Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome affects each person differently. The hallmark of IBS is abdominal discomfort or pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms include crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

An expert panel has outlined a list of symptoms common in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Doctors often use this list of symptoms, known as the Rome II criteria, to distinguish IBS from other intestinal problems. Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of symptoms you have had for at least 12 weeks in the last 12 months. It always involves abdominal pain or discomfort along with two of the following three characteristics:

• Pain or discomfort relieved by defecation

• Change in the frequency of bowel movements

• Change in the appearance of stools

Nongastrointestinal symptoms

You may sometimes have other symptoms that don't affect the intestines, such as:

• Anxiety or depression.

• Fatigue.

• Headache.

• Unpleasant taste in the mouth.

• Backache.

• Sleeping problems (insomnia) not caused by symptoms of IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome diet

It's natural for anyone to think that IBS attacks are linked to food and drink. Sometimes the episodes are brought on by stress or other situations, but in many sufferers, food and drinks do play an active part in triggering symptoms. The success of the dietary treatment of IBS lies very much in individualized patient assessment, planning and follow up; there is no blueprint of generalized dietary advice which will work for everyone. We will all react differently to the manipulation of our diets.

A diet that will help one may not be as effective for the other, but following certain basics will help.

-- Never skip your meals, especially breakfast. Eat small quantities at regular intervals. People who skip meals put on more weight since they tend to overeat.

-- Reduce your fat intake.

-- While eating meat, make sure that it is lean and without any fat.

-- Before cooking chicken and any bird remove skin and trim excess fat.

-- Fiber, fiber, more fiber. It will work wonders if you have IBS.

-- Avoid fried food, fat laden fast food, and foodstuff made of refined flour. Opt for wholegrain flour instead.

-- Limit your intake of sugar

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Some common causes of IBS may include the following.

-- Eating in large quantities

-- Being on too much medication that interferes with normal digestion

-- Eating too much chocolate, milk products like cheese, and wheat can cause IBS in some persons

-- Consuming too much alcohol

-- Too much tea or coffee

Natural Remedies

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is widely used for irritable bowel syndrome. It is thought to reduce the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines and easing excessive muscle contraction there.

Although peppermint oil is available in many forms, it should only be used in enteric-coated capsules otherwise the oil can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn.

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Have you been experiencing chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and constipation? Those are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It is a functional disorder of the bowel, not a disease by the way. However if not treated, its symptoms could get worst actually interfere with your work, and your ability to live life to the fullest. Moreover, it can also aggravate hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of irritable bowel movement, however, are not only limited to chronic intestinal problems. Irritable bowel syndrome can also affect one's state of mind. Having this functional bowel disorder one is also likely to experience sleeping and sexual problems, depression, anxiety, headache, backache, heart palpitations, as well as urinary symptoms. However, through appropriate diet, exercise, periodic colon hydrotherapy and counseling sessions, the symptoms can be alleviated, although for some cases, doctors might actually prescribe medications for diarrhea, colic, and depression.

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is undetermined up until now. However, the disorder is known to be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and other gastrointestinal diseases. Not eating a balanced diet can also worsen the symptoms as the bowel seems to have sensitive reaction to certain chemicals. It is believed that the elements somehow interfere with the communication between the brain and the bowel, causing the muscles to contract abnormally. The spasms may in turn affect the movement of the wastes in the colon causing diarrhea or constipation.

The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome includes medications to help decrease diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pains as well as anti-depressants to relieve the symptoms. A change in diet is also recommended for people who suffer from the bowel disorder. They should start getting used to a diet less in caffeine, alcohol, and fat. Instead, their diet should include more fiber and adequate water intake.

Also since irritable bowel syndrome is stress related, a range of psychological treatment including psychotherapy and behavioral therapy, hypnosis, meditation and biofeedback training are beneficial. Moreover, natural colon cleansing supplements and procedures are recommended to be included in the health regimen. These colon cleansing supplements are made from natural sources rich in fiber which can help in relieving the symptoms as well as promote regularity in bowel movements.

With the popularity of colon hydrotherapy as an effective naturopathic treatment for many ailments concerning the bowel, it is also considered as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. This cleansing procedure eases the passage of the wastes, lessening abdominal pains. And since the procedure is very efficient in cleaning the colon, one tends to loose several unhealthy weight of accumulated toxic wastes. In truth, one can reap an abundance of benefits from colon hydrotherapy besides weightloss and relief from diarrhea or constipation. One can also be relieved of skin disorders as well as mental and emotional strains which are likely caused by the waste build-up.

