by Ela Gold | Jun 18, 2020 | HGA |
Do you know that Psyllium Husks, made from Indian Flea Seeds, bind water and swell in the intestine? They have nothing to do with fleas, as their name implies, but they help to combat constipation.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium Husk, known in Latin as Plantago psyllium, is a commonly used medicinal plant. It relieves constipation but the right application is necessary.
What ingredients are present in Psyllium Husk?
In the outermost layer (epidermis) of the seed shells, large amounts of mucous substances occur which are composed of the sugars xylose, arabinosis and galacturonic acid. You can also find plenty of oil in it. The seed itself is an effective herbal medicine.
What do Psyllium Husks help with?
The mucous substances contained in the flea seed shells belong to the soluble fiber and are not absorbed by the body, but excreted again via the intestine. When the mucus enters the intestine, they bind water there and swell. This increases the volume of the intestinal contents, which stimulates digestion and has a mild dispersing effect. At the same time, the chair becomes softer and gets a better consistency, which facilitates the emptying of the bowel. In addition, the mucus substances exert a lubrication effect, which improves the intestinal passage of the stool. Through these effects, flea seeds help against constipation.
- Anal fissures, Hemorrhoids
If the bowel movement is painful or difficult, for example, due to fissure, hemorrhoids or after certain examinations, Psyllium Husks facilitate the emptying of the bowel.
The effects on digestion and bowel movements can also have a positive effect on chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. The same applies to irritable bowel complaints.
When does the effect occur? How should I take it?
It can take one to three days for the effect to become noticeable. How much you need and how often you need to use Psyllium Husks to stimulate digestion varies from person to person.
Be sure to start at a very low dosage, 1/2 teaspoon in 400ml water. Otherwise, the intestine can react with increased intestinal noise and bloating and even constipation. Increase slowly 1/2 a teaspoon every 5 days until you reach a place that gives you some good bowel motions. Don’t take more than 1 Tablespoon at any given time. It is better to take less more often during the day.
Psyllium Husks are preferable to the whole seed. Because the seeds often pass through the gastrointestinal tract in an unchanged form and cannot develop their swelling capacity.
It is very important to drink a lot. Otherwise, the mucus can not swell up properly and even lead to constipation. You can leave the Psyllium Husks in a glass of water or fruit juice and then drink. You can also mix and drink it directly in water or juice.
Side Effects and Interactions
If you do not consume enough fluid, the mucus swells insufficiently. In the worst case, they can stick to the intestinal wall which can lead to intestinal obstruction.
Psyllium Husks can hinder the absorption of other medicines via the intestine. Therefore, do not take medicines together with the Psyllium Husks, but leave at least one-hour distance.
If you already have an intestinal obstruction, you have constrictions of the esophagus, stomach or intestines or if you have acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal area, then you must not use Psyllium Husks. The same applies to swallowing problems. Even if you are not allowed to drink excessively due to certain heart or kidney diseases, you should discuss with your doctor whether Psyllium Husks are suitable for you.
Some people are allergic to Psyllium Husks, which is noticeable with typical allergy symptoms.
Sources: European Medicines Agency (EMA): Psyllii semen. Online: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/psyllii-semen (Accessed 12/2019)Wichtl M: Tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Scientific Publishing Company mbH Stuttgart 2002
by Ela Gold | May 29, 2020 | HGA |
Stool—medically termed feces—is more than a byproduct of digestion; it’s a vital stool health indicator. Its color, texture, and smell serve as signals, revealing everything from dietary habits to serious conditions like infections or inflammatory bowel diseases. Drawing from clinical insights and medical knowledge, this guide explains what your stool reveals and when to seek professional advice.
The Composition of Stool
Stool forms in the intestines as a result of digestion, consisting largely of water (about 75%) alongside undigested food residues, primarily indigestible fibers like cellulose. The solid portion includes sloughed-off intestinal cells, bacteria from the gut microbiome, and byproducts of microbial fermentation. On average, people excrete 200 to 600 grams of stool daily, though this varies with diet—fasting or low-fiber intake reduces output, while a vegetarian, fiber-rich diet can increase it to 1,000 grams, as seen in clinical observations of plant-based eaters.
