Irritable Bowel Syndrome is basically a diagnosis of exclusion – unless anything else comes up in any testing a diagnosis of IBS is usually made. Make sure you see a health professional for a thorough health assessment.
The most common aggravating factor for IBS is stress. Some people carry stress in their neck and shoulders, their jaw, or by suffering headaches. People with IBS carry their stress in their digestive system. Stress and emotional tension causes them to ‘hold on’ whereby they experience constipation and difficulty moving their bowels. Stress can also be experienced with morning anxiety and stressfully releasing one’s digestive system (diarrhoea) or anxiety induced rushing to the toilet. Regardless, the most important step is to develop good stress relieving strategies. Meditation, yoga, exercise and music are all helpful.
First and foremost, develop healthy eating habits. Sit down to eat your meal, don’t eat while working driving or performing other activities. Our ability to digest a meal effectively requires a calm state of being.
Herbal Medicines such as Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Valerian, Cramp Bark and Peppermint are all beneficial both for symptomatic support and relaxation. Nutrients such as B vitamins and Magnesium are also supportive to alleviate the a stressful response and reduce cramping.
If cramping is severe, topical application of peppermint oil (mixed into olive oil) and applied to the stomach combined with a cup of chamomile, ginger and lemon balm tea can relieve symptoms very quickly.
