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

1. 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.
2. AIM Composure – Contains relaxant herbs that support the nervous system and restore smooth peristaltic motion.
3. 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:

1. Mindfulness and Relaxation – Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system.
2. Regular Exercise – Physical activity aids digestion and reduces stress.
3. Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Studies suggest that psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in managing IBS symptoms.
4. 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:

1. Chew thoroughly and carefully!
2. Only eat when you are hungry and never out of boredom or because your schedule dictates it.
3. Don’t eat too hot or too cold!
4. Do not drink anything with your meal. Drink one hour before eating or one hour after eating.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Avoid all kinds of ready-made products!
8. Avoid multi-course meals – especially if the individual courses consist of unhealthy foods. Eat more simply!
9. Give up desserts. Just following this rule will improve your health tremendously.
10. Free yourself from the so-called pleasure poisons: alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
11. 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!
12. 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?
13. 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