Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Heal Your Gut Naturally in 90 Days!

By George John Georgiou

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often a debilitating problem that decreases the quality of life. Many people are told by their doctors that they must “live with it!” Dr Georgiou has personally treated hundreds of cases of IBS successfully using the Da Vinci Natural IBS Protocol devised by himself. The underlying causative factors s

• Language: English
• Publisher: George Georgiou
• Release date: Mar 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9789925569311

George John Georgiou

Dr. Georgiou, Ph.D.,D.Sc (AM).,N.D., is a chartered biologist, iridologist, naturopath, herbalist, homeopath, nutritionist, bioresonance specialist, acupuncturist, clinical psychologist and clinical sexologist. He has been a clinician most of his life and is the Director Founder of the Da Vinci Holistic Health Center in Larnaca, Cyprus (www.naturaltherapycenter.com) which specializes in the natural treatment of chronic diseases, heavy metal toxicity and Candidiasis, along with many other health problems. He is also the Founder Director of the Da Vinci Institute of Holistic Medicine (www.collegenaturalmedicine.com) as well as the Da Vinci BioSciences Research Center. He is the author of 23 books, a clinician and researcher.

Book preview

IRRITABLE BOWEL

SYNDROME:

Heal Your Gut

Naturally in 90 Days

Dr George J Georgiou, Ph.D.,N.D.,D.Sc (AM)

Dedication

First, I would like to bow deeply to the thousands of patients who have helped me understand the complexities of this disease process and who need to take credit for the time spent with them in refining this protocol over many years. 

All these patients over the years have been my laboratory for developing many treatment protocols through trial and error, backed by research.

I would also like to thank all the researcher scientists, lecturers and teachers who dedicate their life to helping others, and all the courageous health professionals who go against the grain of the establishment, while thinking outside the box.

A loving hug of gratitude to my wife and 4 children for their support and understanding during my professional endeavours throughout these years – they are all blessed.

Finally, I deeply embrace the Divine faith that I have been blessed with, that has helped me believe in the innate healing abilities of the body, through the power of Natural healing, without chemical intervention.

A profound blessing to you all and may your healing journey be fruitful and fulfilling!

Copyright © 2018 Dr. George J. Georgiou. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the written permission of the publisher.

For information contact Da Vinci Health Publishing – [e-mail].

Published by:

Da Vinci Health Publishing 

Panayia Aimatousa 300

Aradippou 7101

Larnaca

Cyprus

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The following information is intended for general information purposes only. Individuals should always see their health care provider before administering any suggestions made in this book. Any application of the material set forth in the following pages is at the reader’s discretion and is his or her sole responsibility.

ISBN - 978-9925-569-31-1

Contents

Chapter 1: The Da Vinci IBS Treatment Protocol

Chapter 2: The Holistic Model of Health

Chapter 3: Toxicity: Underlying Cause of All Diseases

Chapter 4: Detoxification: The Health Secret of all Time

Chapter 5: Food Intolerances, Inflammation and Disease

Chapter 6: Candida: A Universal Cause of Many Diseases

Chapter 7: Curing with Energetic Medicine and Bioresonance

Chapter 8: Emotional, Psychological & Spiritual Roots of Disease

Disclaimer

Summary and Concluding Remarks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More Books written by Dr Georgiou:

Chapter 1: The Da Vinci IBS Treatment Protocol

Introduction

A day does not go by without seeing at least one case complaining of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A lot of these people have had the problem for many years and have visited a number of doctors, including gastroenterologists who give them soluble fibre, or prescribe sedatives, anti-spasm drugs, or antidepressants.

From my understanding and clinical experience, IBS is usually a dustbin diagnosis when gut symptoms do not fit into any other category, so the label IBS is placed on the patient. In effect, what it means is that the typical gut symptoms that the patient is suffering from do not fit into any of the categories that the medical doctors are familiar with.

