Irritable bowel syndrome affects women twice as much as men . It results from a defect in intestinal motility which is amplified by stress and anxiety .

It causes abdominal spasms due to contraction of the colon, flatulence, colitis sometimes alternating with periods of constipation, as well as headaches and back pain in some people, although medical examinations do not reveal any abnormalities.

An evil originally still unknown

The causes of functional colopathy (another name given to irritable bowel syndrome) have not yet been fully elucidated. Researchers at the University of Toulouse * have identified a cause: an enzyme - trypsin-3 - which increases the permeability of the intestines and makes the digestive nerves hypersensitive to the slightest movement of the colon and rectum.

But how is this protease disturbed? An imbalance of the intestinal flora , in particular an overabundance of Candida albicans yeasts, is often mentioned. A food intolerance, especially to gluten , is also likely to create a low-noise inflammation causing these disturbances.

Mood disorders also play a role. "A Chinese study has shown that patients with irritable bowel syndrome have higher anxiety and / or depression scores than other women," says Dr. Jacques Médart, author of "Take care of the irritable bowel naturally" ( Thierry Souccar).

The effectiveness of hypnosis demonstrated

"One of the applications for which hypnosis has provided the strongest evidence of its effectiveness is irritable bowel syndrome," says Betty Mamane, author of "The Fabulous Powers of Hypnosis" (Belin ed.).

Antispasmodic drugs and gastrointestinal dressings help to alleviate the problem, but not everyone. For patients refractory to conventional treatments, the results obtained by hypnotic suggestion are very interesting.

An Austrian study, published in 2013 in the journal American Journal of Gastroenterolgy **, shows that ten hypnosis sessions a year actually fade pain and improve physical well-being.

Ban irritating foods for better comfort

To avoid stomachaches, it is better to make a cross on raw vegetables and fruits that contain small nondigestible seeds, such as raspberries, passion fruit or kiwis. Also limit coffee and fat as they intensify digestive sensitivity.

And greatly reduce your consumption of FODMAPs, hard-to-digest sugars that ferment in the intestines and cause pain. They are found in Jerusalem artichoke, dandelion, cherry, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, onions, leeks, mushrooms and cashews, as well as many dietary cakes and confectionery " Sugar free ".

Soothe naturally with peppermint

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends this medicinal plant to soothe intestinal spasms and irritable bowel colitis. It can be used as herbal tea: a c. to s. of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water, let infuse 10 minutes before drinking (3 to 4 cups a day after meals).

The essential oil (HE) of peppermint is also indicated. Ask your pharmacist to prepare gastro-resistant capsules containing 180 mg peppermint EO. To be swallowed three times a day, half an hour before the meal.

* https: //gut.bmj.com/content/early/2017/01/17/gutjnl-2016-312094
** https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23419384