The Best Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cure?

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on December 13th, 2007

It is the most common intestinal disorder in the United States but its true cause is still not known. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has several symptoms with many being similar to other intestinal disorders, which is why tests must be run to rule out other possible conditions before a definitive diagnosis can be made. Another factor that has baffled the medical community and patients alike is that there is no irritable bowel syndrome cure at present that can treat the underlying cause of IBS.

Primarily, irritable bowel syndrome is a dysfunction in the digestive system. The dysfunction is thought to be triggered by a number of factors, although as mentioned the cause for IBS in unknown.

One theory speculates fungal infection in the gut flora, which encourages abnormal production of digestive enzymes, and chemicals that stimulate intestinal activity and irritate the lining of the intestines, resulting in IBS symptoms, like abdominal cramping and hyper-motility (abnormal movement).

If this is the case, there might be a possible treatment for the fungal infection with the use of antifungal and antibacterial medications. These can eliminate excess microorganism population and return the gut flora environment to normal, and so positively affecting the digestive functions of each healthy bacteria and microorganism present.

Another theory is that IBS sufferers have a faulty communication process between the brain and the gut caused by hormonal changes, chemical reactions or abnormal neurotransmitter messaging. These breakdowns in communication may be alleviated by medications that correct hormonal and chemical imbalances.

Neurotransmitter disruptions may not be as easy to treat but proper rest, physical activity and diet are found to be very effective in supporting brain function, which is responsible for directing the activities of the stomach, intestines and colon.

Psychological factors are also found to have an impact in the development of the chronic intestinal conditions as well as possibly aggravating pre-existing symptoms and underlying diseases. Stress and anxiety plays a huge role in altering chemical reactions, neural responses and intensifying the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Proven stress-relieving techniques consisting of proper dietary changes, exercise and adequate sleep should be incorporated to improve the affected person’s lifestyle. This mental approach can help those who are suffering from the condition for a long time.

Diagnosis is an important tool in determining the proper treatment regimen for an irritable bowel syndrome sufferer. Some usual methods would be X-rays, physical examination and stool tests to identify some specific factors that may lead to the right treatment plans.

The key to finding an irritable bowel syndrome cure is to eliminate the main causes and trigger conditions. When treatments are merely addressing the symptoms of IBS then these only these will be effected giving just temporary relief.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t joined already, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other IBS complications like IBS with constipation.

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How to Reduce IBS With Constipation

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on December 6th, 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome is generally associated with irregular rhythmic contractions of the intestines, which cause abnormalities in the way that the intestines work. Although IBS with constipation is considered to be less common than the other types of irritable bowel syndrome, it is a condition that can cause a person pain and a great deal of discomfort.  Especially as the relief that is normally felt with defecating is often not available to them.

One of the ways that has been shown to help with constipation, and also with reducing anxiety and stress, which can be triggers for IBS symptoms, is exercise.

Stress can complicate IBS symptoms.  Reducing your level of stress can help improve IBS symptoms and effectively regulate your bowel movements, thereby lessening the chances of pain and discomfort caused by constipation.

Stress disrupts the intestine’s normal function.  The more stressed your are, the higher the tendency for your intestine to cramp and squeeze overly hard which will cause your partially digested food to move through your intestine at a slower pace, thereby resulting in constipation.

Exercise also helps the intestines function normally by stimulating the intestines rhythmic contractions.

When person exercises, he or she moves his or her muscles in a way that helps effectively regulates how his or her bowel moves.  Sustaining simple low-level exercises, such as brisk-walking or jogging for a few minutes everyday can help in regulating bowel movement. 

In doing so, it allows a person to manage his or her IBS symptoms, if not eliminate them completely, since it stimulates intestinal contractions to function normally.  Waste material can now move at a healthier pace. 

Physical activities can help reduce if not eliminate other symptoms of IBS too, including abdominal cramping and bloating since it normalises bowel motion. 

Carrying out exercise is a normal state of being. Up until about 20 years ago most peoples jobs required some form of exercise, either to get to their place of work or to carry out their job.

It is no small wonder that the sedentary lives we lead, along with the adoption of diets that are high in fat, sugars and salts, and relatively low in foods that are nutritionally rich has led to more and more “environmental” illnesses.