Although irritable bowel syndrome is not exactly a disease, it is a condition that could worsen and make one's life difficult and less enjoyable. Thus, it is strongly advised a person suffering from the disorder should take the necessary steps in treating the symptoms. The treatments are not at all difficult, all it requires is precaution and the effort to live a healthy lifestyle in a healthy environment. Speaking of which, undergoing colon hydrotherapy sessions in a stress-free unpolluted area like Maui, Hawaii would be ideal for your journey to good health.

Come Visit our Colon Hydrotherapy fasting Clinic in Maui, Hawaii. We use a special mineral element sea water formula that creates miraculous results with clients. From clearer skin, to losing a pound a day, to healing emotional traumas people come visit us from all over the world and order from our online store.

Bentyl

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Factors influencing motility of the colon, among others, food, medicines, emotional problems, stress, nervousness, anxiety and depression are all considered possible IBS Symptoms.

With regard to dietary treatment we must take into account the time involved in this extended illness, to reduce symptoms and improve the general condition.

When you are in stage of diarrhea, besides the pain, there is loss of water, electrolytes and nutrients, making it extremely important to control these IBS Symptoms. Suppress the intake of dairy and meat, while a good IBS Diet factor is egg white for hard to make proteins.

As part of an IBS Diet cut down on fatty acids, and use only small amounts of corn oil, also cut down on carbohydrates, eat only rice, corn flour, meal, semolina noodles, cookies, dry bread to improve IBS Symptoms.

Increased consumption of vegetable broths, with salt, water, fruit, wines, is fine for an IBS Diet. Fruits and vegetables, such as, apple peeled, cooked or grated, banana, carrot, pumpkin, are all good for IBS Symptoms.

Reduced lactose with lean white cheese, fresh mozzarella, ricotta cheese, yogurt, in small amounts, according to tolerance are reasonably well tolerated in relation to IBS Symptoms.

In an IBS Diet you should begin to incorporate first white meat, such as chicken, fish, then the later on red meat, cooked vegetables, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peeled or cooked fruit, peeled and raw fruit and then when fully normalize bowel function has returned, well-washed raw, leafy vegetables, dried fruit, vegetables, whole grains, so as to slowly increase the input of fiber to reach the recommended daily levels to prevent constipation, an IBS Symptoms.

In case you are in the stage of constipation, an IBS Diet should include increased consumption of fruits like citrus, kiwi, plums, and not consume apple, banana or quince, as they are astringent. Consume much more wheat bran, leafy greens, beets, other vegetables to ease constipation IBS Symptoms.

Increase fiber intake by selecting according to the symptoms (pain, flatulence)

Make a small amount of fatty acids included in each meal, such as cream, oil, cream cheese, etc. For dairy in your IBS Diet choose whole white cheeses and yogurt

Take in plenty of fluids, preferably cold water, juices and jellies.

General Recommendations for IBS Diet when IBS Symptoms occur include, outside of the stages mentioned above, food should be varied, and in smaller more regular meals (4 to 6 meals) to avoid them being very heavy, containing both types of fiber (soluble and insoluble) respecting the recommendations and providing adequate calories for each individual according to weight, age, activity and physiological status to ease IBS Symptoms.

Harmonize food intake (carbohydrates 50 to 60% Protein 10 to 20% and the rest of the calories supplied by fat with increase in polyunsaturated fats), choose lean meats and low fat dairy, avoiding extreme temperatures in the IBS Diet (very cold or very hot), use soft and aromatic seasonings, lower sugar and salt, drink water throughout the day, not soft drinks, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, if possible do not chew gum or smoke to avoid IBS Symptoms.

Darrell F with advice on coping with IBS and tips on IBS diets

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Irritable bowel syndrome is a kind of functional chaos. It means that some of the symptoms can be noticed but there is no structural deformity in the body. Irritable bowel syndrome also known as IBS is a functional disorder in which a person is suffering from some kind of disorder but there is no structural malfunctioning in any part of the body system, only the physiological conditions of the body will be changed. The main symptoms which can be generally seen in the people who are suffering from the Irritable bowel syndrome are the disturbance in the interaction of the brain, intestines and the nervous system. IBS is also known as the irritable colon, spastic colon, 'nervous stomach' and 'mucous colitis'.

There is an amazing fact that the fruit juices especially grape and apple juice contains high amount of fructose which can be more problematic than any other fruit. It is much easy to drink a glass of juice than to eat the same amount of the raw fruit but the complication in digestion of the fructose can be more difficult in the earlier case. There are many fruits like peaches and apples and vegetables like carrots, peas, broccoli and cabbage and also the cereals, breads and beans contain high amount of fiber which help in making the bowel movements easier by helping the stool to come softly and in bulk.

