Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Although 20% of all Americans experience the difficult condition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, fewer than one in five of these people seek help. If you are experiencing the following symptoms on a chronic basis you should speak with a medical professional because some of them may indicate a more serious condition including colon cancer.
Signs or Symptoms:
This syndrome consists of many symptoms. To name a few are change of bowel habits, bloating and excessive gas, pain in the lower abdomen, mucus in the stools, anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache and pain during sex. Related issues consist of: abuse of laxatives or antacids, artificial sweeteners, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, pancreas disease, parasites, diverticulitis and endometriosis.
Causes:
Most often, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is associated with the difficulties of handling day-to-day stress. IBS also stems from an imbalance between the two controlling parts of your nervous system; the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic systems. Other causes are food sensitivities, allergens, prior whiplash, TMD, prolonged sitting, change in neurotransmitter balance and an imbalance of the hormone Aldosterone as a result of the condition and stress.
Standard treatment:
Lifestyle modifications and medications.
Applied Kinesiology Approach:
The terms “nervous stomach” and “irritable bowel” speak volumes. Treatment must start with the correction of problems that lead to the imbalance of the Sympathetic (calming to GI) and Parasympathetic (activating the GI) nervous system. Without this correction, there can only remain a struggle between the two aggravating the spasms. Because our nervous system responds to structural, chemical and emotional stimuli, each of these areas must be evaluated in relation to your intestines for their involvement. One person with IBS might have a primary involvement of structure from a prior auto accident whereas another person may have a chemical factor as the main contributor, such as their daily use of diet sodas. Regardless, an Applied Kinesiology exam will make clear any and all factors helping you to feel better.