Exercise sessions that are small and regular are better than infrequent sessions, even if those sessions are longer. You can try walking around your neighbourhood, or biking around the local park.  Or if you are more keen, then join the local fitness club – but the key is to continue with the regime on a regular basis to see the health benefits.

If exercising is difficult to do or sustain for you, you can always resort to other forms of remedies for your IBS with constipation.  However, having an exercise regime will greatly increase your chance of being able to handle your IBS with constipation by controlling your bowel movements naturally.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t joined already, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other IBS complications like the one we’ve covered today: with constipation.

 

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Spot the Signs and Get Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Relief

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on November 29th, 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a condition that can easily be diagnosed with a simple test. It has symptoms similar to that of other intestinal disorders, and so there needs to be careful diagnosis to ensure that another, more severe condition or infection is not causing the symptoms. A symptom will only be considered a irritable bowel syndrome symptom once other conditions have been eliminated from the diagnosis.

The cause of IBS is not known.  However, there are a number of factors that seem to impact IBS these are:

- That there is an increased reaction to toxic substances in the gut, this is referred to as visceral hyperalgesia.

- That there is a bacterial infection or overgrowth that is causing the IBS symptoms.  In some studies carried out on people IBS showed that around 80% of them had a bacterial overgrowth

- That IBS could be due to a previous infection or occur after a course of antibiotics.

- That food allergies, intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods may play a part in triggering IBS

- That stress may cause IBS.   There are a number of ways that stress or anxiety may effect IBS.  The intestines house the enteric nervous system that connect to the brain, and it is these nerves that control the motor functions of the colon and can cause discomfort at stressful times.  Many people have experienced this if they get butterflies or cramps when hit by certain emotions, usually nervousness or feeling upset.

- Hormones seem to have an effect on the symptoms of IBS, with more women reporting worsening symptoms when hormone levels change during menstruation.

According to the Rome process (This was devised by the Rome Working Team to help better define and diagnose IBS), abdominal pain must be present for a true IBS diagnosis to be considered.

Diet can greatly help reduce the symptoms of IBS, by both regulating the trigger foods, and helping alleviate symptoms by increasing the intake of complementary foods.  For example increasing the intake of fiber can ease the passage of digested matter and help bulk out and soften stools.

A person will generally have more control and go through less pain during toilet trips by consuming twenty five to thirty grams of soluble fiber everyday. Soluble fiber can be found in foods like bread, cereal, wheat, oats, bran, fruits and vegetables.

The way a person eats should also be considered to further assist in the digestive process. Instead of eating large meals three times a day, smaller more frequent meals four to six times a day can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms of abdominal cramping and distension, as well as improve the frequent episodes of alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Water is indispensable in keeping the digestive tract cleansed and flushed, which will reduce stimulation and irritation in the area as well as soothe contractions. Eight to ten full glasses of water everyday is usually adequate to promote blood circulation and muscular control in contraction and digestion.

Abdominal gassiness and distention are basically caused by air accumulation and as the air increases, the pressure can lead to pain sensations. Air can accumulate from swallowing during meals, so chewing food thoroughly is vital to reduce symptoms and try not to gulp air when drinking.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to overcome every irritable bowel syndrome symptom but by taking preventive measures people can effectively start to combat them and improve the quality of their lives.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on how to overcome Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms.
 

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Top Diet for IBS Tips and Strategies

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on November 15th, 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort caused by the disruption of the intestine’s normal function.  One of the contributory factors or triggers is certain food, and this is why a diet for IBS is so critical to achieve IBS symptom relief.

As well as the stomach pains and bloating which most people with IBS suffer, generally, as person will either be diarrhea or constipation predominant.

When the movement of waste material is too fast, it causes diarrhea, while slow movement of waste material causes constipation.  This usually occurs when the waste matter is either pushed too hard or not hard enough through the intestines, or the content of the food and drink that has been consumed promotes either of the conditions.  If the partially digested food’s movement through the intestine’s normal, then it should produce a stool that is solid but is soft enough to be easily excreted.

One way of improving the digestion process in order to ease IBS symptoms is by incorporating fiber to the diet.  Soluble fiber particularly helps relax the gastrointestinal tract, as well as improve the way the intestine’s function.

