Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Evidence-based studies and research from across the world exemplify that homeopathic remedies are therapeutically beneficial, effective and safe for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than any other, because they treat the ‘cause’ and ease stress, the ‘functional’ trigger for abnormal bowel hypersensitivity, or over-activity.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects more than one – fifth of the world’s population. It is more widespread in women than men, although it appears to be somewhat predominant before age 35 -but, infrequently after age 40 – in half of the affected individuals.

Statistics too suggests that IBS affects an estimated 10.5 per cent of the population. Research suggests that there may be a certain familial tendency, or ‘genetic’ vulnerability, which predisposes us to IBS, no less. Homeopathy addresses this likely predisposition; it treats the individual, not just one’s intestinal and bowel symptoms, or the disorder by its name alone. This is because no two individuals with IBS present with the same symptoms – their reactions, or responses, their likes and dislikes, what makes their symptoms better or worse, not to speak of their temperament, which may be as different as chalk and cheese.

Causes & Symptoms

The word ‘syndrome’ in IBS includes all types of symptoms, including bloating and digestive pain, a typical presentation, although IBS, in effect, refers to a condition where the bowels have extreme reactions – such as alternating constipation and diarrhoea – which come and go on their own accord. Some clinicians refer to IBS as a form of depression – ‘depression of the intestines’ – highlighted by reduced amounts of the ‘feel-good’ chemical, serotonin, which also occurs in psychological, or emotional, depression. Here is how it happens. The nerve cells in the intestines synchronise digestion; they trigger the muscle of the intestines to contract. When serotonin levels are inadequate, the intestine gets uneasy. This leads to alternating bouts of too much or too little activity, or general distress. The worst part is symptoms may get aggravated by chronic constipation – not a pleasant prospect.

The sequel is predictable. When toxic waste resides in the colon, for long, the smart and bright nervous system in the intestines alternate between primary panic and paralysis, while giving you diarrhoea to get rid of the toxins, and making you bloated, at the same time.

Healing With Homeopathy

There is no real, effective medication for IBS in conventional medicine (allopathy). Homeopathy, on the other hand, has safe, effective remedies to treat IBS from the ‘root.’ IBS is one of the most common functional conditions treated by professional homeopaths worldwide, as highlighted at the outset. It is also a growing area of homeopathic clinical research – to establishing more effective, evidence-based treatment protocols for the disorder.