Nikki Hawkes

Medical Herbalist & IBS specialist

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irritable bowel syndrome

Some reasons a low FODMAP diet may not work for IBS

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Research shows that if you have irritable bowel syndrome, eating a diet low in FODMAPs is likely to reduce your symptoms. I discuss what FODMAPs are and how they help IBS here.

Briefly a low FODMAP diet restricts foods that contain certain types of carbohydrates, specifically fermentable carbohydrates. However, though a low FODMAP diet is certainly a useful tool to help manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, it is not a cure for this complex condition. In fact, research shows that the low FODMAP diet only helps around 60 to 80% of people with IBS.

There are several reasons that a low FODMAP diet may not be entirely successful in relieving symptoms. To uncover the underlying factors can entail a bit of detective work, with careful consideration of the individual circumstances that might be responsible. [Read more…] about Some reasons a low FODMAP diet may not work for IBS

How to soothe irritable bowel syndrome with a hot oil poultice

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A 2015 German study tested the use of hot oil poultices on people with irritable bowel syndrome. They found that using a hot oil poultice appeared to be a safe and effective method of reducing pain related to IBS. The researchers also reported that although the most benefit was likely to due to the application of heat, their patients said that they received the highest level of benefit from using the hot caraway oil poultice, rather than a heated poultice made from olive oil alone.

Caraway is a culinary spice used to flavour a variety of vegetable dishes, breads, cakes and biscuits. Like many spices it also has medicinal properties. For instance, caraway has antispasmodic and carminative properties, and therefore might reduce abdominal pain, spasms and bloating.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterised by a number of symptoms, including abdominal pain and spasms, bloating or distension and altered bowel habit. [Read more…] about How to soothe irritable bowel syndrome with a hot oil poultice

A functional medicine approach for IBS

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition. It often has a significant impact on quality of life. The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain with some change in bowel habit. Either constipation or diarrhoea, or alternating between the two.

There is probably more than one cause of IBS. Or a combination of triggers. There are certainly a number theories. These include an over sensitive gut, abnormal movement of the gut and changes in the composition of the gut bacteria. We do know that IBS is what we describe as a functional disorder. Meaning there is no structural change to the gut but there is a change in how the gut functions. So approaching IBS from a functional medicine perspective can help. [Read more…] about A functional medicine approach for IBS

The benefits of probiotics for IBS

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, relapsing condition.  Its cause is not completely understood.  But its occurrence increases following gut infections, such as food poisoning or gastroenteritis.  These conditions can cause changes in the gut microbiota.  This article discusses the idea that the benefits of probiotics help to ease the symptoms of IBS?

The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal discomfort or pain with an alteration in bowel habit.  This alteration may be constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between constipation and diarrhoea.  The condition impacts heavily on quality of life.  And sufferers may not seek help due to uncomfortable and invasive test procedures.  Leading to long-term IBS, often accompanied by anxiety or depression and feelings of helplessness. [Read more…] about The benefits of probiotics for IBS