Nutritional Counseling For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder that affects 10-20% of the U.S. population. This means IBS is an issue with the “function of the organ without resulting in permanent damage. 

Sometimes referred to as “leaky gut”, IBS is, more often than not, triggered by stress resulting in a disturbance between the brain and the gut. 

Chiropractic care can assist significantly in this condition as it balances out the communication between the brain and the GI system. Poor dietary habits, food sensitivities, and high stress can also contribute to healing your gut.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder. This means it is an issue with the ‘function’ of the organ without permanent damage.  IBS is very common and affects 10-20% of the US population.  Stress, more often than not, is the trigger to IBS.

IBS is sometimes referred to as “leaky gut” and essentially a disturbance between the brain and the gut.  Chiropractic care can assist significantly in this condition as it balances out the communication between the brain and the GI system.  Poor dietary habits, food sensitivities, and high stress also contribute to acquiring IBS.

How To Treat IBS

Generally, an elimination type diet is recommended to determine and eliminate food hypersensitivities.  The most common triggers are dairy, gluten, and corn. If a patient has severe gas or bloating, we want to eliminate gas-forming foods (legumes, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, and garlic).  

After a period of rest from these foods, a patient can introduce them back in there diet (steamed/cooked) as this type of cooking causes less digestive stress. Avoid nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers) as well as citrus (tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit).  Get plenty of essential fatty acids (fatty fish, flax) and eat an alkaline and varied diet (at least 50% veggies, 50% fruit).

The "Four R's" For Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The general protocol to treat IBS, also known as leaky gut, is to follow the 4 R’s program: Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, and Repair.

As well as a dietary change and supplementation, we recommend that you add the following habits to your daily routine:

– Anti-inflammatory diet; eliminate food allergens & triggers

– Focus on chewing food until it is a liquid; at LEAST 30 times before swallowing. 

– Eat small meals (don’t overeat); high fiber diet (especially soluble fiber)

– Hydrate: Drink ½ body weight in oz/day; Drink ~¼-½ cup of water every 30 minutes; swish in mouth