Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatments

March 2, 2009 by  
Filed under IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that needs several kinds of advice and medication for those who suffer from it. If you still haven’t found the ideal irritable bowel syndrome treatment for you, or have currently been looking up various irritable bowel syndrome treatments, you may have noticed that there are different remedies to do so. There are various ways to figure out which irritable bowel syndrome treatment is best for you by taking a few steps to get rid of irritable bowel syndrome from your life completely.

First and foremost, find out about the various irritable bowel syndrome symptoms out there. If the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms have been there for a while now, you should recognize them as you research. Another great way is to visit your local doctor and convey the problems you’ve been going through. You will then be tested to see if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or not.

If you get diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, you should figure out what the best irritable bowel syndrome treatment there is for you. Even if there is no diagnosis, you may still be able to find different ways to treat the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that you’ve been experiencing.

One way to help your irritable bowel syndrome without being invasive is by finding holistic irritable bowel syndrome treatments. Various teas and herbs are available that can be used as a remedy and are effective no matter how bad or acute your irritable bowel syndrome is. Holistic ways are a great and simple way to help irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and are relatively safe.

If none of these works, you can make some changes in your diet by keeping record of all of the food that you eat and checking which ones you can completely get rid of. There are several foods that may be triggering your irritable bowel syndrome and these must be changed or taken out of your diet completely. Soon, you will be an expert at knowing which foods you really need to avoid eating.

If this still doesn’t work, check what medications your doctor will allow you to take. Before taking any, however, make sure you know its side effects and whether it is right for your type of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome comes in different variations that may make your body react differently. If the response to the medication is not positive, stop taking it and have a talk with your doctor.

Know that there is a ton of possibilities open for you to use and never stop researching on the subject, so you can keep finding a better kind of irritable bowel syndrome treatment. By researching and keeping track of what works and what doesn’t, you can eventually completely get rid of irritable bowel syndrome and live a completely normal life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

March 2, 2009 by  
Filed under IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a disorder that affects the large intestine of the body. It is sometimes also referred to as spastic colon, spastic bowel, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, irritable colon, or functional bowel.

The large intestine produces and stores stool in the digestive system. When someone suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, bowels are either squeezed too little or too much. Because of this, muscles and nerves become very sensitive. Food digests then moves either too slow or too fast through the intestines and causes irritable bowel syndrome symptoms to appear. Some irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, excess gas, abdominal cramps, and a bloated or swollen abdomen.

If these irritable bowel syndrome symptoms occur over a long span of time, a doctor should be consulted. IBS is very common; around twenty percent of Americans suffer from IBS at some point in their lives. If you are one of them, remember that you are not the only one suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome is unclear. All that is known about it is that it causes the bowels not to function correctly. Other than that, the causes are pretty much obscure.

Certain things are pretty clear, though, such as the fact that stress makes things worse. Although stress doesn’t cause IBS itself, it can make it worse. Stress is known to cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms to appear and make things uncomfortable. Events that cause high levels of stress, such as the loss of a job or a spouse may lead to an entire slew of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can also be attributed to one’s diet. Some foods can actually cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms appear like they do with an allergic reaction. Usually, dairy products, caffeine, fatty foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol can increase the chances of irritable bowel syndrome to appear. Wheat products, tea, and citrus fruits may also be certain perpetrators.

There are some foods, though, that may also get rid of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, such as those high in fiber; they keep constipation to a down-low. Apples and peaches are some fruits high in fiber, while carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and peas are some vegetables high in fiber. If you like to eat cereal or bread, make sure you opt for whole grain kinds.

If you are not quite fond of vegetables and fruits despite their health benefits, opt for a pill or supplement that is high in fiber to battle IBS.

Always watch what you eat and keep track of which foods may cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Keeping a list of the foods that you eat every day helps you identify which foods are causing IBS. Once you figure it out, avoid them; this is a small price to pay for a longer and more fulfilling life.

Home Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrom

March 2, 2009 by  
Filed under IBS

The first thing doctors do when you mention irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is list a variety of medications you should take to control it. However, if you aren’t fond of taking medicine everyday, you may need other types of therapy. You can control your IBS and make your own decisions on how to treat it. The best thing is that whether you are medicated or not, there are things you can do from home to relieve your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

If you are more comfortable with alternative medicine or natural treatment, then hypnosis may be the cure for your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. There are three kinds of people when dealing with hypnosis: those who don’t believe in it, those who love it, and those who have never even tried it. Once you try hypnosis, you may be quite surprised at its positive effects on both your body and mind, including your IBS.

Hypnosis relates to irritable bowel syndrome through the person’s personal stress level. When hypnosis is effective in reducing a person’s overall stress, those with IBS also tend to see less irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Basically, hypnotists are capable of putting you into a deep relaxed state that will bring about positive thoughts on your health.

This can even be practiced at home. You just need to learn about self-hypnotherapy while at home or during professional hypnosis treatments. It is quite similar to deep meditation. If you put time aside to work on both your mind and your body, you will relieve stress and be able to cope with your IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment also relates to adequate sleep. Research has shown that those who suffer from IBS and don’t get their eight hours of sleep have more irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Therefore, this type of treatment is really cheap, though you have to set aside a schedule for it. Just try to get into bed half an hour earlier than usual every nigh and soon you’ll be getting the eight hours you need to treat that IBS.

