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Healthy Doc - Healthy Coach Series: Beating IBS… Naturally

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Your HEALTHY DOC - Dr. Nigma T. Sciortino, ND

For decades naturopathic physicians have been able to successfully treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) by using an individualized and cause-oriented approach without incurring adverse side effects.
In many cases the underlying cause can be found and then corrected, making the symptom treatment unnecessary. The key is to assess patient beyond the symptoms of IBS and treat the whole person.
Gastroenterologists diagnose IBS by ruling out other potential diagnostic pathologies such as colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and chron’s disease hence ruling out bowel pathology.
However, patients need to go a step further and evaluate the functional cause of the syndrome with respect to diagnosis and treatment.
It is important to diagnose the underlying causes for IBS sufferers so that the clinician can develop the proper tools to treat the client.
This type of testing involves food allergy assessment, comprehensive digestive stool analysis including gut dysbiosis and parasitology.

Functional food allergy assessment should be analyzed through ELISA technology, (ask your naturopath), to target immediate and delayed effects of allergenic foods.
Typically, these delayed or “hidden allergies” can trigger a wide range of symptoms in virtually every part of the body.

Naturopathic Medical Treatments

Poor diet is one of the major causes of IBS and hence diet plays an important role in treatment for IBS, as diets that are too low in fiber, high in sugar and fats, coffee, and alcohol can cause imbalances in the gastrointestinal system increasing susceptibility to food allergies and gut dysbiosis.
Avoiding allergenic foods as well as adopting a change to whole, fresh foods can help build the foundation for a healthy digestive system and reduce the symptoms of IBS. But, a healthy, high-fiber diet clearly does not resolve all cases of IBS and one must rule out other digestive issues as mentioned above such as food allergies.

An accurate diagnostic and functional assessment can allow the patient to attain a custom-tailored treatment and hence, provide therapeutic success.

Botanical Therapies

The single most prominent botanical used for IBS is peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil, the effectiveness of which has been known since the early 1900s. Its primary ingredient is menthol, which helps relax the muscles in the small intestine by reducing calcium influx.
Chamomile and cramp bark, are also often used effectively to reduce the cramping pain associated with IBS.
Sedative herbs that calm the sympathetic nervous system such as valerian and scullcap can also be helpful for IBS patients who also suffer with insomnia and/or anxiety. Talk to your naturopath to discuss the treatment plan that is right for you.

Your HEALTHY COACH – Annette Dykes, MCC, CPT

For many people who suffer from IBS, not only are the symptoms uncomfortable, but they can also be quite disruptive to life and business.
Some IBS sufferers take time off work, away from socializing or give up their favorite activities because their symptoms are so difficult to bear.
So, along with the comprehensive medical treatment that you can receive from your naturopath, it is also important to take a look at your lifestyle; to look at where your actions and your habits might be contributing to your symptoms.

Choosing a healthy, active lifestyle with a well-balanced diet is the key to preventing many ailments, including IBS. Of course, personal specifics (such as food allergies) must also be considered, but choosing a more active lifestyle and nourishing your body with whole-grain breads and fresh fruits and veggies more often will help diminish, if not alleviate most IBS symptoms.

Are you getting your 60 minutes per day?

The surgeon general recommends that we all get at least 60-minutes of cumulative exercise per day.
That’s not for weight loss, either – that’s for health maintenance! 60 minutes of cumulative movement adds up to about 10,000 steps per day.
And did you know that the average North American takes as little as 4,000 steps per day? Incredible! Buy yourself a pedometer to see how you’re doing.
You may be more inactive than you think.By increasing your daily activity and choosing healthier foods more often, you can prevent most major illnesses and help reduce the discomfort of gastrointestinal problems, such as IBS. So ask yourself today: “What healthier choice can I make today to improve my lifestyle?” When you come up with your answer – do it!

One step in the right direction is worth a thousand years thinking about it.

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© Annette Dykes, Certified Weight Loss & Life Coach, Certified Fitness Trainer.
www.MyPrivateCoach.com
Annette Dykes is the Life & Weight Loss Coach at My Private Coach. She can be contacted at info@myprivatecoach.com.
Get a taste of coaching FREE today, schedule your first free session!
Annette Dykes is a Master Certified Weight Loss Coach, Lifestyle Coach and Personal Fitness Trainer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and is BCRPA certified. Her specialties include personal coaching, weight loss, motivation techniques, time management, life-balance coaching, and behavioral psychology. She is the Director of the MyPrivateCoach Canadian Headquarters, and an internationally sought after speaker and workshop leader.

© Dr. Nigma T. Sciortino, N.D., is a well-respected Naturopathic doctor, and the Director of the West Vancouver Wellness Center in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is a clinical instructor for both the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medical School and the Boucher Institute. She has been featured on Breakfast TV with Denis Simpson, and is a recurring guest of the Good Life Show, with Jesse Dylan. She is the Founder of the Healthy Doc concept and her site can be visited at HealthyDoc.com

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