Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is possibly the most common gastrointestinal (GI) complaint of our times. The exact cause is unknown. Diarrhoea or constipation or alternating between the two is the most common symptom. Abdominal pain, flatulence, cramping and gas are also common.

The following lifestyle changes may be helpful:

- Eating small meals and chewing well.
- Avoiding spicy, deep fried foods, caffeine, alcohol and late meals.
- Regular physical exercise, meditation and de-stressing.
- Taking probiotics

In western medicine a low fibre diet with refined carbs, meat and soft vegetables are prescribed. In Chinese medicine however, IBS is seen primarily as a spleen – pancreas issue. Therefore a diet with whole-grains, vegetables, legumes and sprouts are recommended. Cultures that follow this type of diet rarely have such GI problems. However, care must be taken in preparing grains and legumes, especially pre-soaking is of utmost importance.

An example would be congee (slow cooked rice soup). This is eaten in China commonly for breakfast. This is a soup where, for example, half a cup of rice is simmered in 3 cups of water for 5-6 hours. It is harmonising for the digestive system and very nourishing, especially for weak or frail people suffering with diarrhoea and having an aversion to heat. Congees made with barley or oats are also helpful. For those with a tendency mainly towards constipation, dandelion tea or flax seed tea may be helpful.

Foods that create liver intoxication, such as poor quality fats or oils, cholesterol rich animal foods and alcohol, should be avoided.

IBS should not be confused with inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. IBD is inflammation of the intestines. It is possible to have both IBS and IBD together. However IBD is more serious and requires severe treatments. One of the differential symptoms of IBD from IBS is blood in the stools. For those with IBS and minor intestinal inflammation, fresh figs and and a little black/green tea sipped throughout the day may be helpful.

Remember good health starts in the gut!