Another preventive measure for the treatment of the Irritable bowel syndrome is the use of peppermint. Peppermint is known for its anti-spasmodic property which helps in relaxing the muscles of the intestines and making them smooth. If a person is using the peppermint supplements then he must also try the coated capsules which help in causing the heartburn. Peppermint also helps in providing relief from the pain of the abdomen, IBS and diarrhea. The main components of the peppermint are menthol and methyl salicylate which help in making the stomach calm and also provide relief in intestinal tract.

Another cure can be the use of SEROVERA®. It is a dietary enhancement which is generally used by the individuals to get relied from the gastrointestinal disorders. So this can be a help along with the peppermint. Also if a person is suffering from the diarrhea then he must drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily instead of having the carbonated drinks like sodas and colas.

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IBS is the short form of Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the ordinary disarrays that we can observe these days in a large amount of people. Since the symptoms and signs of this health problem is so awkward that a lot of people do not like revealing the issue to others. The indications related with IBS comprise abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, incomplete evacuation, urgency of bowel movements, bloating, head ache, gastro esophageal reflux and back pain.

It can be divided into four categories. These four groups of IBS include diarrhea predominant (IBS-C), predominant (IBS- D), IBS with irregular stool prototypes (IBS-A), constipation and IBS that happened after a severe infection (IBS-PI).

Regrettably the precise reasons for emergence this disease remains unidentified to the therapeutic world. The contraction of IBS that happens in the intestinal area of the human body appears to be excessively fast that lasts longer than usual. The food that gets into the intestine will be pushed rapidly causing diarrhea, bloating and gas, in the persons having IBS.

It is at all times better to discuss with a doctor to get an effectual cure for irritable bowel syndrome. Discussion with a physician will as well assist you to keep away from the happening of some other chronic chaos that shows the similar signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable Bowel cure generally involves a sequence of clinical tests that include Lactose intolerance test, Flexible sigmoiddoscopy, Computerized tomography, Colonoscopy and normal Blood tests.

In view of the fact that the actual reasons of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are not identified by the medical world a majority of the times IBS cure will be restricted to treating the signs that comes related with the illness. It is likely to control the serene symptoms of IBS by controlling the stress and altering the life style the person suffering from this disease. For this reason altering the pattern of the consumption habits plays a vital role in the IBS cure.

As a part of IBS cure a physician might advise to eat ample amount of fiber food such as methylcellulose and psyllium by the person suffering from IBS. Eating of these fiber food stuffs is known to be effectual in IBS treatment.

The other curing forms for IBS include anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-depressant medicines and anti-cholinergic medicines. People having this problem will as well be recommended by the doctors to keep away from high gas foods from their every day diet as a part of their IBS cure.

By: Franchis

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Get more information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that affects more than twenty percent of Americans and is in the top 10 most common chronic medical condition in USA. Sufferers with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have abdominal pain often eased by defaecation. In addition there is associated bloating and altered bowel habits and form. Constipation and/or diarrhoea are common.

At present no one knows the exact cause, no one treatment is effective in a large group of patients and there is no cure. In fact medical treatment has fallen well below patients' expectation.

Although no one can give you a specific cause for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, there are various suggestions. There is a higher incidence of abuse in IBS patients (Talley et al 1994: 50% of IBS patients reported abuse). In addition at least 20% of severe gastroenteritis (especially bacterial) develops Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Recently trials on a poorly absorbed antibiotic raises the possibility of another cause. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles studied Rifaximin and found it to be very effective in controlling symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Working on the theory that IBS is caused by bacterial overgrowth, they used Rifaximin, a non-absorbed antibiotic. This drug stays in the gut and is not absorbed into the blood stream.

Mark Pimental, MD at Cedars-Sinai linked bloating to bacterial fermentation by using Lactulose breath test to diagnose Small Intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This test monitors levels of hydrogen and methane on the breath. These two gases are released following bacterial fermentation. Rifaximin was shown to reduce the bacterial level and significantly reduce Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms in these patients.

The Lactulose test plus the significant benefits of Rifaximin suggests that small Intestine bacterial overgrowth may be a causative factor in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Leonard Weinstock, MD at Washington University tested 254 Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers that met the Rome 11 Criteria by using the Lactulose test and found Small Intestine bacterial overgrowth in 161. The patients tested positive for SIBO showed significant improvement of IBS symptoms following Rifaximin treatment.

It seems that Small Intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a possible cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and when recognised by a positive Lactulose breath test, a very effective treatment is Rifaximin.

This gives strength to the argument that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by bad bacteria. More trials are needed. In addition not all patients have a positive Lactulose breath test. It is, however, an exciting and encouraging new avenue to pursue. At present Rifaximin is approved by the FDA for use in traveller's diarrhoea.

