Researchers Discover the Cause: IBS is Not in the Mind
Friday, October 08, 2010 by: Tony Isaacs
(NaturalNews) Doctors who have been telling IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) patients
that it's all in their mind will have to rethink that approach after scientists finally
discovered the problem really does exist. Researchers at Munich's Technische University
have located the cause of IBS and it is in the gut, not the mind. Specifically, it
is the result of tiny inflammations in the mucosa of the gut, which upset the sensitive
balance of the bowel.
Professor Michael Schemann's research team at the TUM Department for Human Biology
demonstrated that micro-inflammations of the mucosa cause sensitization of the enteric
nervous system, which in turn cause irritable bowel syndrome. The researchers used
ultrafast optical measuring methods to demonstrate that mediators from mast cells
and enterochromaffin cells directly activate the nerve cells in the bowel.
The hypersensitivity of the enteric nervous system upsets communication between the
gut's mucosa and its nervous system. Project leader Professor Schemann explained:
"The irritated mucosa releases increased amounts of neuroactive substances such as
serotonin, histamine and protease. This cocktail produced by the body could be the
real cause of the unpleasant IBS complaints."
The scientists are the first to identify IBS's cause; up to now, many doctors have
dismissed their IBS patients as merely being hypochondriacs. Irritable bowel syndrome
makes life miserable for those affected - an estimated ten percent or more of the
population.
IBS can turn digestion into a nightmare. Common symptoms include stomach disorders,
nausea, cramps, Flatulence, constipation and diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps,
sleep disturbances, headaches and backache. While the new research findings will
almost surely lead to medicines and treatments to inhibit serotonin, histamine and
protease, the findings could also help reinforce and narrow natural treatments for
IBS.
Proper diet has been the foremost tool used against IBS. Eating properly for IBS
can relieve and prevent both diarrhea and constipation, as well pain, gas, and bloating.
This is best accomplished by avoiding foods that over-stimulate or irritate the colon
and eating foods that soothe and regulate it. It is considered essential to strictly
limit the amount of unhealthy dietary fats (the single most powerful digestive tract
stimulant), eat soluble fiber consistently with every snack and meal, eliminate coffee,
carbonated beverages and alcohol, be very careful with insoluble fiber, and avoid
overeating. It is also important to avoid cigarettes, as tobacco wreaks havoc on
the digestive tract.
The following list includes many potential dietary sources of trouble. Please note
that, since individual tolerances for IBS triggers vary, you may find through experimentation
that you have a higher degree of tolerance for some of these foods than others:
Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, etc.), poultry dark meat and skin, dairy products, egg
yolks, fried foods, coconut milk, oils, shortening, butter, fats, solid chocolate,
regular and decaffeinated coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners,
artificial fats, and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
One food item that may be particularly beneficial is apples (with the hard to digest
skin removed or else cooked). Apples contain malic acid, a substance that eases pain
and inflammation. Apples also contain pectin, which helps remove toxins that may
be causing stomach irritation as well as other problems.
Another item which could help tremendously is raw honey, especially a type of honey
known as manuka honey. People have reported being able to conquer IBS completely
with the combination of a good diet and taking a teaspoon of raw manuka honey dissolved
in a cup of warm water three times daily on an empty stomach.
Other items which have been reported to be beneficial for IBS include:
* Digestive enzymes
* Ginger
* Colloidal silver
Sources included:
http://www.wddty.com/ibs-cause-finally-identified-it-s-in-the-gut-not...
http://scienceblog.com/37670/proof-that-a-gut-wrenching-complaint-irr...
http://gut.bmj.com/content/59/9/1213.abstract
http://www.healingwell.com/library/ibs/article.asp?author=vanvorous&i...
About the author
Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best
Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream
managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs
is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer
including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to
be published later this year. He is also a contributing author for the worldwide
advocacy group "S.A N.E.Vax. Inc" which endeavors to uncover the truth about HPV
vaccine dangers.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to
the even more scenic Texas hill country near Austin and San Antonio to give lectures
and health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella
May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant
to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".
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