IBS Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects more than a 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.

Research suggests that there may be a certain familial tendency, or ‘genetic’ vulnerability, which predisposes us to IBS. 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.

IBS is one of the most common conditions treated by professional homeopaths. There is, in addition, large-scale ongoing clinical research, in Europe and the US, regarding the evidence-based safety and effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for the syndrome. The results are promising - clinicians believe that this could lead to better understanding and more effective treatment outcomes for patients presenting with or having long-standing IBS.

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.

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.’

In a study conducted, at a large group of homeopathic clinics, on a group of IBS patients, treatment results showed an impressive ‘feeling better’ in 89 per cent of patients. It also highlighted the fact why more and more patients are opting for homeopathic treatment as the most ‘preferred’ and ‘proven’ alternative option in holistic healthcare.

Homeopathy addresses and treats the individual with IBS. Not just one’s bowel or gut symptoms, as they appear on the surface - all the more reason why clinical studies substantiate the therapeutic value, effectiveness and safety of homeopathic protocols in the treatment of IBS.

That IBS also accounts for more referrals to gastroenterologists than any other digestive disorder, with treatment outcomes being anything but spectacular, or long-lasting is a significant detail. It is classed as a ‘functional disorder,’ which means that the intestines appear normal, but do not function normally - this is obviously a key therapeutic area where homeopathy works best.

If you suffer with IBS, and you are interested in a homeopathic solution to treat your whole self, rather than just your intestines, please reach out to our Wynberg practice and schedule an appointment.