Normal Stool Characteristics
Healthy stool typically ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown, thanks to stercobilin—a pigment derived from the breakdown of bilirubin in bile. It’s soft, well-formed, and easy to pass, aligning with types 3-4 on the Bristol Stool Chart, a widely used medical tool. Bowel movement frequency varies individually—anywhere from three times daily to once every few days can be normal, depending on diet, hydration, and lifestyle. At our clinic, we’ve noted that patients often overestimate what’s “normal,” so tracking your baseline is key.
How Diseases Alter Stool
Changes in stool can hint at underlying issues:
- Blood or Pus: Bright red blood on the surface might suggest hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, while dark, tarry stool (melena) could indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from a stomach ulcer. Blood mixed with mucus may point to inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or even colorectal cancer—conditions we’ve diagnosed through stool analysis and follow-up testing.
- Undigested Food: Visible food particles often signal rapid transit through the gut, common in infections or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease.
- Parasites: Worms or their eggs in stool indicate parasitic infections, detectable via microscopic examination—a method gastroenterologists rely on globally.
Food, Medication, and Diseases Color the Stool
Stool color reflects more than just digestion:
- Dietary Influence: Spinach can turn stool green, beets may redden it, and blueberries can darken it to near-black—temporary shifts we often reassure patients about.
- Medications: Iron supplements or activated charcoal commonly cause black stool, a benign side effect noted in pharmacology texts.
- Health Conditions: Persistent discoloration warrants attention. Greenish-yellow diarrhea might stem from bacterial enteritis (e.g., Salmonella, affecting over 1.35 million Americans yearly per CDC data). Pale, clay-colored stools with jaundice suggest bile duct obstruction or hepatitis. Gray, greasy stools (steatorrhea) often tie to fat malabsorption, linked to pancreatic insufficiency or liver disease in clinical studies.
When to See a Doctor: Blood in the Stool
Blood in stool is a red flag requiring immediate medical evaluation:
- Bright Red: Indicates lower bowel bleeding—possibly hemorrhoids, but also tumors or severe inflammation.
- Black (Melena): Suggests upper tract bleeding, altered by stomach acid, though iron supplements mimic this effect.
- Red-Brown with Mucus: Could signal polyps, diverticula, or cancer—conditions we’ve flagged in patients with these patterns.
Always consult a doctor for unexplained blood, as early detection improves outcomes, per guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology.
Texture, Volume, and Odor Changes
Stool’s physical traits offer further clues:
- Diarrhea: Thin, slimy, and frequent stools often accompany infections or inflammation. Salmonella, for instance, speeds gut transit, producing foul-smelling, watery output.
- Constipation: Hard, small stools (like sheep droppings) or pencil-thin shapes may reflect dehydration or intestinal narrowing—common complaints we address with hydration advice.
- Fat Stools (Steatorrhea): Bulky, shiny, and hard-to-flush stools indicate fat malabsorption, often tied to pancreatic issues.
- Odor: While stool naturally smells due to bacterial activity, unusually foul odors can accompany malabsorption or infection.
Constipation often stems from low water intake, preventing fiber from swelling in the gut, while diarrhea reflects irritation or poor nutrient uptake—patterns we’ve tracked across diverse patient diets.
Stool as a Diagnostic Tool
In medical practice, stool analysis is invaluable. Combined with symptoms and history, its characteristics—color, weight, texture, and smell—guide diagnoses. Lab tests can detect bacteria (e.g., Clostridium difficile), parasites, or occult blood, aligning with standards from the World Health Organization. At our clinic, we’ve used these insights to pinpoint issues like chronic diarrhea from parasitic infections, later confirmed by microscopy.
Supporting Digestive Health
Digestive irregularities like constipation or abnormal stool have many causes—diet, stress, or illness among them. For some, holistic approaches like colon hydrotherapy may ease bowel movements, though scientific consensus on its broader benefits remains limited. We suggest discussing it with your doctor, alongside basics like adequate water (8-10 cups daily) and fiber (25-30 grams per USDA recommendations).
Final Thoughts
Your stool tells a story about your health—one worth listening to. Whether it’s a fleeting color change from last night’s meal or a persistent shift with symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider. At our clinic, we’ve seen how a closer look at stool can uncover treatable conditions, empowering patients to take charge of their well-being.
