Irritable Bowel Syndrome Guide: The Brain-Gut Axis.

February 28th, 2007

The gut has its own network nervous system. It is called the Enteric Nervous System. It has more nerve cells than the Spinal Cord. The Enteric Nervous System is connected to the Brain via the Vagus nerve which is the tenth cranial nerve.

This interconnection is part of the Brain-Gut Axis and through this Axis, events in the gut can be linked directly to Brain activity.

We know that anxiety, stress and depression have specific effects on the gut. Anxiety and stress can cause diarrhoea and depression can lead to constipation.

With no specific physical abnormality in sufferers with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, research is increasingly directed to the Body-Mind aspect of IBS. In Irritable Bowel Syndrome the Brain-Gut axis is faulty and to regain control of IBS it needs adjusting.

The effects of the brain function on the gut has been well documented but recent development in Brain Scans and Monitors have demonstrated that the Mid-Cingulate part of the brain Cortex is stimulated during emotional distress.

Under observation, when this part of the brain is in overdrive or being over stimulated during stress, gastro-intestinal effects develop. Patients develop spasms of abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea.

This explains why stress is an important trigger of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and by reducing stress you are helping to control your Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

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    Irritable Bowel Syndrome: First Post.

    February 27th, 2007

    If you ever find yourself driving through a dense forest and you are on the only road through, and you are not sure where it is taking you, then you may have an idea of the concerns Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers confront each and every day.

    As you drive along, you phone familiar people who should know the way but they are not sure. The Sat Nav says you are on the right road but a week ago it led you to a dead end.

    You know where you want to be but you feel you may bypass your target.

    What is beyond the bend ahead? In Irritable Bowel Syndrome, no one knows. The road ahead may be smooth and straight and the shortest distance to your destination. On the other hand it could be bumpy, tortuous and lead you away from your end point.

    Hello! My name is Phil Hariram. I am a retired General Practitioner. I have spent over 27 years treating patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I have used conventional medicine, alternative therapy, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and acupuncture to treat IBS.

    My views on Irritable Bowel Syndrome are not shared by the rest of the medical profession. Using hypnotherapy for treatment of various illnesses gave me an insight into the real problem that confronts IBS sufferers.

    In this blog I will address all sides of the problem. I will outline the safe knowledge but importantly I will introduce ideas to challenge the conventional basis of why Irritable Bowel Syndrome is such a heavy burden to the sufferer, the health professionals and the health providers.

    Either way I plan to make this blog interesting, fun and an invaluable resource for you.

    Dr.Phil Hariram.

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome Guide.

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