IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, most suffers would agree you get extremely irritable, fed up and at times embarrassed about the condition, as the symptoms can disrupt your life severely. Bloating, wind, cramps, diarrhoea and having to rush to the toilet can have a huge impact on your life and as it affects so many people what can be done about it?
The gut is controlled by the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), the operation of which isn’t fully understood, which would explain why there is no specific test for it as yet. Many doctors and health professionals do not know the best methods of treating this illness, although they do now believe that a major disruption to the bacterial balance in your intestines can sometimes lead to long term problems with IBS.
Every individual will have different circumstances which will have triggered this condition. It may have been a tummy upset, extreme stress or infection. Although there is no cure for IBS, with dietary adjustments and some knowledge of the illness you can overcome it. Diet being the most important change you can make. Any IBS sufferer will know some of the foods or types of food that triggers an episode.
Another common cause of IBS is fructose malabsorption and/or FODMAP intolerance. Just like eating carbohydrates, they can cause excessive fermentation. SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) foods high in fructose or FODMAPs, which are a group of short-chain fermentable carbohydrates, can also be excessively fermented in your colon. Look them up and try to eliminate all that you think trigger your IBS to help you on the healing process.
Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAP Syndrome or GAPS) is a condition, which establishes a connection between the functions of the digestive system and the brain. One of the major functions of the good bacteria in the gut flora is controlling about 500 different known to science species of pathogenic (bad) and opportunistic microbes. When the beneficial good bacteria get destroyed a special opportunity arises for other bad bacteria to grow into large colonies and occupy large areas of the digestive tract. A modern diet of processed and fast foods provides perfect nourishment for these pathogens. This is not good news for IBS sufferers.
Nutritional Relief From IBS
The Paleo diet is perfect for IBS sufferers, as it removes most of the food groups that trigger IBS. It offers a simple solution for a healthy new lifestyle free from all the horrible symptoms. A diet designed for optimum health and recovery should be the first line of treatment against IBS, the Paleo diet is perfect for this. It is often called the inflammatory diet and since inflammation is the key in IBS then it provides the perfect solution.
Try eating healthy food, with no additives and preservatives. Go back to a primitive Caveman style diet, which the Paleo diet, is also known as and a perfect remedy to heal you from inside. The foundation of the Paleo Diet is to eat meat, seafood, eggs, poultry, seafood and unlimited consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Many fats which include nut oils,coconut oil, lard and tallow. Drink plenty of water filtered or sparkling, tea and bone broths. No Alcohol unless gluten free or any sugar or chemical ingredients of any sort.
This will allow the foods rich in antioxidants to do their work and help you to recover. The road to this, might not be an easy one, but if you can eliminate these awful symptoms that IBS causes, then what have you to lose. It will be worth it, I assure you.