For those struggling with irregular bowel movements, some find that a holistic colon hydrotherapy session offers relief and supports overall digestive comfort—talk to us to explore this option. 🙂
by Ela Gold | Jun 6, 2017 | HGA |
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are an incredibly common health issue affecting over 50% of adults worldwide, especially those over 30. These swollen veins in the lower rectal area can cause discomfort, itching, pain while sitting or during bowel movements, and even bleeding. The good news? Many cases can be effectively managed with simple home remedies, offering relief without the need for medical intervention.
What are hemorrhoids?
Actually, everyone has hemorrhoids. It is the name given to certain vascular cushions (veins) that are located on the rectum around the anus.
In general, however, the term is only used when these spongy vascular cushions swell, become inflamed and can also protrude (especially during bowel movements), i.e. when they are pathologically altered. Doctors then speak of “hemorrhoidal disease” or “symptomatic hemorrhoids”.
If you have to strain during bowel movements, the blood vessels lose more and more tension and elasticity. The hemorrhoids become more and more visible and cause increasing discomfort (1).
A temporary or even permanent protrusion is called a prolapse. Hemorrhoids are generally not visible, except in the case of a prolapse. In this case, they can be felt as soft nodules or lumps.
However, there are a number of home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms, and a change in diet (e.g. increasing fiber intake) can quickly bring relief after a few days or weeks, so that you can take the treatment into your own hands (2) (of course after consulting your doctor).
Symptoms
At the beginning, when the hemorrhoids are just beginning to change, you hardly notice anything, maybe a little burning or a slight itching. There may also be small patches of blood on toilet paper. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and annoying. According to an Austrian study, a considerable number of people with enlarged hemorrhoids experience no symptoms at all (3).
In some cases, you may also get a small lump of tissue hanging outside your anus, which can cause extreme discomfort. If you don’t treat hemorrhoids in the early stages, then the treatment may become more complicated in the future.
If severe pain occurs, the anal area burns noticeably and bright red blood can be seen regularly on the stool or swollen vascular cushions are already so wet that there is blood in the underwear, then this is an advanced hemorrhoidal disease, i.e. significantly enlarged and usually also inflamed hemorrhoids (4).
There are different levels of enlarged hemorrhoids:
- Level 1: The hemorrhoid is enlarged but it remains inside the body. Often, affected people do not have any signs, or are very mild.
- Level 2: The hemorrhoid is enlarged and it sometimes pushes out through the anus. This can happen in the case of bowel movements. Nevertheless, it then retreat back into the intestine on their own.
- Level 3: The enlarged hemorrhoids push out through the anus but it do not retreat into the intestine by themselves. Often it can then be pushed back into the intestine with the fingers.
- Level 4: The hemorrhoids do not retreat into the intestine by itself and can’t be pushed back with the fingers. The hemorrhoid is always outside the anus. As a result, people who are affected often have very severe symptoms.
Common Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can develop due to a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying health conditions. While they become more common with age—especially in individuals over 40—they can also occur in younger people, including teenagers. Below are some of the key causes and risk factors:
- Chronic Constipation & Straining
Excessive straining during bowel movements puts pressure on the rectal veins, leading to enlarged hemorrhoids (5). A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods often contributes to constipation, making bowel movements more difficult.
- Poor Diet & Digestive Imbalance
- High-fat, high-calorie, and processed foods (such as fast food, pizza, and hamburgers) can cause digestive sluggishness and constipation.
- Overconsumption of coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods (6) may irritate the digestive tract, worsening symptoms.
- Large amounts of laxatives can lead to dependency, causing imbalances in bowel function.
- A disturbed gut microbiome, acid-base imbalance, and impaired liver function may also contribute to hemorrhoidal issues from a holistic perspective.
- Prolonged Sitting & Lack of Movement
Sitting for extended periods, especially in office jobs, applies continuous pressure to the anal area. Reduced blood circulation can aggravate existing hemorrhoids and increase the risk of developing new ones. Taking regular breaks and incorporating movement into your daily routine can help.
- Obesity & Pregnancy
- Excess body weight increases abdominal pressure, straining the veins in the lower rectum.
