disorder of the lower intestinal tract. This means that although no structural abnormalities can be found, the body’s function in terms of the movement of the intestines is impaired. IBS is believed to affect up to 20 percent of the US population – about one person in every five. It occurs more often in women than in men.

Bloating and abdominal pain and cramping are the major symptoms of IBS. Other symptoms vary from person to person, and may include constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation and diarrhea; nausea; and vomiting. Both emotional stress and the consumption of certain foods tend to exacerbate symptoms. No one knows what causes IBS, and it is usually a lifelong problem.

In most cases, IBS can be controlled through medication and a diet that avoids problem foods. These foods vary from person to person, but often include grains, breads, crackers, cakes, cookies, potatoes, beans, and other carbohydrates that increase the formation of gas. You can also take certain nutrients to aid the digestive process.

You may find it helpful to contact an anti-aging, fellowship-trained practitioner that has a 4R program. The patient goes through a four-tier program to remove allergens, antigens, pathogens, and parasites; reinoculate with good bacteria; replace with symbiotic flora; and repair gut mucosal nutrients. This allows to treat various gastrointestinal illnesses by both identifying the cause of the problem and detoxifying the body.