KalenaSpire

Where Healing Your Gut Elevates Your Life

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Home
  • Meet Christine
  • Services
    • Health Coaching
    • Private Yoga
    • Herbal Healing
    • Book an Appointment
  • Shop
  • Favorites
  • Praise
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Cart

Holistic Approaches to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

May 30, 2019 | Leave a Comment

When the smooth rhythm of the muscles of the digestive tract is disrupted, either moving too quickly or too slowly, we experience digestive distress. For some of us, this distress can be frequent and painful, creating a major disruption in our life and in our lifestyle.

 

Looking for holistic approaches to irritable bowel syndrome? Try thee strategies to get to address the root issues(s) for improved digestive function. | KalenaSpire

 

Several health conditions are marked by severe digestive distress including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While all of these conditions involve inflammation of the lining of the bowel, IBS can be healed through careful shifts in diet and lifestyle.

 

WHAT IS IBS?

IBS is marked by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and a cluster of symptoms that last for three months or longer. Symptoms vary for each person and can include:

  • Stomach gas and bloating
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Nausea after eating
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain that progresses or occurs at night
  • Weight loss not explained by dieting or other health concerns

 

CAUSES OF IBS

IBS can be caused by one or several underlying health factors that cause a disruption in the digestive tract. These factors can include:

FOOD ALLERGY OR SENSITIVITY

Research has shown that IBS can be triggered or made worse in people who are consuming foods to which they have a food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. For some people a specific category of carbohydrate foods known as “high-FODMAP” create symptoms of IBS. For a list of food culprits, read the article below and see how you can help determine what is causing your distress.

 

IMBALANCE IN GUT FLORA

In the digestive system, we have friendly gut flora that support the process of digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity. If we don’t have enough friendly flora, or there is an overgrowth of unfriendly flora, or an “invader” yeast or bacteria, then inflammation, nutritional deficiency, and digestive distress can result. Toxins, processed foods, stress and antibiotic use can also increase inflammation and trigger or worsen IBS.

 

HORMONES

Changes in hormones, particularly for women, can cause a cascade of changes in the body, including digestion.

 

HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Holistic practitioners assess for IBS using diagnostic tools such as physical exam, lab tests, stool and urine tests, food allergy or intolerance testing, dietary assessment, and assessment of lifestyle factors including stress level, fatigue, etc. The goal is to identify sources of inflammation that have set the stage for developing IBS. Once identified, doctor and patient, and sometimes a nutritionist, will develop a plan to minimize/ eliminate exposure to triggers, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

The “healing plan” for IBS will be different for every person because so many factors interact to produce inflammation and symptoms. This plan can include following a Low-FODMAP Diet (useful for a variety of GI conditions), nutritional and herbal supplementation, stress management, avoiding smoking and caffeine, moderating alcohol intake, adjusting sleeping habits, homeopathy and exercise.

If you suspect that you are affected by IBS, contact a holistic health practitioner about an evaluation and put yourself on the road to wellness. It is possible to enjoy food again and heal from IBS.

 

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NATURAL APPROACHES TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME? SHARE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

 

References:
  • Marsh, A., Eslick, E.M., Eslick, G.D. “Does a diet low in FODMAPs reduce symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.” European Jl of Nutrition(2016 April) 55:3, 897-906. Accessed 12 Feb 2019: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-015-0922-1
  • Staudacher, H.M., Lomer, M.C.E., et.al, “Fermentable Carbohydrate Restriction Reduces Luminal Bifidobacteria and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Journal of Nutrition, (1 August 2012) 142: 8, 1510-1518. Accessed 12 Feb 2019: https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.112.159285
  • AboutIBS.org https://www.aboutibs.org
  • Healthline.com “A Beginner’s Guide to the Low-FODMAP Diet.” Posted by Rossi, M. (2017 Mar 15). Accessed 12 Feb 2019: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-fodmap-diet
  • StanfordHealthCare.org “Low Fodmap Diet.” Accessed 12 Feb 2019: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/l/low-fodmap-diet.html
  • KateScarlata.com FODMAP Diet and IBS info. Accessed 12 Feb 2019: http://www.katescarlata.com/
  • Johnson, R.L., S. Foster, Low Dog, T. and Kiefer, D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: The World’s Most Effective Healing Plants.(2012) Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
  • Hawrelak, J.A. & Myers, S.P., “Effects for Two Natural Medicine Formulations on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: A Pilot Study.” Jl. of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010 Oct 18) 16:10. Accessed 12 Feb 2019: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2009.0090?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&
  • Pizzorno, Joseph E. Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4thEd. (2013) St. Louis, MO Elsevier.
  • “What is IBS?” DrWeil.com https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/gastrointestinal/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-symptoms-treatments/
Photo Credit:
  • Aaron Amat/bigstockphoto.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, digestion, food allergy, food sensitivity, gas, gut flora, hormones, IBS


About Christine

Christine Cherpak is a Functional Nutrition & Wellness Expert, and the founder of KalenaSpire, a holistic health coaching and private yoga practice that specializes in freeing people from chronic digestive discomfort. Christine supports her clients in understanding the root cause of their digestive discomfort, creates a custom plan to put them on the road to healing, and shows them how to make sustainable lifestyle changes so they can finally enjoy and elevate their lives.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

        We collect, use and process your data according to our ​Privacy Policy​.

