Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Homeopathy

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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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