- Pregnancy leads to increased pressure on pelvic blood vessels, often resulting in hemorrhoids, especially in the later stages.
- Certain Health Conditions
- Chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (6) can irritate the rectal area, making hemorrhoids more likely.
- Lung disease (7) may also contribute due to prolonged coughing, which increases pressure in the abdomen.
- Medications & Topical Treatments
While some over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications aim to provide relief, they may contain artificial ingredients that cause side effects or fail to offer long-term results. Discontinuing use often leads to symptom recurrence, making professional guidance essential.
The Importance of Proper Anal Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for preventing and managing hemorrhoids, but incorrect hygiene does not mean someone has not cleaned their buttocks thoroughly enough. In fact, excessive cleaning can sometimes do more harm than good. According to Professor Alexander Herold, Secretary General of the German Coloproctology Society, “Soaps or shower gels can contain chemicals that irritate the anus.”
Too much scrubbing or using rough toilet paper can damage the delicate skin around the anus, leading to irritation and itching. Be cautious with wet wipes or damp toilet paper—some people may experience skin irritation from the ingredients used in these products.
Tips for Anal Hygiene
- Gentle cleaning: After a bowel movement, wipe the anal area dry first, then rinse with water to remove any residue. A bidet is ideal, but if unavailable, briefly moisten plain toilet paper with water before use.
- Avoid harsh products: Soaps, scented wipes, and printed toilet paper can contain chemicals that irritate the skin. Opt for unscented, soft, and plain toilet paper.
- Choose the right materials: Cotton underwear helps absorb moisture and prevents irritation caused by sweat and stool residues.
- Soothe irritation: If the anal area becomes irritated, applying a zinc-based cream or ointment can help calm and protect the skin.
By adopting these simple hygiene practices, you can reduce irritation and support overall anal health, preventing further discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Natural Remedies & Prevention Tips
The correct naturopathic treatment of hemorrhoids is already determined by the possible causes and should therefore – from a holistic perspective – also take place on all these levels. The best home remedies therefore include all measures that are necessary for the following points (8):
- Reduce high-calorie and high-fat processed foods (e.g., pizza, hamburgers) to prevent constipation. Limit fast food consumption to once a week.
- Drinking plenty of water softens stools and reduces straining during bowel movements.
- Sitting for long periods increases pressure on the anus, leading to hemorrhoids. Take short breaks, walk around, and stretch to improve circulation.
- Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking or yoga, helps regulate bowel movements and improves blood flow.
- Cypress oil may help shrink hemorrhoids.
- Applying cold tea bags can provide relief from pain and inflammation due to the tannins’ soothing effects.
- Seeking holistic approaches like Colon Hydrotherapy to support digestive health
- Eating a high-fiber diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
Suppositories made from herbs and cocoa butter
Another excellent home remedy for hemorrhoids is homemade suppositories made from cocoa butter, comfrey root powder, yarrow herb powder, marigold flower powder and oak bark powder. According to a traditional folk medicine recipe, the ingredients should be mixed as follows (9):
- 30 g powdered oak bark
- 5 g powdered comfrey root
- 8 g powdered yarrow herb
- 8 g powdered marigold flowers
- 120 grams of cocoa butter
Comfrey root and oak bark have a cleansing and regenerating effect on the veins and capillaries in the rectum. The yarrow has a contractive effect on the vessels, and is antispasmodic and antibacterial. Marigold, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
The herbal ingredients are available in the pharmacy or online in powder form.
The cocoa butter is now melted in a warm water bath. Then stir in the herbal powder. Now pour the mixture into a suppository mould and let the suppositories harden in the fridge. As soon as they are set, you take them out of the mould and put them in a sealable container, which you label with the contents and the date. We would recommend to not keeping them for more than 3 months. Of course, you can also make half the quantity to try it out.
A suppository is inserted every night before bedtime. The body heat melts the cocoa butter and the active plant ingredients are continuously released into the surrounding tissue. They disinfect and clean the tissue, remove blood clots and have a regenerating and astringent (contracting) effect so that the hemorrhoids can regress.
This process should be continued until complete improvement. In general, with these two phytotherapeutic preparations (balm and suppository) in combination with proper nutrition, the problem is soon permanently resolved.