I guess if you do not look for causes, then you will not find them - this is usually the case with medical doctors as they are not usually taught things like Candida, toxicity, food intolerances and the like, which are major causes of IBS as we will see further on.

Most of the medical treatments used for IBS therefore are destined to failure. If you do not identify and remove the underlying causative factors, then how does one expect to be cured?

The medical treatments do not work as they do not address the underlying causes of why your gastrointestinal tract is not functioning correctly. They are merely suppressing the symptoms and making you feel better occasionally, but when the causes are still there, then obviously symptoms will re-emerge and it becomes a vicious cycle.

Emerging research from creative alternative health practitioners has helped identify some of the important underlying causes. For over a decade I have been successfully treating irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions using a very simple methodology based on functional medicine that helps identify and remove the underlying causes and restores normal digestive function and health.

What I have come to realize is that there is no one treatment protocol that fits all patients. I usually spend the first five hours of the IDEL Diagnostic programme (see www.naturaltherapycenter.com) carefully examining the underlying causative factors, so we have these as a road-map and know what to offload. This is an important part of the process as without identifying these factors, it would be difficult to put together a bespoke treatment programme. Even though the symptoms may be the same or similar with all patients suffering from IBS, that does not mean that the causative factors will also be the same in each of these patients. 

Before we get into looking at the causes, let us briefly describe what IBS is, the prevalence and what the symptoms are.

The Prevalence of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects between 9 - 23% of adults (Fig 1). It has a significant worldwide prevalence. Although IBS is not associated with an increased risk for life-threatening illness, it is associated with a significant health care and economic burden.

Studies have shown that IBS patients have an increased number of outpatient health care visits, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. IBS can also severely compromise a person’s quality of life. IBS is second only to the common cold as a cause of absenteeism from work.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder with worldwide prevalence rates ranging generally in the area of 9 - 23% or higher. Functional disorders are conditions where there is an absence of structural or biochemical abnormalities on common diagnostic tests, which could explain symptoms.

Among IBS patients, about 40% of people have mild IBS, 35% moderate IBS, and 25% severe IBS. Many people don't recognize IBS symptoms. Yet, IBS is one of the most common disorders seen by doctors.

Not all individuals with IBS symptoms seek medical care for their symptoms. Nevertheless, there are between 2.4 - 3.5 million annual physician visits for IBS in the United States alone. IBS is the most common disorder diagnosed by gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in digestive diseases or disorders) and accounts for up to 12% of total visits to primary care providers.

Fig 1. Global prevalence of IBS

The cost to society in terms of direct medical expenses and indirect costs associated with loss of productivity and work absenteeism is considerable – estimates range from $21 billion or more annually.

A significant proportion – 35% to 40% – of individuals who report IBS in the community are male. Approximately 60% to 65% of individuals who report IBS in the community are female.

IBS is a major women's health issue. Data reveals an increased risk of unnecessary surgery for extra-abdominal and abdominal surgery in IBS patients. For example, hysterectomy or ovarian surgery has been reported in female patients with IBS as high as 47% to 55% and has been performed more often in the IBS patient than in comparison groups.

IBS is best understood as a long-term or recurrent disorder of gastrointestinal (GI) functioning. It usually involves the large intestine (colon) and small intestine with disturbances of intestinal/bowel (gut) motor function (motility) and sensation.

These gut related activities are regulated by the brain. This may also be impaired, which is why IBS is often called a brain-gut disorder. We will look at this relationship in more detail a little later.

Symptoms of IBS

Abdominal pain is the key symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is associated with a change in bowel habits. This change in bowel habits may be diarrhoea and/or constipation.

Individuals with IBS may either have mostly diarrhoea, mostly constipation, or both diarrhoea and constipation (mixed pattern). The pain is often relieved by having a bowel movement and can at times be worsened after eating.

Symptoms can change over time. There can be periods when symptoms flare up as well as periods of remission when they diminish or disappear.

In addition, the main bowel habit can vary over time. For example, some people that suffer mainly from constipation (or diarrhoea) may later experience a change to constipation alternating with diarrhoea.

