– Dr. Anusha Mutalik Desai BHMS, MD (HOM) Homeopathic consultant JMRH
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by chronic abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habits. The exact cause for IBS is not known, but they classify it as a neurogastrointestinal disorder. It is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including psychological stress, gut-brain axis dysfunction and gut motility issues. In our body, messages travel between the digestive system and brain. This multi-way communication system is known as the gut-brain axis.
Through the gut-brain axis, stressful or emotional situations can trigger changes in gut. And it goes both ways – the gut can send signals to the brain that could affect mental health. The term “psychosomatic” refers to the connection between mind and body, indicating how psychological factors can affect physical health. Intestinal bacteria in the gut communicate with both our brain and our digestive system. When the signals between bacteria, brain and gut fall out of balance, our emotions, sensations and digestive functions can all be affected.
Psychosomatic Relation of IBS:
1. Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms. The gut-brain axis, a complex communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, plays a crucial role in this interaction. Stress can alter gut motility, increase gut sensitivity and trigger or worsen IBS symptoms.
2. Emotional Triggers: Emotional disturbances such as depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are commonly associated with IBS. These psychological factors can influence gut function and lead to symptom flare-ups.
Relation between your brain and gut can cause:
• Dysmotility: You may have problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through your GI tract. The colon muscle tends to contract more in people with IBS. These contractions cause cramps and pain.
• Visceral hypersensitivity: You may have extra-sensitive nerves in your GI tract. People with IBS tend to have a lower pain tolerance than people without it. Your digestive tract may be super sensitive to abdominal pain or discomfort.
Other potential causes of IBS include:
a. Gut Bacteria: Research has shown that people with IBS may have altered bacteria in their GI tract, contributing to symptoms. Studies have shown that the types and amounts of gut bacteria are different in people with IBS than in people without it.
b. Severe infections: Some people get diagnosed with IBS after a severe infection affecting their GI tract, suggesting germs may play a role.
c. Food intolerance: Sensitivities or allergies to certain foods may contribute to IBS.
d. Childhood stress: IBS is more common in people who experienced severe stressors in childhood, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
IBS symptoms linked to stress – Stress can have a range of unpleasant effects on our digestive system, like:
• Increased muscle spasms in the bowel.
• Changes in how quickly food moves through the digestive system.
• Increased sensation in our gut, which can make you notice pain or bloating more easily.
• Increased gas.
• Changes to the gut microbiome.
• Increased intestinal permeability, which can involve inflammation and changes to your immune system.
Homeopathy and IBS: Homeopathy is a system of medicine that involves using highly diluted substances with the aim of triggering the body’s natural healing processes. It is based on fixed laws and principles.
1. Homeopathy emphasizes personalized treatment, considering the patient’s unique symptoms, emotional state and overall health. This holistic approach may appeal to those with IBS, as the condition often varies significantly among individuals.
2. Some patients get relief from IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation after using homeopathic remedies. These remedies are selected based on the principle of “like cures like,” where substances that cause symptoms in healthy people are used in diluted forms to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals.
3. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, which is thought to minimize the risk of side effects. This can be beneficial for IBS patients who may be sensitive to conventional medications or are concerned about potential side effects.
4. IBS is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Homeopathy can address these emotional factors, potentially improving overall well-being and reducing the frequency and severity of IBS flare ups.
5. Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional treatments. Some patients find that integrating homeopathy with dietary changes, lifestyle modifications and conventional medications provides a more comprehensive approach to managing IBS.
6. The holistic and patient-centered nature of homeopathy can lead to high levels of patient satisfaction. Many people feel listened to and supported when receiving homeopathic treatment, which can positively impact their health outcomes.
IBS symptoms can often be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. If a person feels that they are taking proactive steps toward their health through homeopathy, this may help reduce stress and anxiety, potentially leading to an improvement in symptoms. Feeling cared for and supported in a therapeutic setting can also have beneficial psychological effects.
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