Sitz baths
Sitz baths can be very effective in treating external hemorrhoids. For best results, spend 10 to 30 minutes in the sitz bath several times a day. There should be enough water in the bathtub to cover the buttocks and hips. Salt can also be added to the water (2 to 3 tablespoons per 3 to 4 liters of water) to reduce swelling, pain and general discomfort.
Some patients have found that alternating warm and cold water throughout the day provides the best relief. After the bath, the anal area should be carefully cleaned with a towel. Rubbing should be avoided as this can worsen the condition. (10)
Relieve your liver and promote detoxification
The healthier your intestines, the better your liver will be – and the better your liver is, the better your digestion, the healthier your intestinal mucosa and blood vessels will be, and the lower your risk of hemorrhoids. The intestines and liver are therefore closely interrelated. If you take good care of both, there will be hardly any reason for illness and discomfort – whether it is hemorrhoids or other problems.
In addition, you can promote and support the detoxification and digestive work of your liver with special nutritional supplements, such as bitter substances (e.g. bitter star), curcumin, milk thistle extract or even artichoke extract. Choose one or two of these and take them as a course of treatment for at least three months.
Home remedies for the liver include wild herbs rich in bitter substances such as dandelion, chicory or yarrow and of course turmeric, which you can add to almost any dish. Ginger, green tea and papaya seeds are also home remedies for stimulating liver function. Another detoxification measure that is helpful for the liver is liver cleansing.
Pay attention to the correct posture on the toilet
A certain sitting position on the toilet can also have a huge impact on rectal health, lead to a regression of hemorrhoids and is, therefore, an essential part of treating hemorrhoids properly.
This is the so-called squatting position, which you should adopt especially when having a bowel movement. The squatting position mimics the position one assumes automatically when having to defecate in the wild.
The angle between the upper body and thighs is much more acute here than in the usual chair position. As a result, the pelvic floor is much more relaxed when you squat. Since the bowel is straight in this position, emptying is made easier and the usual straining, which is a major risk factor for hemorrhoids, is eliminated.
In the sitting position, on the other hand, the pelvic floor muscle is kinked, which makes it more difficult to empty the intestines and promotes hemorrhoids.
This could also explain why the problem has already mutated into a widespread disease, especially in western countries, where almost exclusively seated toilets are found – around 70 percent of all adults are already affected by it at some point. In most other regions of the world, however, there are still the so-called dump or standing toilets, which require a squatting position.
There have also long been scientific studies that prove that the squatting position has a comprehensive effect on the body. As early as 1987, the Israeli doctor Dr. Berko Sikirov conducted a study with 20 patients. All conventional treatment methods had been unsuccessful for them. (11)
After the patients had changed their toilet posture from the usual sitting position to the squatting position, improvements in their hemorrhoid problems could be observed after just a few days. After a few months, most patients were symptom-free. And when they were re-examined 30 months later, they were still asymptomatic, meaning the hemorrhoids had not returned.
On the toilet, you can squat with the help of a toilet stool or a stack of books that you simply place under your feet. You won’t be able to read anymore anyway, as your bowel movements will be easy and quick.
Preventing Hemorrhoids
Many of the measures discussed are also very good for preventing hemorrhoids:
- Avoid constipation at all costs, so make sure you have easy bowel movements
- Eat a healthy and fiber-rich diet
- Take measures against chronic inflammation, e.g. through anti-inflammatory supplements (curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.)
- Take care of a powerful liver and strong blood vessels
- Pay attention to the correct posture on the toilet
Acute Hemorrhoids (painful and bleeding) are contraindicative for Colonics as they would be too uncomfortable. But you could have medicated enemas or implants. Once your hemorrhoids are healed and not painful you can have colonics again.
If you are serious about eliminating hemorrhoids, I like to recommend the Hemorrhoids Vanished program. Its reading material contains everything from A to Z about hemorrhoids with loads of tips, including numerous natural home remedies that will help you to eliminate hemorrhoids for good and live a healthy lifestyle.
Cleaning out your colon with a Holistic Colon Hydrotherapy session can help with hemorrhoids and many other health challenges.
by Ela Gold | Jan 3, 2013 | HGA |
At the Vitalis Health Clinic, we have observed a significant rise in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) cases, with at least 1 in 5 patients experiencing symptoms. This increase is largely linked to heightened stress levels due to global uncertainties, financial instability, and post-pandemic challenges. The mind and body are deeply connected, and when stress accumulates, the digestive system often suffers.
The Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Numerous tests are carried out to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome or to rule out other diseases. Usually, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed, ultrasound examinations are ordered and, of course, blood tests are also carried out.
If everything is OK, i.e. no causes are found, the patient is considered to be completely healthy organically, but – since he definitely suffers from the typical chronic intestinal complaints – is diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
On the one hand, it is of course very reassuring for the patient when he is told that he does NOT have colon cancer, NO chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), NO serious liver disease and that his organs do not show ANY other abnormal findings.
What is dramatic, however, is that the symptoms do not disappear simply by excluding these serious illnesses. Rather, they remain present – usually very strongly – and have a huge impact on the person’s everyday life, and the patient – now that he knows that he is apparently completely healthy – has no idea what to do next.
Symptoms
IBS occurs when the rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular, leading to spasms that interfere with digestion and waste elimination. Poor elimination can result in toxin buildup, gas, and bloating. Symptoms include:
- Recurring flatulence with and without bloating,
- Constipation or
- Diarrhea (with overwhelming, i.e. sudden and hardly controllable urge to defecate) and
- Abdominal cramps, which temporarily improve after a bowel movement.
Most (real!) irritable bowel syndrome patients are free of symptoms at night. Additional symptoms such as heartburn and nausea can also occur.
Organic Causes of IBS
While IBS is often dismissed as a purely psychological condition, research has identified several organic causes:
- Food Sensitivities: Many IBS sufferers react poorly to certain foods, such as gluten, dairy, and processed ingredients.
- Inflammation: Some individuals experience subtle inflammation in the intestinal lining, leading to increased sensitivity and pain perception.
- Imbalanced Gut Flora: The composition of intestinal bacteria affects digestion and mood. An imbalance may contribute to IBS symptoms.
Causes of true irritable bowel syndrome
Interestingly, a quarter of all cases of irritable bowel syndrome are said to have developed as a result of antibiotic therapies taken against inflammatory gastrointestinal problems.
Since antibiotics can damage not only the intestinal flora but also the intestinal mucosa, it can be assumed that irritable bowel syndrome patients in most cases suffer from a disturbed intestinal flora and in some cases from damage to the intestinal mucosa, so that these two aspects should be included in the therapy.
Another very large proportion of patients report serious trauma (e.g. abuse in childhood), so that genuine irritable bowel syndrome can also be the result of psychological conflicts and stresses from the past, but also – and certainly not infrequently – the result of constant stress in the present.
What can you do about irritable bowel syndrome?
If food intolerances etc. have been ruled out, the following measures are recommended for genuine irritable bowel syndrome:
Natural Strategies for Managing IBS
While there is no universal cure for IBS, effective management includes dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and holistic therapies.
1. Dietary Adjustments
- Eliminate Trigger Foods – Gluten, dairy, processed foods, and artificial sweeteners may worsen symptoms.
- Increase Fiber Intake – Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support gut health.
- Stay Hydrated – Adequate water intake improves digestion and waste elimination.
- Probiotics and Fermented Foods – These help balance gut flora, reduce inflammation, and support digestion.
2. Herbal and Nutritional Support
- Peppermint Essential Oil and Fiber – Studies show that a combination of fiber and peppermint essential oil can be more effective for IBS than modern pharmaceuticals (1). Taking a peppermint capsule with 3-5 drops of CPTG peppermint essential oil (You can buy CPTG essential oils here) and 1 flat teaspoon of AIM Herbal Fiberblend before meals can enhance nutrient absorption and cleanse the digestive tract.
- AIM Composure – Contains relaxant herbs that support the nervous system and restore smooth peristaltic motion.
- AIM BarleyLife – A nutrient-rich whole food that promotes healing, nervous system function, and bowel elimination.
3. Holistic Colon Hydrotherapy for IBS Relief
A colon cleanse helps to build up the intestinal flora and regenerate the intestinal mucosa. An effective colon cleanse consists of three components: bentonite (or zeolite), psyllium husks (2) and a probiotic. In a study with irritable bowel syndrome patients, psyllium husk powder led to an improvement of the so-called symptom score (3) by 90 points in the majority of participants (bran only led to an improvement of 58 points).
