By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
A significant number of individuals endure daily challenges with gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and cramping. These symptoms often accompany an erratic pattern of bowel movements, fluctuating between diarrhoea and constipation. This makes life feel like a constant roller coaster.
After ruling out serious conditions through various tests, many are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the medications offered often only manage symptoms without addressing the root cause, leaving them dissatisfied and seeking deeper solutions for lifelong comfort.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder affecting a substantial portion of the population. Recognising its symptoms and understanding its impact is crucial for effective management.
IBS affects approximately 15% of Americans and 20% of individuals in the UK. The condition is characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, and changes in stool. IBS is classified into three types: IBS-D (frequent loose stools, urgent bowel movements, and cramps), IBS-C (constipation, infrequent bowel movements, and difficulty passing stool), and IBS-M (a combination of diarrhoea and constipation).
Beyond digestive discomfort, IBS can lead to significant health issues, both physical and emotional. Anxiety and depression are commonly associated with IBS, and many sufferers experience fatigue in addition to digestive symptoms. While IBS does not cause lasting harm to body systems, it significantly impacts physical, emotional, and social well-being, highlighting the importance of comprehensive management and support.
Identifying the root causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be challenging, as it is often diagnosed through a process of elimination. There is no specific test to confirm IBS; instead, it is diagnosed after ruling out other conditions through blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy, or endoscopy. IBS likely results from a combination of factors, including abnormal GI tract muscle contractions, hypersensitive GI tract nerves, and brain-gut communication issues. Understanding these underlying factors is key to managing the condition effectively.
Hormones play a significant role in the onset and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. This connection is often overlooked but is critical for understanding and managing IBS. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with IBS and often experience flare-ups during their menstrual cycles. Imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone are linked to IBS symptoms, with lower levels during menses and early menopause exacerbating symptoms. Testosterone may have a protective role due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic stress impacts hormone balance, increasing the risk of IBS. High cortisol levels, especially under prolonged stress, are common in IBS patients. Gut peptides regulate GI functioning, and imbalances can contribute to IBS. The gut-brain connection is well established, with the gut manufacturing 95% of the body’s serotonin. Foods that cause a serotonin spike, often refined carbs, may also trigger an IBS episode. Understanding these multifaceted factors helps in the comprehensive management of IBS.
Balancing hormones naturally can significantly alleviate IBS symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here are several strategies to help achieve hormonal balance:
A balanced diet is foundational for hormonal health and can help manage IBS symptoms effectively. Aim to eat a nutritious diet that avoids processed foods, excess caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and trans fats. Focus on fresh organic produce, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibre.
Keeping a food journal can help identify specific triggers that exacerbate IBS symptoms. Staying well-hydrated with water, herbal tea, and seltzer is also crucial, as proper hydration supports digestion and overall bodily functions.
2. Stress Management
Stress profoundly impacts hormonal balance and IBS symptoms. Implementing effective stress management techniques can significantly reduce these symptoms.
3. Exercise
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. Engaging in regular, moderate exercise helps maintain overall body function and can significantly impact hormonal balance.
4. Supplements
Supplements can provide additional support in maintaining hormonal and gut health.
5. Taking Control of Your Health
IBS doesn’t have to dominate your life. Addressing underlying hormonal imbalances can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Many individuals find significant relief through achieving hormonal balance, allowing them to resume activities they love.
By understanding and implementing these strategies—a balanced diet, stress management, regular exercise, and appropriate supplements—you can take control and reclaim your life from IBS. With a proactive approach and the right support, you can manage IBS effectively and enhance your overall well-being.
Understanding the connection between hormonal imbalances and IBS provides a pathway to managing and potentially alleviating this condition. By focussing on a balanced diet, effective stress management, regular exercise, and appropriate supplementation, individuals can take proactive steps towards better health and reduced IBS symptoms.
Reclaiming control over your health involves addressing these underlying factors and making informed lifestyle choices that promote hormonal balance and overall well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage IBS and enhance your quality of life.
At Aston Clinic London, our practitioners treat and help manage IBS from an alternative healthcare and holistic perspective. We focus on identifying and addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and other root causes of IBS.
Our comprehensive approach includes personalised dietary plans, stress management techniques, tailored exercise regimens, and targeted supplementation to restore hormonal balance and improve gut health. By utilising these integrative methods, we aim to help our patients achieve long-term relief from IBS symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life.
To book a session with our practitioners, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148 to learn how our treatments can benefit you.
Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.
By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