Dr.Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner. He has treated IBS patients for 27 years. He understands why hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for IBS. His ebook, "Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You take control." gives a unique insight into how IBS is viewed by the Subconscious Mind and how it can be altered for better and lasting control of IBS. http://www.healingibs.com

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What causes irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS? Currently, the answer to that question is unknown, which disappoints the many people who suffer from this disorder. Theories have suggested that IBS might be a result of abnormal gastrointestinal tract movements, along with awareness of bodily functions and a change in the nervous system connections between the brain and the GI tract.

Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, can sometimes bring about irritable bowel syndrome. This could be because the flu causes irritation and inflammation to the stomach and intestines. IBS also has been said to be a result of allergies or sensitivities to foods- that theory however was never proven.

Symptoms can worsen at certain times- for example when a person is more stressed or going through a menstrual cycle, but IBS is not caused by these factors. Some symptoms commonly associated with IBS include gas and stomach bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes mucus can be passed from the rectum and the abdomen can become distended.

If the symptoms are severe or constant, a visit to the doctor is in order. There are other symptoms that are not associated with IBS but might be mistaken with the disorder. These include bloody stool or urine, vomiting, black or tarry stools, pain and severe diarrhea that interrupts sleep, and weight loss.

The easiest way of treatment for IBS is preventing the symptoms from occurring. This can be done by maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foods that trigger the IBS to show its face.

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It all comes down to understanding what the best possible foods for you to eat
are. While each person will experience additional specific controls with the help of their doctor, most can benefit from these specific changes:

Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.
Consume the right amount of fiber.
Reduce the amount of highly fatty foods and fried foods in your diet.
Instead of three large meals, eat six smaller ones.
Remove foods with fructose and sorbitol from your diet.
Reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeine in the diet to as low as possible.
Take a daily pure aloe vera supplement like Aloeride.

Doing these things is likely to help improving your diet and therefore improve your overall health including the reduction in IBS symptoms. Your doctor may have more detailed and specific directions for you to follow as well. Follow anything he says closely for the best results.

Considering Fiber
When it comes to IBS, many individuals need to carefully manage their fiber intake. Too much fiber leads to diarrhea where as not enough can cause constipation. What do you need?

The best thing to start with is to consume a variety of different types of fiber. You should consume fiber from fruits, whole grains and from vegetables. The best way to actually get your fiber and benefit from its overall ability is through these natural resources. Your body needs fiber for several reasons. For example, the gas that is produced by fiber is necessary to stimulate your colon muscles as well as to help soften your stool.

But, for some individuals that have IBS, this does cause a number of problems in the process. Adding too much fiber is usually the reasoning behind the discomfort that you face. For that reason, you should start to consume additional fiber from your regular diet slowly, monitoring how much you are getting in any one day.

The best ways to get these specific fiber additives is to consume foods that contain them including citrus foods, flaxseeds and legumes.

Conclusion
The end result is that the foods you eat, both good and bad, effect the way that your body reacts. By finding out what foods cause you to suffer and removing or limiting them, you can clearly see benefits in the long term when it comes to your overall health.

By eating a well balanced diet, taking your daily aloe vera supplement and restricting foods that trigger your IBS symptoms, you can inmediately and dramatically improve how often and how severe those symptoms can be.

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Sharon James runs a successful alternative health website offering information on how aloe vera can relieve IBS symptoms and cure other digestive disorders

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IBS is caused by a motility disturbance of the intestines that may result from increased intestinal sensitivity to distension. Stress or the consumption of fatty foods, milk products, certain fruits or vegetables (e.g., broccoli and cabbage), alcohol, or caffeine may cause similar symptoms. It is best described as a functional disease. The concept of functional disease is particularly useful when discussing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. IBS, however, does not cause inflammation and should not be confused with ulcerative colitis, which is a more serious disorder.

IBS can be very discomforting and painful. Most people are able to continue their daily routine but some have irritable bowel syndrome bad enough that they are unable to work, or travel. It is diagnosed in up to 60% of patients seeing a gastroenterologist . The disorder ordinarily affects people between the ages of 20 and 40 years, although people over 40 often suffer this affliction. IBS is best managed by a gastroenterologist.

Symptoms usually include bloating, abdominal pain, and stomach cramps. On the other hand there are those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, that experience the other end of the spectrum and are plagued with constant diarrhea or loose watery stools. Symptoms often occur after you have eaten a big meal or when you are under stress. Women may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.

Doctors do not fully understand all the factors that may cause IBS. They know that IBS does not lead to other, more serious problems. Doctors used to focus on ruling out other diseases and conditions. Now, doctors turn most of their attention to . Doctors are not sure what causes IBS. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS.

By: John Mash

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To learn more about ibs treatment tips, be sure to check out my website irritable bowel syndrome secrets.