IBS is caused by a complex interaction between biological and psychosocial factors.   This interaction means the cause of IBS and its exact pathophysiology remains unknown.

Although an exact cause is unknown, research suggests the following factors may be involved: changes in gut function (motility), increased sensitivity to foods or environmental factors, changes to the immune system which lives in the gut mucosa, changes in gut flora and changes in the messages that are relayed between the Central Nervous System and the Enteric Nervous System.   The ratio of these factors is different in different people or changes within the same person over time.   Strong emotions or environmental stress can increase motility in the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon

Rome III is a set of diagnostic-based criteria which defines and subtypes IBS according to characteristics of your stool (which provides clues in relation to intestinal transit time), and the reported accompanying abdominal pain.   There are four subtypes: with constipation (IBS-C), with diarrhoea (IBS-D), mixed (IBS-M), alternating (IBS-A) or unsubtyped .

About Tracy Tutty
I'm a medical herbalist and stress therapist and I've also had IBS.   I say had because, thankfully, it's no longer a part of my life.   I know what it's like to have to rush out of a meeting at work because the tell-tale bowel cramps have just started and I know I've got 20-seconds, tops, to get to the loo.   IBS is not life-threatening but it sure can mess with your life.

As a result of those experiences, I am now totally focussed on helping IBS sufferers regain control of their lives and move towards their goals.   IBS is a functional disorder.   This means there is a mind and body aspect to it.   It's also highly individual; what works for one person may not work for another; or what works now may not work in the future.   At least, that was my experience of it.

Because I have a personal interest in IBS, I make sure I'm constantly reading the latest research and talking with others, exchanging strategies and techniques.   I offer an IBS clinic at the Petters Pharmacy Wellness Centre in Crouch End, North London on Saturdays and on Thursday evenings I have an IBS clinic in London Bridge at Snowsfields Wellness.   I prefer to approach IBS in a holistic manner. Where appropriate I combine Western Herbal Medicine with Stress Therapy, Reiki healing or Life Coaching.

To book an appointment with me (Tracy Tutty) please call:

Snowsfields Wellness 41 Snowsfields, London, SE1 3SU - Tel: 020 7407 9910