At any one time, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the Country’s population has Irritable Bowel Syndrome, (IBS) and children as young as 4 are being diagnosed with this condition. It may be that 20% is a conservative estimate, and probably a more realistic figure is about 50%. IBS symptoms include other common symptoms such as indigestion and heartburn. The medical profession don’t seem to be any nearer to finding a cure. The aim seems to be about trying to manage the symptoms; to minimise the pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements. There are no conclusive tests to diagnose IBS, but on the positive side, there’s no evidence to support that IBS can cause bowel cancer.
I have seen lots of people over the years that I have been a Colonic Hydrotherapist who have been given the diagnosis of IBS. Often people who have been suffering for decades find that, after a couple of colonic treatments, some slight changes to their diet, some sensible eating habits, and occasionally supplements to cleanse and help boost the gut flora, their IBS is considerably improved.
Coeliac Disease is an allergy to gluten, and people diagnosed with this condition must avoid gluten in their diet. Diagnosis is through a blood test. Even if the smallest amounts of gluten are ingested, it can make them very ill. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis also come under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD. These two diseases are conditions of inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the bowel wall, although, in some cases, the ulceration can occur anywhere along the gastro-intestinal tract, including the mouth and oesophagus. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is usually diagnosed through blood tests. Symptoms are pain, bloody diarrhoea, resulting in poor nutrient absorption, malabsorption and, in severe cases, malnutrition.
It is unknown what causes these conditions, but a ‘faulty’ immune system is thought to be a factor. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, if they are in a flared up state are a contra-indication for colonic hydrotherapy treatment and instead changes can be made to the diet and lifestyle which may help with symptoms. There may be an issue with intestinal parasites or a break down in the integrity of the gut wall, creating gut hyper-permeability (leaky gut) issues that may be contributing to these conditions. Stool tests can be done to identify inflammatory bowel disorders and parasites and recommendations regarding diet and supplements can the be made.
If you would like to ask any questions about any of the information above, then please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss various treatment options.