Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (IBD) Crohn’s and Colitis
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the inner lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and the rectum—the end part of the colon.
UC is one of the two main forms of chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other form is called Crohn’s disease.
Normally, the large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid. In UC, the inflammation causes loss of the lining of the colon, leading to bleeding, production of pus, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Usually caused by; food allergies, stress, or a lack of fiber in the diet.
Nutritional support-Foods that have been proven to help with IBS
- Increasing the intake of plant foods in the diet is effective in most cases.
- Eat foods high in omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (i.e. flax, hemp and fish).
- Eat a low refined flour and sugar diet, eliminate allergenic foods.
Nutrients that have been proven to help with IBS
Fiber (psyllium561), glutamine, zinc, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (i.e. flax oil, hemp oil, DHA, EPO), Broad spectrum plant source digestive enzymes, Probiotics (friendly flora), enteric coated peppermint oil, cat’s claw, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, and artichoke leaf extract.
Exercises that have been proven to help with IBS
People with irritable bowel syndrome should engage in regular physical exercise. This helps relieve the symptoms of anxiety and also promotes good bowel function. Efforts should be made to deal with any stresses that may be contributing to the problem.572
Basic IBS Plan
1. Increase intake of fiber-rich foods
- In general, researchers suggest that it is best to recommend that patients with IBS judge for themselves whether increased fiber helps or worsens their symptoms. One group of physicians studying the relationship of fiber to various diseases suggested that the most suitable fiber for patients with irritable bowel syndrome is methylcellulose or polycarbophil.
- Psyllium Seed – has been reported effective in supporting the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis. Psyllium is rich in dietary fiber. In IBS, psyllium has been reported to increase bowel movements, appearing to be a major reason for the therapeutic success.
2. Eliminate allergenic foods
- Numerous studies report that dietary food allergies are frequently responsible for many of the symptoms experienced by patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Careful avoidance of the offending foods resulted in the following symptomatic improvements: distention was relieved in 88%, colic in 90%, diarrhea in 85% and constipation in 65%. Seventy-nine percent of the patients also reported improvements other conditions such as hay fever, sinusitis, asthma, eczema and hives. Food triggers were twice as frequent as inhalants, which included danders, grasses and perfumes.
3. Avoid milk and dairy.
- Lactose intolerance may be a contributing factor. Avoiding lactose can decrease symptoms and reduce medication use.
4. Take enzymes with cooked food.
- Taking a broad spectrum Digestive Enzyme product when you eat helps significantly with food allergies. If foods are not broken down completely, then food can become a toxin to us and our body reacts in many ways; allergies are just one evidence of food not being broken down completely. Take plant source enzymes only. Do not use pancreatic enzymes.
5. Take Probiotics
- Not only does friendly flora aid in digestion, but it has been thought that some of the symptoms in patients with IBS are due to imbalances in the intestinal microflora. A 12 month study reported that at the 12-month follow-up, it became apparent that the patients that had consumed the Lactobacillus-containing product had maintained a better overall level of gastrointestinal function than the patients given placebos. Our body produces thousands of friendly flora. It is beneficial to supplement more than just one strain to re-supply the intestinal microflora. Most clinicians now agree on the importance of maintaining healthy function of the microflora in health and disease. Use only stabilized Probiotics that don’t need to be refrigerated.
6. Take Zinc
- Low zinc levels have been reported in patients with irritable bowel disease. Zinc helps in the healing process and immunity.
- “Amino Acid Chelated” minerals have the highest proven absorption with the least toxicity.
7. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Supplementation with essential fatty acids has been shown to prevent zinc deficiency, thereby potentially improving immunity. Fatty acids are an important part of normal function of the body. The human body can produce all but two fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both must be obtained through the diet or by the use of supplements. Obtaining a balance of these two fatty acids is essential. Essential fatty acids are needed for building cell membranes and are precursors for production of hormones and prostaglandins.
8. Eat flax seeds or oil, hemp seeds or oil, and deep sea cold water fish.
- Supplement with flax oil, hemp oil, fish oil, DHA, EPO.
9. Grapefruit Seed Extract
- A broad-spectrum antimicrobial. It also inhibits the growth of H. pylori and C. jejuni, both causative agents in gastrointestinal ulcers. In a human study, an improvement in constipation, flatulence, abdominal distress and night rest were noticed after 4 weeks of therapy.
10. Avoid refined sugar, highly processed foods
- These raise blood sugar level too fast and too much; then the sugars become food for the bad bacteria to feast on.
11. Avoid caffeine.
- Can be bowel irritating for those with IBS.
12. Glutamine
- Research indicates that glutamine is therapeutically useful for maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucous membranes and their permeability to luminal toxins in animal models for inflammatory bowel disease.
13. Enteric coated peppermint oil
- Eight randomized, controlled trials have reported positive benefits in IBS when using enteric coated peppermint oil, confirming the antispasmodic, pain-relieving action of peppermint oil when administered as enteric coated tablets. Put oil in capsule and take and rub on abdomen.
14. Cat’s Claw (root)
- Has the ability to soothe irritated and inflamed tissues and help eliminate pathogens from the GI tract.
15. Olive Leaf Extract
- An effective antimicrobial agent against a wide variety of pathogens, including some penicillin-resistant strains.
16. Artichoke Leaf Extract
- As many as 96% of those tested, claimed that the artichoke leaf extract was well tolerated and that it worked at least as well as other therapies used for their symptoms of IBS.
SUPPLEMENT SUPPORT
The following formulas are recommended to nutritionally support this condition
- Take enzymes capsules with each meal. If this formula causes any stomach distress then discontinue until the Probiotic has had a chance to colonize in the gut. This takes between 7-10 days.
- Take a probiotic 3 capsules in morning and 3 at night
- Take Gx Assist (This acts as a Pre-Biotic) take 1 capsule 3 capsules a day immediately after Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Take Life Long Vitality to get some good nutrition in the gut.
- Take a green drink once a day.
Tips
- Small, frequent meals
- Increase fluid intake (at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water/day)
- Restrict appropriate foods with lactose (dairy products) and gluten (wheat products) intolerance
- Omit gas forming foods, if not tolerated: Brussels Sprouts, Barley, Cabbage, Beans
- Avoid foods containing caffeine, carbonation, and sorbitol
- Spicy foods, as tolerated
- Regular exercise helps to alleviate stress and symptoms