Adding fiber to a diet helps regulate bowel movements, especially since soluble fiber helps soften the texture of your stool, making it easier for the undigested food in your stomach to pass through.  However, introducing fiber into your diet should be done gradually in order to help your body adjust to the change. 

Fiber-rich foods, such as cereals, vegetables and fruits basically help loosen bowels.  This is why stool passage through the intestine is made easy.  Although dietary fiber may help increase bowel movement, it may not necessarily help with the other IBS symptoms. 

Other symptoms such as discomfort, swelling and stomach-ache may actually get worse from increased fiber intake, especially with an increase of insoluble fiber.   This is why insoluble fiber needs to be increased in the diet gradually, and should not be eaten without being accompanied by foods with soluble fiber.

What soluble fiber basically does is it absorbs fluids and gels that the colon produces which aid the movement of fecal matter through the intestine.  The gel that the fiber absorbs helps smooth the passage of the stool effectively helping prevent and relieve constipation. 

The gel also helps ease the hold of the intestinal tract on the stool, especially during normal bowel contractions, which helps relieve constipation.  These same gel fluids on the other hand help make the fecal matter of diarrhea patient’s gain more bulk and become more solid.  It also adds more body and constitution to the stool help prevent diarrhea and improve your bowel movements. 

Soluble fiber particularly is also helpful in regulating muscular spasms and contractions to aid gastrocolic reflex.  If used properly, it allows you to add bulk to your stool and help it move through the intestines more quickly.

Adding fiber into your diet helps improve your bowel movement.  It normalizes intestinal contractions and improves your digestive tract’s condition.  A fiber-rich diet for IBS will greatly increase your chance of relieving diarrhea and constipation.  Just make sure that you use fiber with care in order to make your diet work for you.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other ways a  special diet for IBS can be effective in relieving symptoms.
 

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The 5 Categories of Irritable Bowel Treatment

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on November 8th, 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation, abdominal pain and discomfort. Although the true cause of the disorder is unknown, health care professionals and natural healers have worked together throughout the years to offer effective and efficient types of irritable bowel treatment.

The goal of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms present in the condition and to promote optimum health for the individual.  Although, what is sometimes missed from a treatment plan are steps to identify the root causes and triggers for the condition in the individual.

Although there seems to be no specific cure for the disorder, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms and manage them so there is minimal impact on a person’s lifestyle. The good news, although it may not feel like it, is that irritable bowel syndrome despite being long-term in nature, does not progress or lead on to other diseases or trigger other conditions.

Several techniques and approaches have proven to be useful for sufferers to allow them to live a normal productive life. There are five categories that have been established for IBS identification and treatment.

Since irritable bowel syndrome is an enteric condition, diet plays a very important role in the cause, effect and treatment. Those with IBS symptoms might already be aware that several foods may either be helpful or detrimental to their condition and either irritate or soothe the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

In general there are certain foods that trigger IBS symptoms more than others, although everyone’s reaction will differ. It is advisable for IBS suffers to avoid irritating foods that are high in fat and insoluble fiber as these may worsen the altered bowel pattern. Caffeine and carbonated beverages also aggravate the symptom of abdominal distension and gassiness, potentially leading to diarrhea.

Once diagnosed your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of IBS like laxatives, Anti-spasmodics or Anti-Depressants. The right medication regimen should be carefully considered to provide maximum benefits to lessen side effects and reduce adverse drug-to-drug interaction.  Although medication can help soothe the symptoms of IBS, they will not help resolve the root cause or triggers of the condition.

Unfortunately, some anti-spasmodic and anti-depressant agents may only intensify the symptoms associated with the condition so proper medical advice on the brain-gut physiology and action are essential.

Aside from food and drugs, adding supplements to the diet may be of great help in managing the symptoms of abdominal pain and inconsistent bowel movement. There are several supplements available that aid in the digestive and absorption process thus improving bowel action as well as stool formation and passage.

Probiotics, lactate enzyme and soluble fiber are some of the beneficial agents for proper gastrointestinal function that can improve and reduce the hypersensitivity within the bowels and reduce the frequency of muscle contractions in the intestines. They may also serve as neutralizing agents for possible trigger foods.

