Case Study: Irritable Bowel
Samantha came to see me after struggling with irritable bowel syndrome for nine months. Samantha’s main symptoms were frequent loose stools, severe abdominal bloating and flatulence. She was extremely distressed by these symptoms, due to their intensity and duration.
The abdominal bloating and discomfort became progressively worse as the day went on; so much so that by the evening Samantha said she looked 6 months pregnant. She said to me “I can’t leave the house at night because none of my clothes fit. It’s a good thing I live alone because the amount of gas I pass each night after dinner would drive everyone away”.
Samantha had seen her local GP about these symptoms and was referred to a gastroenterologist to rule out serious pathology. Nothing abnormal was detected and Samantha was diagnosed with IBS. The gastroenterologist suggested Samantha may want to try a low FODMAP diet and left it at that.
Samantha had done a quick internet search on low FODMAP diets but felt quite overwhelmed, so she wanted some personalised help.
After asking Samantha to complete a dietary questionnaire I discovered that her diet is based on wheat and milk. Nearly every meal and snack contains both of those foods. In my experience, gluten and dairy products are the biggest offenders in producing IBS symptoms. I asked Samantha to completely avoid all dairy products and gluten for one month and return at that time for another consultation. People with weak digestion usually have trouble digesting certain types of fiber in vegetables – known as FODMAPS. I asked Samantha to avoid onions, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower for the moment, because those foods are particularly high in FODMAPS and they do have a bad reputation for causing gas. Once her digestion improves, she will probably be able to digest FODMAPS again.
I gave Samantha BactoClear capsules, in order to reduce the levels of pathogenic organisms in her gut that caused bloating and gas. I also gave her a glutamine supplement, to restore the integrity of her intestinal lining, give her symptom relief and reduce inflammation in her gut. When she finished the BactoClear capsules, Samantha was to take the probiotic Floratone, to restore levels of good bacteria in her bowel. I made sure she was not consuming any carbonated beverages, chewing gum or artificially sweetened foods.
I asked Samantha to take digestive enzymes with every meal. Supplementing with enzymes is a very effective way of alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating. The enzymes would help Samantha to digest her food more effectively. This means undigested food wouldn’t sit around in her intestines and provide food for unfriendly bacteria, which create gases.
Samantha returned one month later with a significant reduction in symptoms. Her stool was much better formed and she was only having two bowel movements a day. Flatulence and bloating were greatly reduced. She noticed some bloating and flatulence whenever she consumed almonds, and if she ate too much gluten free bread. Several of my patients have reported a sensitivity to almonds, therefore I asked Samantha to eat other types of nuts in small quantities and watch for a reaction. I told Samantha that the majority of gluten free bread is made of high glycemic index grains and therefore high in sugar. Ideally it would be an occasional food, and she is better off basing her diet on naturally gluten free foods such as vegetables, seafood, poultry, eggs, meat, and fruit, along with small amounts of nuts and seeds, and good fats. She found this eating plan quite acceptable and was thrilled with the symptom relief it offered her.
The above symptoms have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
Know someone who might benefit from this article? Share it!
2 Comments
Need Help?
1-888-75-LIVER
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm MST
100%
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If it’s faulty or wrongly described, we’ll replace it.
Iam really worried about my 29yr old daughter Lauren .who is a registered Nurse.
September 2017 she noticed two small lumps on the outside of her right arm “ where a needle injection would take place “ which were sore to touch, however 3 weeks ago this year she has also notice two larger lumps on her right side upper thigh which then form a bruise redness & swelling . “ without any injury, whatsoever “ she has been to the doctors and had a biopsy done the other day and the results are not back till next week. Lauren was so sick yesterday that she had to go to the doctors yesterday to get assistance and this doctor was only able to give her voltaren as a anti-inflammatory to stop the pain and suggested that it may be a cause of Panniculitis . And said he was unable to diagnose until the results of the bioapsy are back . This was different doctor as she was unable to see the same doctors she originally saw the week prior. Today Lauren has rang me this morning crying and upset breaking out in hot & cold sweats and feeling extremely nausea and sick . ( Iam in Australia and lauren is living in Switzerland and is due to be married soon in Switzerland ) I have enclosed a copy of the photo she has sent to my husband and myself the other week. .... unfortunately the pic did not copy ☹️
Sandra, Please give us some advice on what may be happening to our daughter as we are extremely concerned about her wellbeing as these lumps in her leg seem to be joining together and feel like hard pieces of cheese as she has explain.
Thankyou
Louise & Greg & Lauren
Are you able to send a copy of the biopsy result?
Infection or autoimmune disease are the most likely culprits. Selenium and vitamin D and iodine should help. They are combined in Thyroid Health capsules.
Kind regards,
Margaret Jasinska- Naturopath for Liverdoctor.com