In some posts under the article, it is rightly mentioned that IBS is in many cases an emotionally-based issue, too.
(NaturalNews) July 05, 2013
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that involves spastic colon activity, bouts of constipation and diarrhea and abdominal bloating. IBS is on the rise with over 20 million Americans suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis. Beat IBS naturally with diet restrictions and superfoods.
The typical symptoms associated with IBS include chronic bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. The individual usually craves sweets, breads and/or caffeine/alcohol. They oftentimes have a history of antibiotic usage and may have unexplained joint pain and headaches. Chronic fatigue, lowered immunity and depression are often associated with IBS as well.
IBS and dysbiosis
The digestive tract is loaded with trillions of microorganisms that form a natural ecosystem commonly called the gut flora. This ecosystem is designed to be symbiotic in that it benefits both the individual and the microbes. Certain lifestyle stressors throw off the natural symbiosis and cause a rise in pathogenic microbes, chronic gut inflammation and damage to the gut lining.
When the gut flora is damaged from environmental toxins such as antibiotic usage, chlorinated water, industrial meat, processed food and drinks, etc., it allows for the pathogenic species to take control. This rise of pathogenic microbes is called dysbiosis or abnormal bacterial balance.
These pathogenic species eat through the intestinal wall and cause gaps in the gut lining. These gaps allow for large food particles, yeast, bacteria and environmental toxins to cross into the bloodstream. These things travel through the blood stream and lodge into joints, neural tissue such as the brain, the liver and other major organs.
Rebuild the intestinal wall
Rebuilding the intestinal wall begins by avoiding inflammatory foods. The most common food allergens include genetically modified ingredients, gluten, soy products, artificial food additives and flavorings, peanuts, eggs and pasteurized dairy. These foods should be avoided at all cost.
An anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in fermented foods and liquids and raw food-based nutrition is necessary. Fermented foods like traditional sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented veggies and raw cheese and amasai from 100 percent grass-fed cows should be staple parts of the diet. Fermented drinks like apple cider vinegar, coconut kefir, fermented herbal botanicals, kombucha and others should be used throughout the day.
These foods are extremely rich in enzymes, probiotics and key amino acids that help the beneficial microflora destroy pathogenic organisms in the body. These foods should be used as much as possible and a high quality probiotic supplements with 50+ billion CFUs are extremely beneficial.
Intermittent fasting for periods of 16-20 hours daily or weekly is very helpful in reducing inflammation and helping the gut heal faster. During the fasting period the individual should drink lots of clean water with anti-oxidant extracts such as lemon and light fermented drinks. Fermented ginger and oregano in an organic acid base with fresh squeezed lemon is an amazingly beneficial drink for one suffering with IBS.
Good fats, anti-oxidants and clean protein
The diet should be low in sugar and instead focus on phytonutrient-rich vegetables, low glycemic fruit and healthy fat sources like avocados, extra virgin olive oil and sprouted nuts and seeds. Grass-fed beef, bison, lamb, organic poultry and eggs and wild-caught fish offer essential fatty acids and other compounds that enhance hormone function and reduce inflammation.
Other great anti-inflammatory foods include coconut products, berries, and non-denatured whey protein from grass-fed cows. This protein source is loaded with L-glutamine and enhances cellular glutathione stores which are both necessary for rebuilding the gut and de-inflaming the body. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and oregano among others should be used as much as possible.
