Because no one knows for sure just what, exactly is the cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), treatment aims at alleviating symptoms. There are several medical treatment modalities, such as medications that reduce spasms and abdominal pain, as well as natural healing options. The advantage of natural treatment such as herbs, herbal teas, supplement and diet, is that there are usually no side effects. Whether you opt for prescription medication, or a more natural mode of treatment for IBS in a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it’s always important to inform the physician before implementing any herbs, supplements or diet changes. Even natural supplements can potentially interact with AD medications, so the attending physician MUST be kept informed. Here is a list of a few natural approaches to diet and lifestyle changes for those with IBS:
-Increase daily exercise regime (with the approval of the primary physician).
-Encourage plenty of sleep.
-Identify foods that cause triggers (such as wheat and lactose) and eliminate those from the diet
for at least 2 months. These foods can then gradually be added back to the diet once symptoms
subside.
-Drink plenty of fluids each day.
-Eliminate high gas forming foods such as cabbage, broccoli, beans and cauliflower, as well as raw
fruits and vegetables.
-Eliminate milk and milk products, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
-Eliminate gluten from the diet (wheat, barley and rye), particularly if diarrhea is a problem.
What is The Low FODMAP Diet?
The Low FODMAP diet is a diet which eliminates foods high in a specific type of carbohydrates, these foods are called FODMAPs. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligo-DI and mono saccharides and polyols, which are a type of carbohydrates that are present in certain foods such as grains, some vegetables & fruits, and dairy products. Examples of foods high in FODMAPS that have been found to be difficult to digest for people with IBS include:
-Cabbage
-Watermelon
-Grains (wheat, spelt and rye)
-Legumes (beans, cashews, lentils)
-Peaches
-Sweet corn
-Celery
-Apples
-Pears and Peaches
-Nectarines
-Plums
-Alcohol
-Almonds, cashews, pistachios
-Sweeteners, including honey, artificial sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup
Studies on the Low FODMAP Diet for IBS
The Low FODMAP diet was developed by the Monash University team of scientists in Australia, led by Professor Peter Gibson. The research study provided some of the only evidence that a Low FODMAP diet improves symptoms of IBS.
People with AD (and others) may be able to get relief from IBS symptoms on a strict low FODMAP diet and then, subsequently, reintroduce foods one at a time.
Supplements
Several natural supplements and treatment modalities may be helpful to ease the pain, discomfort and other symptoms of IBS. Be sure to discuss any of these with your physician before using any of the following:
-Digestive enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics (to help promote healthy digestion)
-Fiber supplements (be sure to take plenty of water, getting fiber from food sources is recommended if possible).
Anyone with IBS who takes a laxative should consult with the physician first, some types of laxatives will worsen symptoms of diarrhea, and can cause bloating which will worsen Symptoms of IBS.
Other Natural Treatments Modalities
-Eating small meals
-Peppermint oil supplements to relax abdominal spasms
-Increasing daily dietary fiber
-Drinking herbal tea such as ginger, lemon balm or peppermint tea
-Taking wild yam, marshmallow and other herbs that calm the digestive tract and reduce spasms
-Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night
Medications
If your IBS symptoms are moderate to severe, you may need medications. Ask your physician about which medications are safe for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Anticholinergic and antispasmodic medications have been prescribed for people with IBS to help reduce abdominal pain caused by bowel spasms. It’s important to note that some anticholinergic medications have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in recent studies.
Other medications commonly given to people with IBS include anti-diarrhea medications, and well as antidepressants-when depression is associated with the pain and discomfort of IBS. A specific type of antidepressant called a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may help relieve depression AND help to inhibit the activity of the neurons that control the intestines-relieving some of the symptoms of IBS. It’s vital to consult the physician before taking any type of medications for IBS (including over the counter drugs).
A possible underlying cause of IBS is an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. If this is the case, treatment with antibiotics may be indicated.
Medication specifically for IBS
There have been a couple of FDA approved medications specifically for IBS, but one such drug was taken off the market for a while, and the other has been linked to some severe side effects; so
neither medication has a long track record of safety.
If stress levels are severe, and worsen symptoms of IBS, mental health counseling may be warranted.
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