The Latest

Here are tips for going vegetarian. Understanding common pitfalls can help you maintain a nutritionally sound vegan or vegetarian diet. | KalenaSpire

Tips for Going Vegetarian

Health benefits of aromatherapy | KalenaSpire

Health Benefits of Aromatherapy

SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine), which the body makes from the amino acid methionine, is one example of a molecule that is important to the moods we experience. The importance of SAMe involves its role in helping to form, activate, or breakdown hormones, fats, proteins, neurotransmitters, and medications. | KalenaSpire

SAMe: Natural Support for Healthy Brain Chemistry

Book now!

Categories

Instagram

  • Nature offers powerful all-natural remedies. Start with the basics (e.g., sunshine, sleep, healthy food, outdoor exposure) and see how your body responds. #healthyhabits #feelyourbest #functionalmedicine #functionalnutrition #bestoftheday #Repost @drbrucehoffman
・・・
What are some of your favorite all-natural remedies?
  • As you begin the New Year, take a moment to evaluate the foods you choose. Each time you eat, you are shaping the fate of your cells. Ensuring that you consume a variety of nutrients will support optimal wellness. 
#newyearnewme #healthyfood #functionalnutrition #functionalmedicine #bestversionofyou #colorfulfood #healthycells  #Kalenafreedom #Repost @deannaminich
・・・
Food has a physical and energetic signature. Every time we eat, we are taking in a spectrum. Literally.
  • Never stop believing and nurturing your dreams. Christmastime makes the most magical place on Earth a bit more magical. #Disneylover #Mickeysverymerrychristmasparty #dreams #faith #blessed #love #magickingdom #mickeyschristmas #christmas2018 #kalenafreedom #KalenaStressBuster
  • Looking for a plant-based protein bar or cookie that’s super low in sugar (but doesn’t use harmful artificial sweeteners)? Look no further than @nocow 🌿 I was stoked to open a package of protein bars and cookies that @nocow sent me. #Chocolate #fudge #brownies and #snickerdoodles now have a place at the breakfast table. What flavor do you think #nocowbar should make next?
___
#socialgood #healthyfood #functionalmedicine #functionalnutrition #foodftheday #instafind #paleolifestyle #vegetarianfood #followforfollowback #kalenafreedom

Follow Me!

RECENT PINS

Archives

Purchase products through our Fullscript virtual dispensary.

Sync.com - private cloud

Purity Organic Coffee


Kettle & Fire Bone Broth - Shop Now

Alexandria Z., M.S.

Christine is my wellness goddess. Her amazing support, extraordinary expertise, and undeniable compassion invited me to a world of freedom from digestive discomfort that I didn’t know was possible. The whirlwind of bloating, constipation, brain fog, and digestive upheaval was consuming my life. Exhaustion and frustration were becoming my very existence. And then I met my health goddess! Christine’s astute listening and meticulously tailored guidance, transformed my thinking and whirlwind of digestive discomfort. She helped me achieve a state of equilibrium. The balance I now experience is the center of my wellness existence—the core of my life with digestive happiness.

 

Christine instilled in me the power to embrace the grace and strength of my very own body! She has taught me to internalize the boundless evidence of my body’s functionality to heal digestively. While working with Christine, my exhaustion, pain, and bloating were overshadowed with energy, digestive comfort, glowing skin, and knowledge. Her coaching raised my awareness of food sensitivities, and promoted better food choices, which led to better sleep, a stronger link to overall wellness, clarity in my thinking, and ultimately, more joy in my life.  Christine’s remarkable spirit of wellness will forever echo in my digestive wellness journey. I bestow upon Christine the well-deserved exceptional title, “my wellness goddess.”
2015-07-27T17:47:59-04:00
Christine is my wellness goddess. Her amazing support, extraordinary expertise, and undeniable compassion invited me to a world of freedom from digestive discomfort that I didn’t know was possible. The whirlwind of bloating, constipation, brain fog, and digestive upheaval was consuming my life. Exhaustion and frustration were becoming my very existence. And then I met my health goddess! Christine’s astute listening and meticulously tailored guidance, transformed my thinking and whirlwind of digestive discomfort. She helped me achieve a state of equilibrium. The balance I now experience is the center of my wellness existence—the core of my life with digestive happiness.   Christine instilled in me the power to embrace the grace and strength of my very own body! She has taught me to internalize the boundless evidence of my body’s functionality to heal digestively. While working with Christine, my exhaustion, pain, and bloating were overshadowed with energy, digestive comfort, glowing skin, and knowledge. Her coaching raised my awareness of food sensitivities, and promoted better food choices, which led to better sleep, a stronger link to overall wellness, clarity in my thinking, and ultimately, more joy in my life.  Christine’s remarkable spirit of wellness will forever echo in my digestive wellness journey. I bestow upon Christine the well-deserved exceptional title, “my wellness goddess.”
https://kalenaspire.com/testimonials/alexandria-z-m-s/
Copyright © 2019 Kalena Spire | All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer | Returns and Refunds Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
Web Design by Viva la Violette

popup