IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Awareness Month

Irrtitable Bowel Syndrome is a term used to descrive a range of symptoms that some people experience such as bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, loose bowel motions or both.

IBS affects the small or large intestine and unfortunately there is no fixed caused (such as in Irritable Bowel Disorder which is caused by Chron's Disease or Ulverative Colitis). IBS is usually diagnosed by gastro specialists after they have ruled out IBD or by GP's who regularly check in with patients who are experiencing fatigue, poor digestion and stress.

Inflammation within the intestinal tract may be a result of leaky gut, bacterial infection, stress, food sensitivity or reduced digestive function. 

Unfortunitly IBS is on the rise within the population. If you experience digestive dysfunction, understanding that your body is trying to tell you something is key. Often in my clinic I will hear patients say that having loose bowel motions or constipation and abdominal pain is "normal" for them. Please understand that these signs are clear messages to you to alerts you that something is not well. 

Long term it puts IBS sufferers at eish of poor nutrient uptake, anaemia, chronic inflammation, chronic fatigue or mood disorders. 

Sometimes patients who are really clued up with how their bodies feel being to recognise specific foods that may trigger abdominal pain etc and this is fantastic. Initially keeping a record written down might be helpful. Other's may recognise that emotional or physical stress is a contributing factor. 

Often sitting down with a Clinical Nutrionist, Naturopath or Herbalist may be helpful as they may be able to see a wider picture that you cannot, as to what may have contributed or could be making the issue worse. They will also be able to help support you along your path of gut healing. 

What do we have that can help?

We stock some great supplements that may be able to help with the core IBS symptoms. 

1. Lifestream Bowel Biotics - This range is a 100% natural product containing fibre and pre and pro biotics that help to support both loose bowel motions and constipation. This makes it useful for all types of situations. 

Depending on your core symptoms there are also some other great products that we stock of theirs that may also help such as Aloe Vera which is very anti-inflammatory and soothing to the intestinal tract. 

2. Radiance IBX - A high potency product that has really lovely blend of nutrients and herbs designed to reduct inflammation, promote healing and address the stress both emotionally but also localised to the intestinal tract (inflammation is a stress to the body). The blend also helps to promote proper digestive function. 

3. We have digestive enzymes and probiotics in store that are also very useful. Probiotics help to increase immunity to the digestive area and digestive enzymes help to break down food properly reducing the potential for further leaky gut or inflammation. 

4. Artemis Digestive Ease Loose Leaf Tea - A lovely tea to try which we have has awesome feedback on! A drink to have hot or cold, and throughout the day or after a meal which might be causing heightened symptoms. The blend of loose leaf herbs help to reduce inflammation, promote digestive function, relax the intestinal spasms, reduce stress and promote healing. It's natural sweet flavour comes from the herbs themselves, It is also suitable for babies who have colic or chronic reflux.

For IBS Awareness Month we have some of these products on special! So pop into the store or shop online! Chat to any of the staff, they can help with any questions you might have.  contact us!