Irritable bowel syndrome – when the stomach rebels: Causes, symptoms & holistic ways to find relief

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional diseases of the digestive system. What does this mean? Although those affected sometimes suffer from severe symptoms, conventional medicine does not identify any organic causes. Rather, the function of the intestine is disturbed. However, this does not make the diagnosis any less serious – on the contrary: irritable bowel syndrome can significantly impair quality of life.

Irritable bowel syndrome – a widespread disease with no clear cause?

Did you know that around 20-30% of the population suffer from irritable bowel syndrome in the course of their lives? It is particularly common in women – around two thirds of those affected are female. The first symptoms usually occur between the ages of 20 and 40. This makes irritable bowel syndrome one of the most frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders.

Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered: Why do some people develop irritable bowel syndrome – and others don’t? And why are conventional examination methods often not enough to find the real causes?

Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are usually chronic or recurring. They manifest themselves frequently:

  • after the meal,
  • directly after getting up in the morning,
  • or spread throughout the day.

The most common symptoms include

  • Abdominal pain or abdominal cramps
  • Stool irregularities (constipation, diarrhea or an alternation of both)
  • Flatulence and bloating
  • Nausea, sometimes vomiting
  • Slimy stools or the feeling of incomplete evacuation

The symptoms can occur throughout the abdomen – sometimes diffuse, sometimes very localized.

Diagnostic criteria: ROM III criteria

In order to better define irritable bowel syndrome, medicine has developed the so-called ROM III criteria. They help to make a diagnosis. According to these criteria, irritable bowel syndrome is present if:

  • there has been pain or discomfort in the abdominal area for at least 12 weeks in the last 6 months,
  • linked to at least two of the following points:
    • Relief after a bowel movement
    • Onset of symptoms with change in stool frequency
    • Change in stool consistency or appearance

Conventional vs. holistic medicine: different perspectives on irritable bowel syndrome

In conventional medicine, the initial focus is on ruling out other diseases. These include

  • Colonoscopies and gastroscopies,
  • Ultrasound examinations,
  • H2 breath tests for intolerances (e.g. lactose, fructose),
  • Blood tests.

Only if no physically tangible cause is found is the diagnosis made: irritable bowel syndrome.

But this is precisely where the holistic approach comes in. Just because no structural damage is visible does not mean that there are no causes.

The real causes of irritable bowel syndrome? It’s worth taking a look inside the gut!

In naturopathy, it is assumed that irritable bowel syndrome is due to an imbalance in various areas of the intestine:

1. intestinal flora

Healthy intestinal flora is at the heart of digestion. If pathological germs (such as putrefactive bacteria or fungi) spread, this can lead to chronic flatulence, abdominal cramps and even inflammatory reactions.

2. intestinal mucosa & mucus production

If the mucus on the intestinal mucosa is too thin, too viscous or not present at all, this can increase sensitivity and cause discomfort such as pain or discomfort.

3. intestinal wall (barrier function)

A permeable intestinal wall – also known as “leaky gut” – allows substances that do not belong there to enter the body. This can promote immune reactions, inflammation and food intolerances.

4. digestive organs

The stomach also often plays a role – for example, if stomach acid production is not functioning optimally. Bile production or the pancreas can also be involved. If food components are not broken down sufficiently, fermentation occurs in the gut – a perfect breeding ground for unwanted germs.

All these aspects can best be determined with a comprehensive stool examination. It often provides much more precise information than a colonoscopy.

What to do for irritable bowel syndrome? Holistic approaches for relief

The good news is that irritable bowel syndrome can be treated. Although there is no “one” solution, symptoms can be significantly alleviated or even made to disappear with an individualized approach.

1. intestinal cleansing – the central key

Intestinal cleansing aims to restore the balance in the intestine. The following measures are used:

  • Probiotics and microbiological preparations for targeted colonization of the intestine with “good” bacteria
  • Food supplement for the nutrient supply of mucous membranes and enzyme systems
  • Herbal and homeopathic remedies that have an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic or calming effect

Important: Intestinal rehabilitation looks at the intestine as a whole – including flora, mucous membrane, digestive performance and immune function.

Targeted intestinal cleansing can also bring about an astonishing improvement in long-standing irritable bowel syndrome – especially if it is accompanied by sound diagnostics (stool and blood tests).

2. adjust your diet

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome react sensitively to certain foods. The so-called low FODMAP diet, which avoids fermentable sugars that produce gas in the intestine and exacerbate symptoms, has proven to be particularly effective.

3. reduce stress and strengthen the nervous system

Because the intestines are closely connected to the nervous system, the psyche also plays a role. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or autogenic training help to calm the nervous system and improve bowel function.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is not a “figment of the imagination”, but a complex interaction in the intestine

Irritable bowel syndrome is more than just a harmless health disorder. The symptoms are real – even if they cannot always be explained by conventional medicine.

The good news is that a lot can be achieved with a holistic view, sound diagnostics (especially through stool examinations) and targeted intestinal cleansing.

Whether by adapting your diet, building up your intestinal flora or supporting yourself with naturopathic remedies – the path back to greater well-being is possible.

It is important to look at the causes individually and restore the balance in the gut step by step. After all, a healthy gut also means a healthy person.