Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and cramping, intestinal gas and bloating, as well as changes in bowel movements without a known reason. Diarrhea or constipation are primary symptoms – in some cases, these symptoms alternate, while in others one is more dominate. IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Other symptoms include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Urgency for bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation (tenesmus)
- Bloating
- Abdominal distention
People with IBS, more commonly than others, have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), symptoms relating to the genitourinary system (such as bladder or urinary tract infections), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, backache and psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Some studies indicate that up to 60% of persons with IBS also have a psychological disorder, typically anxiety or depression.
IBS may begin after an infection, use of an antibiotic, a stressful life event, or with advanced age without any other medical indicators.
IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients, but is a source of chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that can dramatically affect the quality of a patient’s life.
Who is Affected?
IBS is a common problem, affecting up to one in five people. The majority of people with IBS (perhaps 75 percent) are women. IBS often begins in the teen years or young adulthood but can affect people of any age.
What are Options for Treatment?
The diagnosis of IBS is typically based on symptoms, alone, as there is no real test to confirm the condition … although it may be important to first rule out anatomical abnormalities. That’s why at the Magaziner Center for Wellness, we do functional tests versus anatomical tests – we look at how everything functions, rather than just looking at the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract which will typically appear normal in an IBS patient.
Because several conditions may present as IBS, including celiac disease, fructose malabsorption, mild infections, parasitic infections and several inflammatory bowel diseases, we look at food sensitivities, especially to dairy, wheat, corn and soy which are the most common. If a sensitivity or allergy is uncovered, we work with our patients to make necessary modifications to eliminate the trigger from his/her diet.
Overall, we help move all patients away from an inflammatory diet – one that may include fried foods, sugary carbohydrates, processed foods and artificial sweeteners – to a “Mediterranean” diet centered on healthy fats, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. We also help patients eliminate the use of anti-inflammatory medications. This is important because repeated use of antibiotics can cause an imbalance of intestinal bacteria (also known as dysbiosis) and some, such as Naproxen, have been linked to the occurrence of “Leaky Gut Syndrome,” which is characterized by damage to the intestinal lining.
To determine if dysbiosis exists, we look at stool samples and the general health of the gastrointestinal tract. The stool tests also allow us to look at fatty acid metabolism, digestion and assimilation (absorption) and the specific bacteria that may be absent or present. When necessary, we utilize enzymes or probiotics to improve metabolism and overall intestinal health.
In summary, we treat using the Four Rs made famous by Jeffrey Bland, PhD:
Remove: We eliminate common pro-inflammatory foods and foods that may trigger food reactions, including grains containing gluten and dairy products and opt instead for a diet featuring rice-based products, legumes, fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry. The exposure to toxic chemicals and toxic metals such as mercury is also eliminated.
Replace: If it is determined that a patient cannot properly digest a normal meal without complaints of bloating, gas formation or reflux, we will recommend the use of digestive aids, such as digestive enzymes or hydrochloric acid, to be taken along with meals.
Re-inoculate: In order to improve intestinal immune function and thereby improve whole body function, we utilize probiotics, such as acidophilus and bifidus bacteria, that are normal inhabitants of a healthy intestinal tract.
Repair: After a time period deemed sufficient for each individual patient, we add additional nutrient supplements to promote proper repair of the intestinal lining. These supplements may include the amino acid L-glutamine, pantothenic acid, zinc citrate, omega 3 EPA/fish oil, and vitamin E as mixed tocopherols.