Laxatives – how can they improve bowel function?

What is a laxative? The Oxford English Dictionary defines a laxative as “a medicine, food, or drink that makes someone empty their bowels easily”. Used to relieve constipation, a laxative is generally regarded as something that stimulates the bowel, and is often perceived as being aggressive, with many people believing that taking a laxative is detrimental to […]

Can Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) cause IBS?

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a common bacterium that can inhabit the stomach and has the ability to actually burrow deep into the lining of the stomach where it can begin to affect the production of stomach acid and cause acid reflux, as well as increase the risk of an ulcer. About 40% of people in the […]

antibiotics

Do antibiotics cause IBS?

What do you think? A few weeks ago I got really cross about something so I did a Facebook ‘live’ when I’d calmed down, and this is what I spoke about. There’s not a day goes by when I don’t get enquiries from people needing help with the most awful digestive and gut symptoms, including […]

Do steroid inhalers cause IBS?

I‘d like to clear up a misunderstanding about steroid inhalers used to help control asthma, and the effect they have on the gut microbiome. I made a Facebook video recently highlighting the fact that steroid inhalers may detrimentally affect the gut microbiome, and increase the risk of developing lower gastro-intestinal problems, in particular bloating, cramps and irregular bowel […]

A natural medicine view of IBS

If you have recently been diagnosed with IBS, or you’ve had the condition for decades, and you feel you’re getting nowhere with your GP or Gastro, do think about getting a second opinion from a natural health practitioner who specialises in this area. New criteria for diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders were released in June 2016 […]

food poisoning

I had food poisoning and now I’ve developed IBS – help!

I get lots of enquiries from people who are having real struggles with digestive and gut disorders/diseases, and this one came through recently from a lady needing help: “Hi Linda. I went on holiday to Thailand last year, and got an upset stomach. Since then I’ve had bloating, pain and irregular bowels. I’ve been to […]

IBS

Can eating chicken cause IBS?

I’ve written on this subject many times before, and when we consider that a gut infection is one of the top 3 causes of IBS, then yes I can categorically say that eating chicken can cause IBS. Why, I hear you ask. Well, because campylobacter is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the UK, […]

IBS symptoms

Herbs to help relieve the symptoms of IBS

Being a naturopathic colon hydrotherapist and trained in using certain herbs to implant rectally during colon hydrotherapy treatment, one of the most common herbs used is chamomile to help reduce IBS symptoms. I often make an infusion of this herb by adding hot water, let it infuse for at least 10 minutes, cool it down […]

IBS: What is it? What causes it! What cures it?

A natural medicine practitioner’s viewpoint What is is IBS? New criteria for diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders were released in June 2016 and medical professionals have been following them since December 2016.  The new Rome IV criteria reflect advances in science and research since the Rome III criteria were published 10 years ago.  The Rome criteria […]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be a complex condition

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be a very complex condition, causing Doctors and Gastroenterologists to scratch their heads as they try to find the cause and a solution in an attempt to reduce the often debilitating symptoms of painful bloating, excessive smelly wind, irregular bowel movements, heartburn, acid reflux, fatigue and weight issues of their […]

April is IBS Awareness Month

We have many ‘awareness’ months throughout the year, but one that is of particular interest to me is April because it’s IBS Awareness Month.  You will probably see more ‘chatter’ and ‘conversation’ on the internet, and more articles in newspapers and magazines, discussing this growing digestive and gut health epidemic.  I know ‘epidemic’ is a […]

stomach pain

My five top tips to reduce bloating, stomach pain and constipation

Symptoms of IBS, bloating, stomach pain, trapped painful gas, constipation, heartburn and acid reflux can have a detrimental impact on your health and wellbeing. Your professional life may be affected due to taking time off work. People with IBS take around 1/3 more days off than non-IBS co-workers. Your sex life may be affected due […]

Why you need to use a dental ‘dam’ if you have IBS or IBD

Why you need to use a dental ‘dam’ if you have IBS or IBD.  I was in my clinic last week, carrying out colon hydrotherapy treatments on people of all ages, both sexes and from all walks of life, but with very similar symptoms mainly bloating, abdominal pain and constipation. One of my patients, a […]

IBS

IBS – Don’t suffer in silence, there is hope

Are you suffering with IBS?  Don’t worry there is hope.  I recently ran a social media competition to win a 1:1 consultation with me, and some of the entries I received were eye opening. People suffering with uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating digestive and gut symptoms for 20 years or more, either were too ashamed or too […]