Since psychological factors have also been linked to the development of irritable bowel syndrome it’s interesting to note that there have been promising results from the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

The use of mental relaxation, biofeedback and anxiety relief techniques have also shown to be helpful in cases that are linked to these symptoms.

The irritable bowel treatment options mentioned in this article are not exhaustive, but whichever one chosen there must be a double approach to combating the condition.  On one hand there is the need to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms, and on the other is to remove or reduce the conditions or situation, which triggers the IBS attacks in the first instance.

Don’t forget, if you haven’t already done so, to sign up for the free IBS newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other Irritable Bowel Treatment options.
 

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Do You Know What An Irritable Bowel Syndrome Description Entails?

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on November 1st, 2007

Many people worry that their IBS may be the start of something potentially worse, or that they will not regain their quality of life after it has been torn apart by IBS.  In this article we lay out an irritable bowel syndrome description that helps clarify the condition, and also gives some information on how to manage the symptoms.

IBS is a functional disorder, which means that the condition is related to how the bowel works/ functions.  It is not a life threatening condition, although at some points it can feel that way. 

It is not a disease, it cannot spread to other parts of the body, nor is it damaging the intestines in any way. 

In fact, children with IBS will generally grow up with no developmental issues, in terms of physical growth or mental capability.

The symptoms of IBS include abdominal discomfort (pain, and distension), either constipation or diarrhea – or alternating between the two.  Generally a person will be more predisposed to either constipation or diarrhea, but they can just as easily switch back and forth.

It is a common disorder, and becoming more common every year.  Physicians will diagnose it after tests have taken place to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms, as there are no physical signs of IBS.

The symptoms of IBS are similar to those that can be shown by other conditions, and so these have to be eliminated from the diagnosis first.

Irritable bowel syndrome will generally not worsen over time and is not life-threatening. It will not progress or lead to other diseases although there is some evidence that it may in some people stem from an underlying disease or parasite infestation.

Generally, although IBS can effect the quality of someone’s life, it is not a condition that will lead on to more severe problems.

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. Some theories point to trigger foods or conditions being the main reasons for a flare up.

Other theories suggest hormonal imbalances or miscommunication between the brain and the gut affecting the contractions in the gastrointestinal area.

Another theory identifies the relationship between the disorder and psychological and emotional stresses which may worsen a patient’s current state.

One in five people are believed to have IBS, and women are three times more at risk for developing the disorder compared to men and certain drugs have been tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

Aside from being female, individuals can be placed at more risk if they are younger than thirty-five years old, have African ancestry, experience psychological or emotional trauma or abuse and a family history of irritable bowel syndrome.

Several links have been identified associating the disorder with stress and genetic predisposition that can aggravate an existing condition or put a person more at risk for developing it.

An irritable bowel syndrome description would not be complete without some information on where to go for further information on treatment.  For this you can sign up to our newsletter below if you haven’t already done so.

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5 Tips for Preparing Food Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on August 30th, 2007

Since Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a digestive system related problem, it is not surprising that what you eat can have an impact on the symptoms. Although few studies have been carried out about food, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diet there is a link that cannot be ignored if symptoms are to be relieved.

The symptoms of IBS can take some time to develop, and when they do it is always advisable to make an appointment with your doctor.  There are a number of conditions that share the same perceived symptoms of IBS and they need to be excluded from any treatment plan.

IBS is not considered as a disease, rather a disorder, or abnormality in the lower intestines, and there are no specific medicines for IBS. Doctors will normally try to treat the symptoms of IBS with the appropriate medication according to the symptoms displayed and dietary changes.

Many of the changes will revolve around adding more roughage to the diet, and which foods to avoid, but this does not really help in understanding “how” to eat the food to reduce the symptoms.

Here are 5 tips to help reduce the potential for an IBS flare up:

- Reduce the size of the meals that are eaten at each sitting.  Large meals can trigger symptoms by placing strain on the digestive system.

- Do not rush food, eat at a steady pace and chew the food thoroughly.  This will mean the food is well masticated (chewed) before it hits the stomach, which aids digestion and also less air will be swallowed with the food, which can also contribute to IBS symptoms and bloating.

- Eat food more regularly during the day (and of course reduce the size of the potions at each sitting).  If the stomach in empty it can become more sensitive and prone to flare ups.

