Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Homeopathy

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Misty L. Trepke

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Homeopathy

 

The term Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) is used to discribe a

functional gastrointestinal disorders characterized by a variable

combination of chronic and recurrent intestinal symptoms NOT

explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. 10%-20% of

people in Western countries suffer from this disorder, usually young

females.

 

Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort relieved by

defecation, altered bowl function (hard, loose, watery), flatulence,

bloatedness, nausea, anorexia, anxiety or depression. Continuous

symptoms for at least 3 months duration, passage of mucus or altered

stool passage (straining, urgency, or a feeling of incomplete

evacuation) all lead to a diagnosis of exclusion.

 

Precipitating factors are often stress, anxiety, lactose and other

sugars.

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

 

This subdivision includes both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative

Colitis.

 

*Both causes are unknown

*Often familial occurences and herditary predisposition

*Increased incidence in Ashkenazi Jews

*Genetic factor predispose to some forms of autoimmune reaction,

possibly triggered by some environmental agents like dietary agents

or microbial agents.

 

 

Ulcerative Colitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the terminal or

sigmoid colon of the large intestine. There are three types of

colitis : mild chronic, chronic intermittent and acute ulceration.

Acute colitis is a common disorder of the large bowel, producing

discomfort and irregular bowel habits.

 

Mild Chronic and Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe prolonged

inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form on the

walls of the colon, resulting in the passing of blood stools with

pus and mucus, abdominal cramps, fecal incontinence, anorexia

weakness and fatigue . Chronic forms of colitis are the results of

prolonged irritation of the delicate membrane which lines the walls

of the colon.

 

Normally, it is the function of the colon to store waste material

until most of the fluids have been removed to enable well-formed

soft stools, consisting of non-absorbable food materials to be

passed. Persons who suffer from an irritable colon have irregular

and erratic contractions which are specially noticeable on the left

side.

 

 

Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine. Crohn's

disease usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine,

called the terminal ileum, but it can affect any part of the

digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation

extends deep into the lining of the affected organ (fistulizing

disorder). The inflammation can cause pain and can make the

intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

 

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general

name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's

disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are

similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel

syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer

of the lining of the large intestine. Crohn's disease may also be

called " ileitis " or " enteritis " .

 

Its cause is still unknown although it is known that certain history

of food allergies increases the risk of developing it. Elliminating

allergenic foods often relieve symptoms. Studies also have shown

that free radical damage maybe invloved and that a lack of vitamin C

and E may play a role.

 

The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease are abdominal pain,

often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight

loss, fever and headaches may also occur. Bleeding may be serious

and persistent, leading to anemia.

 

 

Homeopathy and IBS

 

This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances

to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses.

Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients

they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary

disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its

individual and " wholistic " approach. This often leads to a complete

recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved

understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes

it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future

and, homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by

reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.

 

You may want to consider these:

 

Argentum nitricum: Digestive upsets accompanied by nervousness and

anxiety suggest the use of this remedy. Bloating, rumbling

flatulence, nausea, and greenish diarrhea can be sudden and intense.

Diarrhea may come on immediately after drinking water. Eating too

much sweet or salty food (which the person often craves) may also

lead to problems. A person who needs this remedy tends to be

expressive, impulsive, and claustrophobic, and may have blood sugar

problems.

 

Asafoetida: A feeling of constriction all along the digestive tract

(especially if muscular contractions in the intestines and esophagus

seem to be moving in the wrong direction) strongly indicates this

remedy. The person may have a feeling that a bubble is stuck in the

throat, or that a lump is moving up from the stomach. The abdomen

feels inflated, but the person finds it hard to pass gas in either

direction to get relief. Constipation brings on griping pains.

Diarrhea can be explosive, and the person may even regurgitate food

in small amounts.The person may exhibit a strong emotional

or " hysterical " element when this remedy is needed.

 

Colocynthis: This remedy is indicated when cutting pains and

cramping occur, making the person bend double or need to lie down

and press on the abdomen. Cramps may be felt in the area of the

pubic bone. Pain is likely to be worse just before the diarrhea

passes, and after eating fruit or drinking water. Problems tend to

be aggravated by emotions, especially if indignation or anger has

been felt but not expressed. Back pain, leg pain, and gall bladder

problems are sometimes seen when this remedy is needed.

 

Lilium tigrinum: When this remedy is indicated, the person may make

frequent unsuccessful efforts to move the bowels all day and have

sudden diarrhea the following morning. A feeling of a lump in the

rectum, worse when standing up, is common. Hemorrhoids may develop.

Constricting feelings are often felt in the chest. The person is

likely to be worse from excitement and strong emotions, and may tend

toward irritability or even rage.

 

Lycopodium: This remedy is often indicated for people with chronic

digestive discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating and a feeling of

fullness come on early in a meal or shortly after, and a large

amount of gas is usually produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are

common, and the person may feel better from rubbing the abdomen.

Things are typically worse between four and eight p.m. Despite so

many digestive troubles, the person can have a ravenous appetite,

and may even get up in the middle of the night to eat. Problems with

self-confidence, a worried facial expression, a craving for sweets,

and a preference for warm drinks are other indications for

Lycopodium.

 

Natrum carbonicum: This remedy is often indicated for mild people

who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to

stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers

may occur if offending foods are eaten. The person often is

intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating dairy products can

lead to gas and sputtery diarrhea with an empty feeling in the

stomach. The person may have cravings for potatoes and for sweets

(and sometimes also milk, but has learned to avoid it). A person who

needs this remedy usually makes an effort to be cheerful and

considerate, but, when feeling weak and sensitive wants to be alone

to rest.

 

Nux vomica: Abdominal pains and bowel problems accompanied by

tension, constricting sensations, chilliness, and irritability can

indicate a need for this remedy. Soreness in the muscles of the

abdominal wall, as well as painful gas and cramps are common. Firm

pressure on the abdomen brings some relief. When constipated, the

person has an urge to move the bowels, but only small amounts come

out. The person may experience a constant feeling of uneasiness in

the rectum. After diarrhea has passed, the pain may be eased for a

little while. A person who needs this remedy often craves strong

spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and other stimulants—and

usually feels worse from having them.

 

Podophyllum: This remedy is indicated when abdominal pain and

cramping with a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are followed by

watery, offensive-smelling diarrhea—alternating with constipation,

or pasty yellow bowel movements containing mucus. Things tend to be

worse in the very early morning, and the person may feel weak and

faint or have a headache afterward. Rubbing the abdomen (especially

on the right) may help relieve discomfort. A person who needs this

remedy may also experience stiffness in the joints and muscles.

 

Sulphur: This remedy is often indicated when a sudden urge toward

diarrhea wakes the person early in the morning (typically five a.m.)

and makes them hurry to the bathroom. Diarrhea can come on several

times a day. The person may, at other times, be constipated and have

gas with an offensive and pervasive smell. Oozing around the rectum,

as well as itching, burning, and red irritation may also be

experienced. A person who needs this remedy may tend to have poor

posture and back pain, and feel worse from standing up too long.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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