Therapeutics 1 - IBS Flashcards
Q: What does IBS stand for?
A: IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Q: What are the main symptoms of IBS?
A: Symptoms include abdominal discomfort or spasm, gas and bloating, abnormal bowel habits (alternating between constipation and diarrhea), and pain often relieved by passing a stool.
Q: Why is IBS considered an umbrella term?
A: IBS is not a distinct diagnosis but encompasses various digestive disorders marked by imbalanced bowel function.
Q: What are the key drivers of IBS?
A: Key drivers include chronic stress, dysbiosis, and post-infective causes.
Q: How does chronic stress affect IBS?
A: Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, reducing gastrointestinal motility and digestive juice secretion while impacting the gut-brain axis.
Q: What role does dysbiosis play in IBS?
A: Dysbiosis involves an imbalance in gut bacteria, reducing secretory IgA and allowing harmful bacteria to flourish, which can further impact mood and digestion.
Q: What are post-infective symptoms in relation to IBS?
A: Symptoms may follow an episode of food poisoning or a parasitic infection, leading to lingering digestive issues.
Q: What dietary adjustments are recommended for managing IBS?
A: Recommendations include following a naturopathic diet, avoiding gluten and dairy, implementing food combining principles, and ensuring adequate fluid and fiber intake along with prebiotics.
Q: What is the “weed, seed, and feed” approach in treating IBS?
A: This approach involves eliminating harmful bacteria (weed), restoring beneficial bacteria with probiotics (seed), and nourishing good bacteria with prebiotics (feed).
Q: What are high FODMAP foods, and why should they be reduced?
A: High FODMAP foods can ferment in the gut, causing symptoms. Examples include certain vegetables (e.g., garlic, cauliflower), fruits (e.g., apples, cherries), legumes, and some nuts.
Q: Name some low FODMAP alternatives.
A: Low FODMAP alternatives include vegetables like carrots and zucchini, fruits like strawberries and grapes, protein sources like eggs and firm tofu, and nuts like macadamias.
Q: What stress management techniques are beneficial for IBS?
A: Techniques include addressing the cause of stress, using relaxing herbal teas, Epsom salt baths, magnesium supplementation, regular exercise, grounding techniques, and deep diaphragmatic breathing.
Q: How can hydrotherapy benefit individuals with IBS?
A: Hydrotherapy methods can enhance bowel health, remove waste, and promote the colonization of beneficial bacteria through techniques like contrast sitz baths, coffee enemas, and colon hydrotherapy.
Q: Which herbs are considered carminative and helpful for IBS?
A: Recommended carminative herbs include fennel, ginger, and peppermint, which help calm the digestive system.
Q: Why is magnesium important in managing IBS symptoms?
A: Magnesium supports muscle relaxation and nervous system function, helping to alleviate stress and tension in the digestive tract.
