The most common digestion disorder seen by physicians. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults have IBS though less than half actually seek help for it. This disorder is also called neurosis, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon. In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated. This interferes with the normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to the accumulation of mucous and toxins in the intestine. This accumulation material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn causes bloating, distension, and constipation. IBS is caused by a diet consisting primarily of animal foods (meat, fish, dairy, etc…). High in saturated fats, carcinogens, and toxins while low in fiber, these foods constipate the bowel and lead to inflammation.
High fiber vegetarian diets have proven to be extremely successful in dealing with IBS. This is due to the fact that dietary fiber helps to dilute, bind, inactivate, and remove many of the carcinogens and toxic substances found in our food supply. This action prevents harmful substances from prolonged contact with the bowel wall, thus minimizing the absorption and damage from direct contact. Dietary fiber also binds cholesterol and bile acids and consequently reduces their contact and absorption from the bowel.
- -Cancer 42 (1978), p. 2832, Digestion 11 (1974), p. 289, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 29 (1976), p. 1417, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 34 (1981), p. 2054
Symptoms:
Constipation and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, mucous in stools, nausea, flatulence, bloating, anorexia, and intolerances to certain foods. Pain is often triggered by eating and may be relieved by a bowel movement. Malnutrition may result as nutrients are not properly absorbed.
- Herbal colon formulas may be helpful in cleansing the intestinal tract, reducing inflammation and keeping the colon healthy. If interested, take a look at Quick Colon Formula # 1 and Quick Colon Formula #2.
- Vitamin C may help reduce inflammation and boost immunity response. We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE™ that is complete and made from whole foods.
- Organic Aloe Vera Juice is beneficial because it softens stools and has a healing effect on the digestive tract; drink a half a cup three times daily.
- Make sure to chew your food thoroughly; do not eat in a hurry.
- Flax Seed Oil contains omega 3 essential fatty acids which are necessary for the repair of the digestive tract.
- Drink plenty of distilled water and fresh juices.
- Peppermint has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing abdominal symptoms in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (A key ingredient in Intestinal Formula #2) British Medical Journal, October 6, 1979, p. 73
- Eat a diet consisting mainly of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, garlic, kale, spinach and turnips. High fiber diets have been reported to be of definite benefit for those with bowel disorders. J. McDougall, M.D, “The McDougall Plan,” (1983): pp49-50
Things to Avoid:
- Avoid all dairy foods, (especially milk, cream, butter, and cheeses), sodas, coffee, fried foods, ice cream, junk food, salt, caffeine, processed foods, sugar, refined flour. These foods are laced with chemicals, pesticides, and toxins as well as high levels of saturated fats which cause inflammation of the intestines as well as creating excess mucous which prevents the absorption of nutrients..
- Also avoid all other animal foods (meat, fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, etc…) as these foods are extremely hard to digest and can cause more inflammation in the intestine. Avoid alcohol and tobacco as these irritate the lining of the intestine.
- Do not eat right before going to bed.
References:
- James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)
- S. Imes et al., “Vitamin C Status in 137 Outpatients with Crohn’s Disease: Effect of Diet Counseling,” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 8(4), August 1986, p. 443-446
- D. Burkitt, “Some Diseases Characteristic of Modern Western Civilization,” Br Med J 1 (1973):274
- J. McDougall, M.D, “The McDougall Plan,” (1983): pp49-50
- “Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Peppermint Oil,” British Medical Journal, October 6, 1979, p. 73
- B. Reddy,” Metabolic Epidemiology of Large Bowel Cancer,” Cancer 42 (1978), p. 2832
- M. Hill, “Colon Cancer: A Disease of Fiber Depletion of of Dietary Excess,” Digestion 11 (1974), p. 289
- J. Kelsay, “A Review of Research on Effects of Fiber Intake in Man,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 29 (1976), p. 1417
- I. Ullrich, “Alterations of Fecal Steroisd Composition Induced by Changes in Dietary Fiber Composition,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 34 (1981), p. 2054
