Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Condition Description
A condition characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, belching, bloating, distention, constipation, diarrhea or constipation alternating with diarrhea. To the individual, there appears to be no apparent cause.
Common Symptoms
- Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort that may be relieved with bowel movement
- Gas, belching, or bloating
- Abdominal distention
- Diarrhea or constipation alternating with diarrhea
Underlying Causes
- Yeast overgrowth
- Food allergies
- Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
- Deficiency of digestive enzymes
- Bacterial and/or parasitic infections
Traditional Approach
- Treatment is primarily symptomatic
- Laxatives for constipation and anti-diarrheals for diarrhea
- For alternating constipation and diarrhea, laxitives during the constipation phase and loperamide during the diarrhea phase
- Antispasmodics like dicyclomine or hyoscyamine for patients with abdominal pain or bloating
EHAC Approach
- Test for and treat yeast overgrowth
- Test for and treat any food allergies (including hidden food allergies)
- Review patient history and if hypochlorhydria is suspected, treat it empirically
- Review patient history and if history is suggestive of deficiency in digestive enzymes treat it empirically
- Test for and treat any bacterial and/or parasitic infections
Success Stories
Condition Treated:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms:
Digestive Problems, Depression, Irritable Bowel, Diarrhea, Stomach Cramping, Vaginal Discharge, Tired
Initials:
L. B.
Age:
32 years female
Story:
When I came to Dr. Sultan’s office, I was on Tenormin for rapid heart rate, Celexa for depression, Lotronex for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I couldn’t eat anything without having diarrhea and stomach cramping. I had vaginal discharge. I was tired all the time. I even didn’t want to get out of bed sometimes. With two small children, I didn’t have the energy or patients to play with them. I was very irritable and would fly off the handle a lot. My husband even said my mood swings were bad.
Today, after 4 months of testing and taking Nystatin, magnesium and thyroid medication, I am 90% better. Dr. Sultan found a low mag level, thyroid levels off, and allergies to yeast, dust, molds, etc. I am so happy today. My energy level is high and I am able to play and enjoy my children. I have started to work on my master’s degree too! I am off the Tenormin, Lotronex, and Celexa! Thank God for Dr. Sultan and staff. I feel great!