Other common symptoms of IBS include:

Bloating with gas (a sensation of fullness in the belly)

urgency (the need to use a restroom in a hurry)

mucus (white or yellow liquid) in the stool, and the sensation of incompletely passing stools.

pain is relieved by defecation

pain is associated with an increase or decrease in stool frequency

pain is associated with the stools becoming harder or softer in consistency.

The problem with labelling these symptoms as IBS is that it does not explain the underlying causative factors, but simply puts a name to a list of symptoms. This is not very helpful to the patient who may carry this label, and all its symptoms, for many years of their life.

Do not underestimate how these symptoms can lower the quality of life for the patient. It is difficult and uncomfortable eating in restaurants as most people end up having diarrhoea with an urgency to go that is often embarrassing for their guests and themselves.

Patients with IBS report high rates of psychopathology, low quality of life, and increased suicidal ideation (Ballou et al, 2015). These patients also miss more days of work, are less productive at work, and use many healthcare resources. However, little is known about the burden of IBS on daily functioning.

Causes of IBS – medical perspective

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not completely understood by medical practitioners. The factors put forward include possible genetic factors and prior adverse life experiences (e.g., infection, trauma) that can predispose someone to getting IBS. There are off course, many people who have undergone traumas and infections and do not develop IBS, so the picture is still not clear regarding causes.

What we do know is that IBS is a functional problem, where no anatomical changes can be seen, even when using gastroscopy. The symptoms appear to result from disturbances in colonic motility (muscle contractions) and increased sensitivity to food, gas, or stool in the bowel.

Finally, there is a tendency for the bowel to be overly reactive to various factors, which can amplify or bring about the symptoms. Examples include: eating, stress, emotional arousal, GI infections, menstrual period, or gaseous distension.

To summarize, these factors include:

A genetic predisposition (e.g., family history of IBS)

An intestinal infection prior to symptom onset

Chronic stressful life events, or other psychosocial factors

Some of these factors may be more relevant in one individual with IBS, while other factors may be more important in another.

Apart from the genetic predispositions, the medical perspective groups the causes under three major groups including; colonic dysmobility, visceral hypersensitivity and brain-gut dysfunction. Let’s examine these causes in a little more detail.

Colonic dysmobility. Researchers have found that the colon muscle of a person with IBS contracts and can even go into spasm after only mild stimulation. There are two sets of muscles in the colon, longitudinal and circular, that can lead either to non-propulsive (also called segmental contractions) or propulsive contractions. Propulsive contractions can move stool through quickly, producing diarrhoea, while non-propulsive segmental contractions will hold back stool and produce constipation. The person with IBS seems to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual, so it responds by producing more diarrhoea or constipation than normal. That is why someone with IBS can have both types of symptoms, even in the same day.

Visceral hypersensitivity (increased sensitivity of intestinal nerves). When the intestines are stimulated or stretched, the nerves attached to the intestines fire signals that go to the brain, where they are experienced as discomfort or pain, depending on the degree of stimulation. Persons with IBS will feel discomfort or pain with less stimulation than healthy individuals; this is called visceral hypersensitivity. These nerves can be made more sensitive because of an infection or inflammation of the intestines or injury, such as from an operation or in response to psychological stress.

Brain-gut dysfunction. The nerves in the intestinal tract come from the same origins as the nerves in the brain and spinal cord in the foetus, and are closely connected to each other in adult life. Stimulation of the bowel can affect areas in the brain producing emotional distress, which in turn can affect bowel functioning. This occurs because various chemicals, including hormones or medications (like antidepressants), can release substances that influence both brain and intestinal functioning. This relationship is called the brain-gut connection (Fig 2).

Emotional conflict can lead to greater IBS symptoms; therefore, treatments directed at emotional distress, like hypnosis or relaxation methods and antidepressants, can help reduce symptoms. This understanding can help eliminate concerns by patients or their families about IBS being a psychiatric disorder. Rather, it is a condition in which the gut is sensitive to a variety of stimuli to the bowel, including psychological distress, which can affect anyone.

Causes of IBS – holistic perspective

We cannot negate these causative factors postulated by the medical doctors, but on the other hand, we cannot stop our investigations into other avenues that perhaps are not within the knowledge-base of your average GP or gastroenterologist. This is why I have grouped these causative factors under holistic perspectives as these go beyond the classical medical model. Factors involving toxicity, candida, nutritional deficiencies, food intolerances, and eating the wrong foods does not really come into the training or knowledge-base of medical practitioners – this I believe is true in most parts of the world.

As strange as this may sound, it is true! Unfortunately, medical school curriculum is greatly controlled by pharmaceutical conglomerates whose main interest is in prescribing patented pharmaceutical drugs for huge profits. They provide a lot of the funding that medical schools use for putting together their curriculum, teaching and conducting research in finding more drugs that can be patented and sold for large amounts of money.

Fig 2. Gut-brain axis

They are not generally interested in researching natural products because these cannot be patented. So now you are beginning to understand why good, intelligent, well-meaning doctors simply do not have the knowledge-base to look further than using drugs for suppressing symptoms.

Unless, of course, the particular doctor in question, looks further afield and begins to read about nutrition (most medical doctors’ study less than 5 hours nutrition at medical school), toxicity (rarely is taught in relation to disease), quality of foods, the effect of nutritional deficiencies on the physiology and biochemistry of the body and so forth. These doctors are few and far between, but my hope is that they will increase over time for the benefit of the patient and not the pharmaceutical conglomerates. I am all in favour of integrated medicine – combining the medical and natural approaches to health – in a nutshell, whatever helps the patient and doing the least harm.

So, let us look at some of these other causative factors that are not addressed by modern medicine.

Environmental toxicity

According to Harvey Diamond, author of the bestseller Fit for Life and the book Living Without Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the result of toxicity in our bloodstream irritating and inflaming our tissues.

Harvey Diamond states in Living Without Pain:

Connective tissue can become overburdened with uneliminated toxins. No one can predict exactly how each individual body will react to the effects of uneliminated waste. So, with one person the waste may settle in the pancreas and cause diabetes. In another it may settle in the arteries and cause heart disease. In another it may settle in an organ and disrupt its ability to function. In another it may settle in the lining of the intestines and cause irritable bowel, colitis, or Crohn’s disease. And in others it may settle in the connective tissue and cause Fibromyalgia, Lupus, or Arthritis. 

According to Diamond, uneliminated waste and toxins that have accumulated in your body are irritating and inflaming your cells, resulting in the symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The solution is simple: detoxify, alkalize, and nourish your cells.

Dr. Robert O. Young states in his book Sick and Tired:

When the acids locate in the cranial cavity we have dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, muddled thinking, forgetfulness, and even depression. When the acids locate in the gastrointestinal tract we have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gastrointestinal dysmotility, autonomic dysfunction, and ischemic colitis.

He also points out how most people in developed countries have very clogged up and unhealthy colons, because of years of abuse. The consumption of processed foods, sugar and carbohydrates, etc. creates the ideal environment for microforms like yeasts, fungi, and bacteria to thrive. These microforms cause digestive disturbances by feeding on your waste, and then excreting their own waste into your bloodstream. He writes:

"The digestive disturbances promoted by a Yeast and Fungus (Y/F) infested gastrointestinal tract are: constant putrefaction and fermentation, heartburn, gas, bloated stomach, ulcers, nausea, and gastritis. Constipation surely follows, the signs of which are: coated tongue, diarrhoea, stagnation, cramps, gas, foul odour, intestinal pain and various forms of inflammation, such as colitis and diverticulitis.  Ultimately, toxification of blood, cells and tissues results.

Constipation means packing together. The compaction of mucoid and intestinal matter reaches a point where material begins to adhere to the colon wall. Between this gooey mass and the colon wall is home to disharmonious microforms. As the organisms metabolise in their perfect breeding ground, their waste products poison the colon environment. Some of the more common poisons of Y/F are:

acetaldehyde, lactic acid, uric acid, oxalic acid, alcohol, alloxan, aflatoxin, ochratoxin, sterigmatocystin, patulin, and fumosium. The stage is set for the development of mycelial fungal forms like Candida albicans. This is the point where they prepare to bore through the colon wall into the bloodstream."

[…] Add to the above: the effects of emotional stress, electromagnetic stress, environmental pollution, imbalance in the body’s life-force energy systems, muscular/skeletal dysfunction, lack of exercise, lack of digestive enzymes, and the absence of a healthy flora in the small and large intestines. All these factors combine with digestive stress to create the sticky mucoid slime which adheres to the wall of the colon.

And then we wonder why our intestines are inflamed and we experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn’s disease.

Dr. Young also advises staying away from alcohol, another ‘fungal toxin’:

Avoid Alcohol! Alcohol is the most common primary mycotoxin (toxic substances produced by a fungus), and, due to its unique properties, has become an abused one. […] Especially avoid baked goods such as bread, muffins, pies, cakes, and pastries. The grains in bread and cookies usually contain Y/F and mycotoxins already, and the moisture content of the finished products tends to promote further growth of these forms. Regular consumption of brewer’s yeast and its toxins can lead to many cancers, particularly breast cancer, prostate and liver cancer.  Other symptoms result as well, such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, sarcoidosis, cirrhosis, arthritis, and osteoarthritis (the aging arthritis), just to name a few.

Dr. David A. Holland, author of The Fungus Link, also points to an overgrowth of fungi as being to blame for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He states:

"Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, although distinguished by well-known characteristics, are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD is characterized by a host of symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, and a host of extra-intestinal symptoms, including disorders of the eyes, liver, gallbladder, muscles and joints, kidneys, and skin. The treatments usually focus on relief of symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery (i.e. removal of the affected part of the intestines).

The cause of IBD remains unknown.

[…] Two of three worldwide studies found the average intake of carbohydrates (including bread, potatoes, and refined sugars) to be much greater in those who developed IBD than in those who did not. Why would carbohydrates be implicated as a cause? Could it be that they are commonly contaminated with fungal toxins?

In her book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle, Elaine Gottschall describes the cycle of intestinal mucosal injury, impaired digestion, malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth, and increase in bacterial by-products and mucous production, which lead back to intestinal mucosal injury.

We have already discussed in other chapters how antibiotics can alter the normal intestinal flora or bacteria. These bacteria usually keep in check the relatively small amount of existing yeast in the intestines. When antibiotics are taken, the normal, protective bacteria are eliminated, and yeast growth goes unchecked. The resulting effects range from mild diarrhoea to severe colitis, or systemic fungal or bacterial dissemination.

Still other scientists have directly implicated yeast and fungal toxins, called mycotoxins, in the cause of IBS and Crohn’s disease. Former World Health Organization expert Dr. A.V. Costantini has found that people with IBS and Crohn’s often have aflatoxin, a mycotoxin made by Aspergillus moulds, in their blood.

Barclay found that disease activity in patients with IBS and Crohn’s was lower while they followed a yeast-free diet, specifically avoiding baker’s and brewer’s yeasts. Corn is universally contaminated with mycotoxins. So, over-consuming corn is likely to propagate the illness.  Blastomyces dermatitidis, a fungus, can produce granulomatous lesions in the intestines. Not surprisingly, this same type of lesion has also been seen in patients with Crohn’s disease.

Another fungus called Histoplasma produces intestinal disease with symptoms such as diarrhoea, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain.

Sugar overconsumption, antibiotic use, steroid use, birth control and other hormonal treatments, all contribute to yeasts and fungi thriving and multiplying in your intestinal tract. Yeasts and mycotoxins (fungal toxins) reduce your body’s absorption of protein and minerals, because they feed on these things themselves. This is one of the primary causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but not the only one, as we are about to see.

Dr. John Bergman blames vaccines for this ‘autoimmune’ epidemic. He says:

With 69 different vaccines injected into children... well, we now see a response in our bodies and a massive rise in inflammatory brain disorders like encephalitis and autism, or inflammatory lung disorders, like Asthma; inflammatory sinus issues like sinusitis; inflammatory gut reactions like colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc..

According to Dr. John Bergman, the body is responding appropriately to environmental stimuli, such as:

69 highly toxic vaccines injected into children (containing mercury, aluminium, etc.).

Thousands of toxic pharmaceutical drugs, with deadly side-effects.

Highly toxic Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) in our food supply.

Thousands of toxic pesticides are used on our crops.

Thousands of toxic additives and chemicals are present in processed foods.

Antibiotics, sex hormones, growth hormones, etc. are found in meat products.

Thousands of toxic chemicals are found in makeup and personal care products.

Mercury from amalgam fillings in our teeth, as well as eating mercury-toxic fish is another reason for inflammatory bowel diseases.

According to Amalgam.org:

Mercury is a common cause of chronic conditions related to intestinal dysfunction, such as ulcerative colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s, and psoriasis. When intestinal permeability is increased, food and nutrient absorption is impaired. Dysfunction in intestinal permeability can result in leaky gut syndrome, where larger molecules and toxins in the intestines can pass through the membranes and into the blood, triggering immune response. Progressive damage can occur to the intestinal lining, eventually allowing disease-causing bacteria, undigested food particles, and toxins to pass directly into the blood stream.

"Other common causes or factors in leaky gut and the related conditions include food allergies and intolerances; drugs (NSAIDs, aspirin, stomach h2 blockers, steroids, etc.); dysbiosis (overgrowth of organisms due to antibiotic use and/or low probiotic levels); alcohol consumption; synergistic toxic exposures and chemical sensitivity; chronic infections; and inadequate digestive enzymes.

[…] food additives or processed foods that contain glutamate (MSG), aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup, dyes, etc. are common causes of leaky gut syndrome.

[…] In addition to improvements in many patients after amalgam replacement and detoxification, diet and nutritional measures are usually effective at improving Crohn’s Disease. The 4-R program has seen good success in many patients. The program removes all foods where there is suspicion of allergy that might produce inflammation. Common allergens include wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes, corn, and red meat."

"Additionally, elimination of gastrointestinal parasites, undesirable bacteria, fungus, and yeasts are carried out. Sometimes a treatment such as nystantin is used to eliminate yeast. Then vital nutrients are replaced by dietary measures and supplementation of a good multivitamin and mineral, minerals found deficient such as iron, magnesium, calcium, selenium, zinc, iodine and vitamins, such as B-complex, B6, B12, and folic acid.

Next the intestines are re-inoculated with friendly bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacilus bulgaricus.) Finally, measures are taken to repair the intestine to correct for the increased permeability. This is done by adding nutrients such as glutamine, pathothenic acid (B5), zinc, FOS, and vitamin C. DHEA and Butyrate have also been found effective in many patients at reducing inflammation."

Sucralase, saccharin and IBS

There is now mounting research that is correlating the use of saccharin and sucralase in the aetiology of IBD, through its inhibition on gut bacteria and the resultant impaired inactivation of digestive proteases and over digestion of the mucus layer and gut barrier (the Bacteria-Protease-Mucus-Barrier hypothesis). It explained many puzzles in IBD such as its emergence and temporal changes in the last century (Qin et al, 2012).

Food intolerances and IBS

I think I have mention of a number of occasions that the first thing that I do after taking a history from an IBS patient, is to test them for food intolerances. At the Da Vinci Centre where I work, I use Bioresonance testing to test for food intolerances, as after many years of using this method, I find it both accurate and quick. There are more details in a later chapter on Food intolerances and inflammation.

Whenever I lecture to various practitioners from around the world, food intolerances is something that I place a lot of emphasis on, because it is one of the biggest sources of internal inflammation that we are exposed to. Let’s face it, we eat at least three times a day, so if there are any foods that we are intolerant to causing inflammation, then certainly over time this inflammation is going to reach a point where symptoms will develop.

A landmark paper was recently published in the prestigious British medical journal Gut that found eliminating foods identified through delayed food allergy testing (IgG antibodies) resulted in dramatic improvements in IBS symptoms. (Atkinson et al, 2004).  Another article, an editorial in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, stated clearly that we must respect and recognize the role of food allergies and inflammation in IBS (Shanahan et al, 2005).

From the many patients that I have seen with IBS, I find that the advice that they have been given from medical doctors and gastroenterologists, is to stop eating high fibre fruits and vegetables in order to apparently avoid any irritation of the gut. This ad hoc advice does not address the specific food intolerances that each person will have with IBS, and this does differ from person to person. Generally, the more of the same food that we eat on a regular basis, the higher the probability of developing a food intolerance to that particular food. One of the golden rules for optimising nutrition, is to avoid eating the same food every day, which in the convenience mode of life that we tend to live, this is very easy to do.

Patients with IBS were found to have significantly more subjective lactose intolerance complaints (bloating, distension, and diarrhoea) than those without IBS and to have increased likelihood of lactose malabsorption than the general population (Saberi-Firoozi et al, 2007).

Thus, decreased intake of lactose can benefit some IBS patients (Gupta et al, 2007). It is hypothesized that, following ingestion of lactose, hydrogen gas is produced, and gut distension is promoted due to bacterial fermentation of the unabsorbed lactose. Interestingly, the majority of IBS sufferers, however, failed to test positive for hydrogen breath tests that indicate lactose intolerance.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and other food intolerances

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) is a reaction to gluten that is not autoimmune (celiac disease) or allergic (wheat allergy). Despite claims to the contrary in the popular media, NCGS is a legitimate and potentially serious condition. NCGS patients usually present with symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in stool frequency and consistency that are indistinguishable from IBS. They also often present with extra-intestinal symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, which are common among IBS sufferers.

Most patients with NCGS are likely to remain undiagnosed, compared to patients with Celiac Disease. Most gastroenterologists today know how to screen for celiac disease. They will typically test for antibodies to alpha gliadin, transglutaminase-2, deamidated gliadin, and endomysium, and if positive do a biopsy to determine if tissue damage is present.

However, we now know that people can react to several other components of wheat above and beyond alpha gliadin, the component that is implicated in Celiac Disease. These include other epitopes of gliadin (beta, gamma, omega), glutenin, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), gluteomorphin, and deamidated gliadin. What’s more, people can react to other types of tissue transglutaminase, including type 3 - primarily found in the skin - and type 6 - primarily found in the brain (Kim et al, 2002; Hadjivassiliou et al, 2008).

Intolerances to other foods like dairy products, eggs, peanuts, and seafood are also common among IBS sufferers. These may be true food allergies (IgE-mediated) or more mild intolerances (IgG- or IgA-mediated).

One recent, large meta-analysis study reviewed the role of diet in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome and the importance of dietary factors in the management of these patients. The researchers (Mansueto et al, 2015) found 183 papers about the matter, selecting 73 for review.

They concluded that food allergy could be a possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome, and a dietary approach should be implemented in clinical practice.

Based on my own clinical experience, I have found that both gluten/wheat sensitivity and other food intolerances are extremely common contributing factors to IBS.

It is possible to run functional tests through a health practitioner for many of these wheat proteins, but even if you cannot have access to these tests, I would still recommend an elimination/provocation trial where gluten is removed completely from the diet for 60 days and then reintroduced. This is is still considered to be an accurate method of assessing gluten intolerance.

There is no risk of removing gluten from the diet totally, so practitioners