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Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Gut-Brain Axis and IBS.

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By: Dr. Phil Hariram

If the gut and the brain are interconnected by the Gut Brain Axis, then various factors that affect the Central Nervous System (Brain), can affect events in the gut. This includes psychological factors such as anxiety, stress and depression. In addition psychological trauma such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse can affect the gut. Statistics show that there is a greater incidence of psychological trauma and disturbances in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is suggested that in addition to treating the Irritable Bowel Syndrome, treating the other issues will give better long-term results.

We know that the Brain is interconnected to the Enteric Nervous System via the Vagus nerve that runs down the neck. Vagal stimulation causes increased serotonin release from cells. Recent research has shown that Interstitial Cells of Cajal, part of the Enteric Nervous System acts as a pacemaker regulating serotonin and hence strength and frequency of peristalsis. These cells transmit signals from the nerves to the smooth muscles of the gut. Over stimulation causes higher level of Serotonin than normal. This happens in diarrhoea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the serotonin level is lower than normal.

The effect of brain function on the gut has been demonstrated on the brain scan. An area of the brain known as the Midcingulate Cortex was observed during emotional distress. The scan showed this part of the brain going into overdrive and when this happened, the gastro-intestinal system showed the subsequent effect such as heartburn, spasms of abdominal pain or diarrhoea.

It explains why when you are "panicking" about something important you have forgotten to do, you develop gut pains or feel sick. If fact you can become physically ill. All this happens even though your G.I.tract is functioning normally. This is what happens in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You are told stress can bring on symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The results of the brain scan explains how this happens.

The brain communicates with the Gastro-intestinal tract through neurotransmitters(ie via the Vagus Nerve) hormones and peptides such as serotonin.

We now know that the Mind-Body therapies have beneficial effects on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and, with increasing disappointment with medical treatment, this method of treatment is becoming more popular. Treatment such as relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and biofeedback are increasingly used to help IBS sufferers.

In a North Carolina study, 70% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients reported less pain, bloating and diarrhoea after 12 weeks of cognitive behavioural therapy compared to just 37% who had just educational information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Cognitive behavioural therapy is as effective as desipramine, an antidepressant in relieving symptoms of IBS.

Cognitive behaviour therapy re-educates the brain and gut in relations to symptoms of IBS. I believe that there should be significantly more studies concentrating on the Body-Mind treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr.Phil Hariram.

aloe vera ibs

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
By Dr. Phil Hariram.

The most important symptom of IBS is abdominal Pain: More frequent in the lower abdomen but can be in the upper abdomen. The intensity of the pain can be from just a twinge to a severe agonising and at times terrifying pain. It is usually eased after defaecation.Read more...

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

By Dr. Phil Hariram.
At present treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is in the form of

   Patient Education.
   Dietary modification. Read more....

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS).