What are Holistic treatments for IBS?

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be frustrating, painful, and isolating. But relief is possible—without relying solely on medications. At Yarrow Holistic Center in West Lafayette, we offer a comprehensive, natural approach to managing IBS symptoms through personalized care and proven holistic therapies.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, which is associated with disturbed bowel function and feelings of abdominal distention and bloating. It is the most common reason that patients seek medical advice from primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. The prevalence of IBS reaches 7%-10% worldwide depending on the criteria used for diagnosis. It is a common gastrointestinal disorder, affecting 10%-15% of the population in developed countries. IBS is associated with a significant reduction in health-related quality of life.

Subtypes:

• IBS-C (with constipation)
• IBS-D (with diarrhea) à 40-60% of cases
• IBS-M (mixed)
• IBS-U (undetermined

Common Symptoms:

• Abnormal stool frequency (>3x/day or <3x/week)
• Abnormal stool form (loose and watery or lumpy and hard)
•  Abnormal stool passage (frequency, urgency, feeling of incomplete evacuation)
•  Passage of mucous
•  Bloating sensation or abdominal distension

Causes:

• Intestinal motility and intestinal smooth muscle functional disturbance
• Visceral hypersensitivity
• Alterations in the brain-gut axis due to chronic Stress
• Psychological factors: PTSD, Trauma
• Gastrointestinal hormones
• Dysbiosis: Abnormal intestinal microbiome
• Post-infection inflammation
• Genetic factor

 Serotonin and IBS:

5-HT (serotonin) is a major signaling molecule in the central nervous system and has been implicated in a number of diverse physiologic functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, homeostasis, and sexual behaviors. Altered levels of 5-HT are thought to play a role in many CNS disorders including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, and even severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Most of 5-HT is located in the gut (95%) and are secreted by Enterochromaffin (EC) cells are specialized cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that act as chemo-sensors and mechano-sensors. Only a small amount (5%) can be found in the brain.

Function of 5 HT in the gut:

• 5-HT plays an important role in secretomotor and sensory functions of gut such as nausea, vomiting, intestinal secretion and peristaltic movement.
• 5-HT has been shown to regulate the innate immune response of colon epithelial cells. 5-HT promotes the recruitment of innate immune cells such as immature dendrite cells (DCs), monocytes, mast cells and eosinophils and neutrophils in the inflammation site.
• The alteration of 5-HT levels in the gut has been associated with functional gut disorders such as IBS. The activation of EC cells releases 5-HT which acts on mucosal afferent and mesenteric interneurons, inducing nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea.

 

Acupuncture for IBS:

Acupuncture can alleviate direct IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. It can also treat conditions which can trigger IBS such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Multiple studies have shown how acupuncture can treat IBS symptoms:

• In some studies, acupuncture was believed to alter visceral sensation and motility by stimulating the somatic nervous system and the Vagus nerve in IBS.
• A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials suggests that acupuncture improves the symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain and distension, sensation of incomplete defecation, times of defecation per day, and state of stool.
• One study reported that acupuncture might modulate pain in IBS by two actions: (1) modulation of serotonin pathway at insula; and (2) modulation of mood and affection in the higher cortical center via the ascending pathway at the pulvinar and medial nucleus of the thalamus.
• A multicenter randomized control trial in China showed that Acupuncture may be more effective than PEG 4000 or pinaverium bromide for the treatment of IBS, with effects lasting up to 12 weeks.

 

Herbal Medicine and nutraceuticals for IBS:

Herbs have been used to ease gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, bloating and gas, acid reflux (GERD), and ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown herbal medicine can be effective in treating IBS symptoms.

• Peppermint oil: possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating, and anesthetic activities, all of which may be relevant for the treatment of IBS. A meta-analysis which included 835 adult patients from 12 studies found that enteric-coated peppermint oil is a safe and effective therapy for the relief of abdominal pain and global symptoms and in adults with IBS.
• Ginger:  has been shown to be effective in treating IBS-diarrhea by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory response.
• Herbal Remedy Iberogast has been shown to reduce bloating symptoms in IBS patients.
• Digestive enzymes: enzymes that aid in the digestion of our nutrients and lessen the residue to be fermented by the gut bacteria, which leads to fewer potential gut symptoms. It is beneficial to isolate the specific enzyme needed for symptom relief ( Lactase for lactose intolerance) or take a combination. Digestive enzymes include:

1. Protease: helps to digest proteins
2. Amylase: helps to digest carbohydrates
3. Lipase: helps to digest fats
4. Lactase: helps to digest lactose

 

• Probiotics: are live microorganisms with a vast array of therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal disease. Probiotics have a beneficial effect on intestinal mucosa via several proposed mechanisms that include suppression of the growth and binding of pathogenic bacteria, improvement of the barrier function of the epithelium, and alteration of the immune activity of the host.

