What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020)
What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Signs and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include: Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement. Changes in appearance of bowel movement or changes in how often a person is having a bowel movement. Other symptoms include bloating, increased gas, or mucus in the stool. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2020)
What are standard treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
While doctors may treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome by recommending changes in diet and lifestyle, medicines, probiotics, and mental health therapies may also be recommended. Some of the dietary and lifestyle changes are eating more fiber, avoiding gluten, increasing physical activity, reducing stressful life situations, and getting enough sleep.
Medication recommendations are based on the symptoms presented. Loperamide, rifaximin, eluxadoline for diarrhea, and fiber supplements, laxatives, lubiprostone, linaclotide for constipation. Probiotics, antispasmodics, and antidepressants may be prescribed as well. (Chang, 2017)
Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome be treated naturally?
Yes, It absolutely can! You can play an active role in treating and managing your own condition. These measures may be a good place to begin. Eliminate triggers. They could be emotional stress or a dietary irritant. Food, beverage, or drug elimination when flare ups occur may be beneficial. Eat fiber. Using a heat pad or drinking warm decaffeinated teas can reduce discomfort. Probiotics, prebiotics, relaxation therapy, yoga, herbal remedies, and biofeedback may be helpful. Finding a practitioner such as a Functional Medicine practitioner, who supports natural treatment and maintenance of gut health could be a first step in long-term relief from IBS. (Harvard Medical School, 2015)
Functional Medicine for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Functional Medicine for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves a relationship between a patient and their Functional Medicine Practitioner. Looking at more than just the symptoms, they discover the core reasoning for this medical condition including diet, medical history, family medical history, work and environmental exposure history, and other medical and psychological issues. This could be through testing checking for related health disorders as well. Blood and other laboratory tests, review of lifestyle and diet both historically and currently are reviewed before a treatment plan is devised. When testing is complete, the patient and doctor develop this treatment plan that may include diet and lifestyle changes, supplementation, exercise, and natural therapies.
THERMOGRAPHY
Thermography can detect inflammatory conditions in the body. With IBS, the digestive system has inflammation from irritation due to foods and other substances it comes in contact with. Inflammation is a red flag and occurs when cells are injured. Chronic inflammation occurs when your immune system gets permanently set to “on.” Thermography displays inflammation in the body where the screen is performed giving you a view of the areas that need to be addressed. Thermography is a painless and simple testing giving you results the same day.
AO SCAN DIGITAL BODY ANALYZER
AO Digital Body Scan – Can detect and address issues such as thyroid function, genetics, organ function, inflammation, nutritional, mineral and vitamin deficiencies and much, much more. A 15-minute scan produces a 24-page report that clearly defines the areas that can be addressed with the help of our doctor. Continued scans work to correct deficiencies.
HYPERTHERMIC OZONE AND CARBONIC ACID TREATMENT
HOCATT is a state-of-the-art therapy being widely used in Europe to treat many medical conditions. HOCATT uses transdermal ozone which is generated from pure oxygen. Ozone can be thought of as super oxygen! HOCATT uses a combination of powerful modalities to detox the body, improve circulation, boost energy, and strengthen the immune system. While you relax in the HOCATT, ozonated steam covers your skin flooding your body with super oxygen products. These bind to toxins and heavy metals making it easier for your body to excrete them. As this is a steam sauna, you sweat out toxins stimulating your immune system, improving blood and lymph circulation, and enhancing organ function. Stress and anxiety are reduced all in just a 30-minute session.
To learn more call Michigan Health and Wellness for a FREE consultation. Functional Medicine, Functional Neurology, and their relation to the natural treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are managed by our clinical director, Dr. Tony Aboudib, DC. Dr. Aboudib attended post-graduate studies at Carrick Institute for graduate studies in clinical neuroscience, American Functional Neurology Institute, Functional Medicine University, Institute of Functional Medicine and Kharrazian Institute for graduate studies. For more information call 231-421-5213 or click here to go to our Contact Us page to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in our blog posts is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to share knowledge and insights on health-related topics, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or decisions related to your health and well-being.
REFERENCES
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Mayo Clinic. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Retrieved from Irritable bowel syndrome – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Chang, Lin MD. (November, 2017). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. How do doctors treat IBS? Retrieved from Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome | NIDDK (nih.gov)
(n.d.). (July, 2015). Harvard Medical School. Using alternative and complimentary treatments to manage IBS. Retrieved from Using alternative and complementary treatments to manage IBS – Harvard Health