Bentonite and zeolite are mineral clays that have a high binding capacity and therefore bind not only toxins but also intestinal gases and help to eliminate them discreetly. Together with the psyllium husk powder, the mineral clays also regulate stool and ensure easy excretion of stool, they clean the mucous membrane villi, soothe the intestinal mucosa and encourage the colonization of the helpful intestinal bacteria from the probiotic.
At Vitalis Health Clinic, we have found that cleansing the colon can significantly improve digestive function and overall well-being.
4. Stress Management Techniques
Since stress is a major IBS trigger, implementing relaxation techniques is crucial:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation – Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system.
- Regular Exercise – Physical activity aids digestion and reduces stress.
- Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Studies suggest that psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in managing IBS symptoms.
- Adequate Sleep – Poor sleep can increase stress levels and worsen IBS symptoms.
The recommended diet for irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome patients cannot avoid changing their diet. An alkaline diet made from fresh ingredients is ideal – of course taking possible intolerances and sensitivities into account.
Since choosing the right diet is always an individual undertaking, it may well be that you tolerate another diet better, such as the FODMAP diet, which avoids ingredients that cause bloating.
If you also take into account the extremely important measures described below, which should actually be a matter of course – even for the prevention of gastrointestinal problems – but are unfortunately often completely underestimated and therefore often neglected, then your irritable bowel will soon calm down again:
- Chew thoroughly and carefully!
- Only eat when you are hungry and never out of boredom or because your schedule dictates it.
- Don’t eat too hot or too cold!
- Do not drink anything with your meal. Drink one hour before eating or one hour after eating.
- However, drink enough water every day outside of meal times. Depending on the water content of your food, 1.5 liters of water would be optimal, a third of which can be drunk as herbal tea.
- Don’t eat anything late in the evening, or in the middle of the night, and especially not while you’re watching TV, chatting, or sitting in front of the computer. Take your time with your meals.
- Avoid all kinds of ready-made products!
- Avoid multi-course meals – especially if the individual courses consist of unhealthy foods. Eat more simply!
- Give up desserts. Just following this rule will improve your health tremendously.
- Free yourself from the so-called pleasure poisons: alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
- Exercise every day! If you’re not THE sporty type, then at least go for a walk every day and get a mini trampoline for your home and bounce on it for 10 to 20 minutes twice a day. Or how about a home or cross trainer? The cross trainer in particular – unlike the home trainer (= exercise bike) – trains the WHOLE body. You imitate the movements that are used in cross-country skiing. A cross trainer is also a great place to put it in front of the TV. So there’s no excuse!
- Cleanse not only your body, but also your mind! If you tend to think that with all the tips mentioned, life is no longer fun, then it could be that this paradoxical thought does not come from you, but has been instilled in you – by our society, the media, advertising, what is on offer in shops, etc. After all, why should life only be fun if you are allowed to do things that harm your own body and make you feel bad?
- If you have only been to a doctor who is purely oriented towards conventional medicine, seek out a naturopathic therapist for a second opinion. Using other diagnostic procedures (e.g. iris diagnosis, micronutrient analysis, intestinal flora analysis), they may be able to identify the weak points that are causing your symptoms and which do not even have anything to do with the intestines.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While natural remedies are effective, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by weight loss or fever. A thorough examination, including a colonoscopy, may be necessary to rule out serious conditions like infections or inflammatory diseases. Women should also undergo a gynecological examination to exclude other potential causes.
Final Thoughts
IBS is a complex condition requiring a holistic approach. Managing stress, adopting a gut-friendly diet, and incorporating herbal and holistic therapies can significantly improve symptoms and enhance overall well-being. At the Vitalis Health Clinic, we encourage a proactive approach to digestive health, combining evidence-based natural therapies with lifestyle modifications for long-term relief.
Cleansing the colon with holistic colon hydrotherapy can be beneficial not only for IBS but also for overall digestive and systemic health. Follow up with our other articles this month on reducing stress and optimizing gut health.
Cleaning out your colon with a Holistic Colon Hydrotherapy session can help with IBS and many other health challenges.
Last updated: March 13, 2025