- Try and make sure that foods like raisins, corn, and nuts are well chopped or ground before eating them, this will reduce the chance of these foods triggering symptoms.

- Avoid foods that mean you swallow a lot of air when eating them, like chewing gum or sweets.

Consumption of adequate water is important. Drinking water is required for the all the various bodily functions but it is all the more critical when it comes to IBS. If the IBS is constipation prevalent, water can help in softening of stool movement. And in case of diarrhea prevalent IBS, the same water can help in compensating for the loss of essential fluids.

Since we have already touched on some food items that can ease symptoms, it is also important to mention the food Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not okay with. The common items in this category are caffeine, alcohol, sodas and fried food. These items are considered as IBS triggers and for many will cause symptoms to flare up. They should be avoided or reduced in order to avoid the worsening of the condition.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on food, irritable bowel syndrome treatments and natural remedies.

When you find one of our blog posts interesting and useful why not buy me a herbal tea to fund further work.

Does Candida Albicans Really Cause IBS?

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on August 23rd, 2007

How can Candida albicans cause IBS? Or is it not a reasonable assumption that this is the case?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered as a functional disorder, which means that the condition impacts on the way the bowels work.  It is not a disease, and it does not lead to damaged tissue in the body.  Essentially, there are considered to be no risks of it causing other conditions in the body.

In the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract there are millions of micro-organisms that make up gut flora, They make up a weight of about 1 KG and there are more of them than there are cells in the human body.  These micro-organisms have an important role to play in the digestive process and they form an important defence against parasites and invading “unfriendly” bacteria. 

So, it is important that the gut flora is always well-balanced, otherwise health issues can arise like a candida yeast infection.

Candida albicans, is the most common type of candida yeast/ fungus, it normally lives in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of the human body. They are considered as part of the gut flora, which is responsible for breaking down food and fighting off other harmful micro-organisms.

As long as their numbers are maintained at a healthy level, they cannot cause any complication to health. However, there are occasions that Candida albicans can overgrow and cause a considerable health risk.

This can occur when the natural balance of the gut flora becomes disturbed by physiologic or psychological stresses. These stresses can include the overuse of antibiotics or other medication, a suppressed immune system, either through a pre-existing medical condition or medication, or through poor diet.

If this is the case candida albicans can begin to proliferate. The body will respond to this increase by triggering a more robust immune response.

Candida albican releases dozens of toxins, which could irritate the Gut and create feelings of heaviness, abdominal distension or bloating and severe diarrhea. Certain food and drinks may tend to have allergic effects on affected individuals and may cause inflammation of the colon.

Because of the changes to the process of digestion, absorption, the movement of the bowel and the muscular contractions in the intestine, they as well as the gastrocolic reflex may also become dysfunctional or inefficient – which of course mirrors the symptoms of IBS.

A candida infection can be relieved through a number of approaches, however a diagnosis is usually required to receive anti-fungal medication that may be effective.

Natural alternatives include a change in diet to an anti-candida diet, increasing gut friendly foods and supplements like introducing probiotic supplements, and restricting certain key foods to starve the candida overgrowth.

If you ask you doctor  “can candida albicans cause IBS symtpoms?” they are likely to say that it has not been proven.  However, there are many cases where people have shown that eliminating a candida infection, or adopting a anti-candida diet can make a difference to their IBS symptoms.

Probiotics can make a big difference to IBS symptoms and can help alleviate any candida overgrowth. Click on the link for more information about the benefits of probiotics.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more information on other IBS complications like the one we’ve covered today: can candida albicans cause IBS.

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IBS – Disease or Disorder?

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on August 16th, 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon, is a condition that impacts on the workings of the intestines.  But what is it, is IBS disease or disorder.

IBS is considered a functional disorder of the bowels, which means that the condition effects the way the bowels work.  It is not classified as a disease, and no physiological changes or damage occur to the bowels. It causes abnormal motor reflexes, and makes the intestines hypersensitive to stimuli.

Abnormality in bowel movement can cause a person to feel pain and discomfort, and other symptoms such as nausea, bloating and gassiness.  Also, bouts of constipation and diarrhea can accompany the condition.