1. VSL#3 is a combination of probiotics that contains live bacteria including Bifidobacterium( longum, B. infantis, and B. breve); Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, and L. plantarum); and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. Thermophilus. Studies have shown this probiotic mix to be effective in IBS-Diarrhea by reducing flatulence and a delay in colonic transit.
2. SCM-III is another probiotic combination of 3 different strains ( acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus,and Bifidobacterium sp.) Studies show IBS patients had an improvement in overall efficacy in 80% of patients at 12 weeks, as well as improvement in bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel habits at different time intervals throughout the 12-week period.
3. Lactobacillus andBifidobacterium Species: Studies have shown a combination of these two strains can be beneficial in treating IBS symptoms.

 

• Fiber: There are two kinds of fiber: soluble fiber which dissolves in water and forms a gel, and insoluble fiber which stays mostly intact through the digestive system and add bulk. IBS patients should avoid insoluble fiber all together since it will exacerbate the IBS symptoms. Soluble fibers can be effective in treating constipation.
  1. Soluble fiber: oats, peas, apples, bananas, avocados, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.
  2. Insoluble fiber: Whole grain, whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes.

 

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) for IBS

• A meta-analysis of 10 studies with 2501 participant evaluated the efficiency of Chinese Herbal formula for IBS. The patients in the studies have symptoms of IBS-constipation, IBS-diarrhea and IBS-mixed. The study showed that CHM was superior over placebo in relieving global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain, and CHM had a similar effect as pinaverium (pharmaceutical for IBS) in relieving abdominal pain, which indicated that CHM is effective as a treatment for IBS. These findings were further confirmed by the TSA analysis (trial sequential analysis: that combines information size with statistical significance), which showed that our meta-analyses had a sufficient sample size to determine a 20% difference in adequate relief of IBS symptoms and abdominal pain.

 

Diet for IBS:

• Reduce foods containing insoluble fiber: Whole grain, whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes
• Limit/Avoid Gluten: Studies have postulated that abnormal immune responses to dietary components (such as gluten) might trigger symptoms in IBS.
• Follow a low FODMAP diet, categories of food which include:

1. Fermentable: carbohydrates broken down in the gut producing gas
2. Oligosaccharides: including fructans (found in wheat, garlic and onion) and Galactans (beans and legumes). These food groups have poor absorption in the small intestine, leading to increased fermentation and gas production in the colon.
3. Disaccharides: such as lactose are poorly absorbed worsening IBS symptoms
4. Monosaccharides: particularly fructose, can worsen IBS symptoms due to poor absorption in the small intestine and subsequent fermentation in the large intestine, leading to increased gas and water content.
5. Polyols:  are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, so they travel to the large intestine where they are fermented by gut bacteria. This fermentation process produces gas, which can lead to bloating and discomfort. Polyols are sugar alcohols found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, and are also used as artificial sweeteners in many processed foods. Common examples include sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and maltitol

 Mind body therapies for IBS:

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture can alleviate direct IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. It can also treat conditions which can trigger IBS such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Yoga:  The findings of a systematic review showed a reduction in bowel symptoms associated with IBS and other symptom severity, including anxiety. Also, there were significant improvements in quality of life and physical functioning.
• Meditation: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials in adult participants with IBS showed that those who participated in the mindfulness meditation

 

By making mindful changes to your diet, lifestyle, and incorporating therapeutic approaches like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutraceuticals, many individuals experience significant symptom reduction—and in some cases, complete relief.

At Yarrow Holistic Center in West Lafayette, we specialize in holistic solutions for IBS. Our services include:

•  Acupuncture for IBS relief
•  Functional nutrition counseling
• Herbal medicine consultations
•  Nutraceutical guidance tailored to digestive health

Whether you’re dealing with bloating, abdominal pain, or irregular bowel movements, our integrative approach supports your body’s natural healing process. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting IBS relief.