Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Is Medication The Answer?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a commonly diagnosed condition that is classified as a combination of symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, cramps, gas and bloating. Often issues resolve after a bowel movement. 

This array of symptoms (which do not necessarily need to be in conjunction with each other), to me, present as an undiagnosed food sensitivity.  Especially because IBS  is not a degenerative condition – as we see it in people of all ages, and it is primarily diagnosed earlier in life.

What makes this ailment unique is that it is manifested in patients much younger than typical conditions.

How is it diagnosed?

So what happens when Irritable Bowel Syndrome is suspected? 

Well, first off, one would present with the symptoms listed above and the Doctor would ask a series of questions. These usually relate to symptoms, some issues related to the person’s regular diet can vary considerably depending on the physician.

Next, there would be a series of tests requisitioned. Again, depending on the Doctor, the variety of tests can also vary widely, ranging from stool samples to blood tests and sometimes even MRIs.

Once the results of each of these tests come back negative, a process that can take a couple of days or weeks of simple testing, or for some a long, harrowing tale of medical procedures, then and only then, will the patient be diagnosed with IBS. 

We call this process a diagnosis of exclusion; it’s a conclusion drawn by process of elimination, meaning we decide that a patient has Irritable Bowel Syndrome when nothing else can be determined.

What comes next?

Once a person has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome the variations of what happens next are astounding and based, primarily, on the patient’s personality;

Will they fill every prescription offered to them and continue managing symptoms? 

Will they take matters into their own hands and seek alternative advice, perhaps in the natural health world? 

Will they do their own research and be able to investigate any food sensitivities on their own? 

All of these are options.

The inconsistencies in the way this condition is diagnosed and dealt with tell me the allopathic establishment does not have a firm handle on what is causing IBS. 

In my (very) humble experience the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome rectify once food sensitivities are identified, removed and the gut is re-balanced. 

This process sounds easier than it is and it requires a personal commitment but if engagement and action exist so does relief.

Book a free meet and greet with me to find out more about food sensitivities and IBS.

Disclaimer

This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Now I would like to hear from you. Do you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? What have you tried to help your symptoms? Let us know in the comments below.