Definition:– a combination of intermittent abdominal pain and constipation, diarrhoea, or bouts of each, that occurs in the absence of another diagnosed disease
Symptoms:
-
- Cramp-like pain in abdomen
- Abdominal distension, usually on the left side
- Transient relief of pain by bowel movement or passing wind
Causes:
-
-
- Unknown
- Anxiety
- Stress
-
Treatment:
Lifestyle Recommendations
-
- If constipation is the main problem, a high-fibre diet may help
- Bulk-forming agents such as bran or methylcellulose may help for constipation
- Short courses of anti-diarrhoeal drugs may be taken for diarrhoea
- Drink plenty liquids such as carob drink, ‘green drinks’ and quality water to help prevent diarrhoea
- Avoid high-fire foods during bouts of diarrhoea – stress digestive system; rather eat easily digested foods such as bananas, applesauce, toast, rice and cooked potatoes
- Drink 3 cups rice water daily for diarrhoea – helps form stools and supplies B vitamins
- Limit intake of fats, gluten (including barley, oats, rye and wheat), alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods during bouts of diarrhoea
- Antispasmodic drugs can relieve muscular spasms
- Chamomile tea can help calm a distressed patient
- Ginger tea – helps with cramps and abdominal pain
- Hypnosis, psycho-therapy or counselling may be effective
Supplement Recommendations
-
- An infusion of catnip calms the nerves and is good for colic-type symptoms
- Black cohosh – relieves cramps
- Marshmallow root (malva) tea – calms stomach and soothes intestinal problems
- Slippery elm bark (tea or extract) – soothes GIT