End Fatigue

Spastic Colon

Spastic colon is when you have gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation with a negative medical workup. When doctors do not know what is causing your symptoms, we give you the label of "spastic colon," instead of more effectively searching for the source of your symptoms.

The most effective way to eliminate spastic colon is to treat the underlying causes. This is sometimes a food sensitivity such as to the lactose in milk or the fructose in sodas. More often, however, it is caused by an infection, and in my experience most patients' spastic colon resolves when the underlying fungal and parasitic bowel infections are treated. Unfortunately, there is no reliable test for these, which is why they are missed. Suspect yeast overgrowth if you also have chronic sinusitis or nasal congestion. These also often go away when the fungal infection is treated.

In addition, do stool testing for parasites only at a lab that specializes in this. To treat the yeast infections that can cause spastic colon and sinusitis, avoid eating sweets and sugars which feed the yeast. For the chocoholics out there—and you know who you are—Russell Stover makes a wonderful line of sugar free chocolates. In addition, using high doses of natural, healthy bacteria called Acidophilus in pearls form (30 ct or 90 ct) along with Grapefruit seed extract and other anti-fungal herbs can be very helpful. While you're going after the underlying cause of a spastic colon, there are natural treatments you can take for symptomatic relief. For gas pains, begin with enteric-coated peppermint oil. If constipation is a predominant symptom, increase fiber and water, and take 200-300 mg of magnesium a day.

In our experience, spastic colon can usually be effectively treated.