Hypersensitivity of the intestines can cause people with IBS to experience pain from normal contractions, which would generally be felt as mild sensations in a person who does not have IBS. 

The threshold for intestinal pain for IBS sufferers seems lower than for people not suffering from IBS.  This means that simple process of digestion and elimination may pose a problem for them.

Another reason for IBS is that unbeknown to sufferers they may have food intolerance. This could mean that certain foods have an adverse effect on bowel movements and intestinal contractions, which can trigger their symptoms or worsen them. 

With this in mind, the type of food that a person includes in his or her diet is just as important as the type of food that they exclude from it.

If a person is lactose-intolerant, for example, they need to avoid diary products.  Lactose intolerance is quite common, and many people have intolerance without knowing it.  A simple test can be taken at most nutritionists to confirm if this is the case.

Another cause of IBS has been linked to a neurochemical imbalance.  Many people do not realise that there are more nerve endings in the gut than there are in the spine – this has led some scientist to call it the second brain.

Communication between the gut and the brain and vice versa occurs through the nervous system, and there has been some suggestion that an imbalance between two main neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine may cause IBS symptoms.

When serotonin levels increase then the symptoms are likely to be diarrhea related, and conversely, when the levels of seratonin are reduced then constipation may occur.

IBS may be caused by a number of things, some of which are purely dietary in nature, while others are more systemic issues

If you can determine what causes your IBS symptoms, then you should be able to manage your IBS and its symptoms.  Finding the triggers for IBS and eliminating, avoiding or restricting them can sometimes take some time.

It is useful to have a journal to write down notes about changes that have been made to diet and lifestyle to see what makes a difference for you.  Relieving IBS, disease prevention and better self-awareness will be more readily attained.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more IBS disease tips and ideas.

 

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The Top 5 Natural Irritable Bowel Syndrome Remedy Options?

Posted in Irritable Bowel Syndrome on August 9th, 2007

Suffering from IBS and looking for the irritable bowel syndrome remedy options that can help ease symptoms can be a long and drawn out task. In this article we lay out a few simple methods to ease the IBS symptoms.

Firstly, it’s important to maintain a diary to record the moments you feel you are stressed, foods that you may have an intolerance or allergy to, note the times when you feel relaxed, your food and drinking habits and all the minute things that directly or indirectly affect you.

This will allow you to better identify the trigger foods or situations that make IBS symptoms worse.  No two people with IBS are the same, and each will have different things that trigger the condition.

Secondly, exercise, relax, maybe even meditate or learn how to breathe deeply. Do anything to release tension and stress. Think and cherish moments of your life that make you feel good and liven up the spirit.

It is not clear why IBS is linked with stress and anxiety, but there are studies that have found that there is a connection.

One study found that about 60% of the people who had been diagnosed with IBS also meet the criteria for at least one psychological disorder, including General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and depression. So relaxation techniques can help in alleviating some of these problems.

Thirdly, eat a healthy meal, which is rich in fibers, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are required to keep the whole body healthy. Avoid junk food, aerated drinks, citrus fruits, vegetables like cauliflower, beans, red and black pepper and other items that can worsen the irritable bowel syndrome. Also, for many dairy products can trigger IBS bouts and if so they should be avoided.

Fourthly, have small proportions at meal times. Heavy meals can cause indigestion and increase symptoms. Keep meals short and simple is the thumb rule to follow here. Try to have water while having your meal but don’t drink it with every bite that you have as it prevents the formation of digestive juice.  Also, eat slowly, chewing each mouth of food thoroughly. This will reduce the amount of air taken in while eating and reduce gassiness.

Fifthly, you may try a hot bath. Hot baths can help relive stomach cramping. You may use other alternatives like applying hot bottles or compresses or heating pad to your abdomen.

Besides, keeping a watch over what you eat and drink you may use laxatives, anti-diarrheas, anti-depressants and other medications after consultation with your doctor.  The correct medication will depend on your needs and symptoms.

Finally, peppermint oil, partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum or probotics may be irritable bowel syndrome remedy options that can be explored. But it is often advisable to speak with your doctor before trying them, as there can sometimes be harmful reactions, which can lead to further complications.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally. In the newsletter you’ll also find more Irritable bowel syndrome remedy tips and ideas.

 

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