Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/578674
Photos: Jack Burke e brain-bowel connection is not immediately obvious, but the link is signifi cant. e "little brain" in the gut, as scientists refer to it, is properly called the enteric ner- vous system (ENS). While the ENS' primary func- tion is controlling digestion, it communicates with the brain regularly, and although depression and anxiety may contribute to IBS, researchers are now fi nding it may also work the other way around—that irritation in the intestinal sys- tem may send signals that trigger mood changes. So solutions, both pharmacolog- ical and holistic, may calm symptoms by acting on the nerve cells in the gut. TREATMENT Once a diagnosis of IBS has been made, what are the most eff ective ways to move forward with treatment? Ricardo Mi- randa, L.Ac., of Westside Acupunc- ture & Wellness Center, believes Western medicine has little to of- fer individuals in the throes of IBS. His preferred modality is Chinese medicine, which "uses pattern diff er- entiation diagnostic protocols to appro- priately identify the root of the imbalances shi ing the underlying functional weakness in the gastric environment." He believes iden- tifying this element allows for a better chance of stabilizing the gut and intestinal health, and gives the body the best chance of eliminating chronic symptoms. Emotions matter, Miranda maintains, more than one might think. Food allergies, bacteria overgrowth, lack of digestive enzymes, para- sites, zincs and even magnesium defi ciency can contribute to the problems, but, "Almost always there is a combination of physical and emotional imbalances," Miranda says. "In the case of IBS, the two most common malfunctions occur in the spleen, stomach, intestines and liver. e most common emotions associated with these areas are irritability, anger, frustration, worries and depression. A complete treatment plan must address these emotional imbalances as well." While Miranda notes that a prescription of hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, peppermint and magnesium citrate targets symptoms and thus o en provides relief for IBS suff erers, " is does not correct the underlying functional problem. Every person is unique and the health care prac- titioner must treat the person, and not the disease alone." While it would be lovely to off er a simple, one-size-fi ts-all cure for IBS suff erers—drink two cups of ginger tea and practice meditation daily— the truth is that this is a complex, somewhat convoluted disorder. It takes time, patience and very o en, the help of dedicated practitioners to see results. Fortunately there's a light at the end of the tun- nel. A common misconception about IBS, Mi- randa says, is that it's a lifelong condition that suff erers are doomed to deal with forever. But for those who developed IBS as adults—their digestive systems were working well until a cer- tain point when they started malfunctioning— Miranda believes, "It is very possible to reverse this condition." vous system (ENS). While the ENS' primary func- tion is controlling digestion, it communicates with the brain regularly, and although depression and anxiety may contribute to IBS, researchers are now fi nding it may also work the other way around—that irritation in the intestinal sys- tem may send signals that trigger mood changes. So solutions, both pharmacolog- ical and holistic, may calm symptoms by Once a diagnosis of IBS has been made, what are the most eff ective ways to move entiation diagnostic protocols to appro- priately identify the root of the imbalances shi ing the underlying functional weakness in the gastric environment." He believes iden- tifying this element allows for a better chance of stabilizing the gut and intestinal health, and gives the body the best chance of eliminating Emotions matter, Miranda maintains, more than one might think. Food allergies, bacteria overgrowth, lack of digestive enzymes, para- sites, zincs and even magnesium defi ciency malfunctions occur in the spleen, stomach, intestines and liver. e most common emotions associated with these areas are irritability, anger, frustration, worries and depression. A complete treatment plan must address these emotional imbalances as well." While Miranda notes that a prescription of hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, peppermint and magnesium citrate targets symptoms and thus o en provides relief for IBS suff erers, " is does not correct the underlying functional problem. Every person is unique and the health care prac- titioner must treat the person, and not the disease alone." While it would be lovely to off er a takes time, patience and very o en, the help of dedicated practitioners to see results. Fortunately there's a light at the end of the tun- nel. A common misconception about IBS, Mi- randa says, is that it's a lifelong condition that suff erers are doomed to deal with forever. But for those who developed IBS as adults—their digestive systems were working well until a cer- tain point when they started malfunctioning— Miranda believes, "It is very possible to reverse this condition." • Explore what kinds of food aggravate your symptoms. Blood tests are recommended, but can be pricey. e DIY method is to eliminate the most common food allergens—dairy, gluten, yeast, eggs, corn, soy and peanuts—from your diet for 10 to 12 weeks, then gradually reintro- duce them and see if, as happened to Meg Ryan's character, any cause your symptoms to return. Other possible culprits include: chocolate, al- cohol, caff eine, carbonated drinks, sorbitol and fructose, fried foods and insoluble fi ber. • Work the positive angle by adding probiotics, enzymes and an anti-fungal to help normalize gut function. Not-So-Quick Fixes october/november 2015 29