What is IBS? (An overview.)

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, and spastic colitis. It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, and not related to any other bowel conditions.

Although sometimes confused with IBS, IBD is actually an auto-immune condition caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to inflammation throughout the gut and the gastrointestinal tract. IBS usually develops due to digestive problems, an oversensitive gut, and quite often because of high levels of stress and anxiety.

According to research, IBS can have quite an impact on your life, although it does not increase your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.

Some symptoms of IBS.

Symptoms are not always persistent – they may resolve, only to come back again. But for the most part, many people do have consistent symptoms.

Here are some of the typical symptoms which include:

·        Cramping and abdominal pain.

·        Painful intestinal spasms.

·        Constipation.

·        Diarrhoea.

Is not uncommon for people with IBS to have episodes of both constipation and diarrhoea. Studies have shown that cramping and spasms may ease after a bowel movement. However, serious symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding, all need a visit to the doctor asap.

IBS diagnosis.

Based on your symptoms alone, the doctor might be able to make a diagnosis. The doctor may also take additional steps to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.

These can include:

·        Have a stool sample tested to rule out infection, and check for any blood traces.

·        Order some blood-work to rule out anemia, and check for gluten intolerance issues.

·        Colonoscopy.

The doctor will only order a colonoscopy if it is suspected that the symptoms are being caused by colonic inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer.

Treatment based on results.

Certain home remedies or lifestyle changes may help to relieve IBS symptoms without the use of medication. Examples include:

·        Regular exercise.

·        Cutting back on caffeine intake.

·        Eating smaller meals.

·        Taking probiotics to help relieve gas and bloating.

High levels of stress or anxiety will also need to be treated. One of the risk factors for IBS is anxiety and depression.

IBS medications.

If lifestyle and dietary changes do not work, the doctor may recommend the use of certain drugs such as meds to control muscle spasms, anti-constipation drugs, types of antidepressants to ease pain, and antibiotics for infections.

Some drugs are used to treat all symptoms of IBS while others are focused on specific symptoms. IBS is more prominent in females than in males. The actual cause of IBS is not yet known, but possible causes include an oversensitive colon, and a low immune system issue.

Is there a cure for IBS?

In spite of intensive research, there is currently no cure for IBS – treatment is aimed at symptom relief. However, recent studies have revealed some very positive results, from the use of hypnotism and NLP treatment for IBS issues.

NLP stands for neuro-linguistic programming, and involves the nervous system – including the brain, as well as the language you use to communicate with yourself, and how that language functions. NLP helps you to overcome fears by correcting irrational thoughts and changing problematic behaviours. You will learn to approach anxious situations differently, and learn to tolerate challenging issues.

About hypnosis.

Hypnosis is not magic, and there should be no illusion that it is a quick fix. Hypnotherapy is able to access the subconscious mind, and by means of eliminating bad memories and negative ideas, the therapist is able to help you embrace a new, positive mindset. Hypnosis always has a specific goal, and this case, the focus is on easing the effects of IBS.

A positive spin-off of both NLP and hypnosis is that putting them into practice can benefit many other areas of your life which may be of concern to you.

For more information about NLP and Hypnotherapy, contact Matthew:

www.matthewtweediehypnosis.com.au