If you have tried yoga before, you will know why a lot of people are into it. Not only does it keep you in shape, but it also helps you clear your mind of stress and let you relax. It also happens to be very effective in aiding irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Yoga deals with both the mind and the body, which is what those who suffer from IBS should focus on. A lot of positions in yoga are designed for better overall digestion and to ease irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Yoga can easily be done at home and you can even get a DVD with basic yoga moves to help you get started.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome–Fight IBS, Change Your Diet

March 2, 2009 by  
Filed under IBS

Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, it is recommended to find a new diet to consume for a better digestive system. With a proper diet, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may be prevented. Several foods are also used to battle irritable bowel syndrome, all of which will lead you to the path of normal digestion.

Keep in mind however that diet may not be the cause of your irritable bowel syndrome. Knowing this will help you find several ways to battle IBS since it is a digestive tract problem and there are several foods that can irritate that area. Also, keep in mind which foods you need to avoid. Those that cause gas are great triggers for irritable bowel syndrome. By avoiding such foods, you will live in more comfort and won’t be too bother by your IBS problems.

Fiber should be a major addition to your diet, in order to loosen intestinal muscles and letting the digestive system function better for less IBS problems. This can be found mostly in vegetables and fruits, but they can also be found in whole grains. If it is hard for you to add these foods to your diet, try adding them at a snail’s pace to give your body time to adjust. Make sure you get there in the long run, though.

Six to eight glasses of water should be consumed every day, though this depends on your size and how much you eat. Water helps the digestive tract move easier and gives it extra fluids. Adding more water to your daily diet will never damage your body and the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms will stop happening.

You can also change the amount of food that you intake in order to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome. Many times, the intestines have trouble digesting because of massive food intake, so it is advised to eat smaller meals during the day and preferably have five or six small ones. Your metabolism will get steadier and your muscles will get more relaxed in your digestive tract, lessening the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Leave certain foods out of your diet and have several smaller means to balance out your body. The right digestion will then come to you. Food will be easier to digest and you will be able to prevent irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Although the diet may not even be linked to the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, they may lessen the discomfort that comes with IBS.

Coping with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

March 2, 2009 by  
Filed under IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome can be a very embarrassing state of affairs for some people. Because of IBS, a lot of people avoid the social scene and head into a state of depression, which could affect overall relationships, jobs, as well as health.

It is possible to cope with irritable bowel syndrome, though. The first thing you need to do is find a trustworthy doctor who will prescribe medications to alleviate the pain of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Proper exercise and a sensible diet can also help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Proper diets can help lessen the pain and give the body some nourishment at the same time for a happy and productive life.

It is important to be open about one’s irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is quite common and should be treated like any other disease. Being able to accept your irritable bowel syndrome is a big step, so start telling close friends and go from there. You won’t need to tell everyone about your IBS, of course, but talking about IBS to those close to you can help fight off depression and let out bottled feelings.

When taking part in a social event, there are some things you can do for extra caution against IBS. Find out where the restrooms are right away and make sure you can leave when you start feeling very uncomfortable.

Knowing where the restrooms are will be a huge comfort and security to you since irritable bowel syndrome can hurt a lot. If you are in great pain from IBS, do not leave home; you will only end up miserable. A lot of people have small bladders and other predicaments that may cause them to go to the bathroom a lot. Not one will notice, so just be confident when you hit the social scene to have fun.

Although iIrritable bowel syndrome cannot be completely cured for some people, there are some home remedies that help many people to effectively manage IBS. IBS must be learned to live with slowly but surely. Support groups exist that may help others with irritable bowel syndrome. Knowing that there are others who have irritable bowel syndrome may be a comforting fact and stop you from hiding indoors all the time. Doing so may only lead to more health problems, such as severe depression.

Irritable bowel syndrome should never rule over one’s life. The body must be taken care of through proper exercise and a healthy diet, in order to cope and build up confidence. Situations may be a little hard to handle at times and things may get awkward, but laughing about it will allow you to live life to the fullest despite having inner bowel syndrome. Coping with inner bowel syndrome only seems impossible, but it actually gets easier with time.

Gut Health – Maintaining Gut Health

February 21, 2009 by  
Filed under Gut Health

It is tantamount for the gut to have a proper balance of good and bad bacteria for good gut health. The good bacteria are known as probiotics. Yoghurt is rich in this. Cheese, kefir, fermented vegetables are a few other examples. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods which enhance the growth of certain bacteria. They are present in dairy products, confectioneries, meats, onions, bananas, chicory, leeks, etc. Any deficiency in the body of these can be made up with gut health supplements.

A few gut health supplements are probiotics to enhance the flora of the gut, supplement of digestive enzymes, omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and flax seed, butyrate supplements to line the fag end of the colon, zinc supplements, in case the subject has lost zinc in a recent episode of diarrhea. Betaine hydrochloride and enzyme supplements to digest proteins (ulceration cases need to avoid). Kniepp wet packs, Cayce Palma Christi packs help contain gut gas formation. Ginger helps in facing nausea and flatulence. Anti-microbial herbs to chuck out infection causing parasites, over growth of bacteria, for examples, oregano oil, grape seed, olive leaf, caprylic acid, goldenseal.

Gut Health by RPN is a probiotic with rave gut health reviews by users, as a staple food supplement. It is known to reinforce the gut lining, destroy pathogens, reduce gut gas formation, improve digestion, reduce indigestion, reduce bloating and boost immune system.

A four step gut healing program, each to be followed by the other after 1-2 months:
1. Removal of inflammation in the gut by removing conventional unnatural foods from your diet.
2. Addition of digestive, pancreatic, liver enzymes through organic supplements.
3. Reinforcement of the gut with prebiotics which will also fight pathogens.
4. Repair of the gut with cod liver oil, aloe, licorice and vitamins.

A few home remedies to set right gut health which could be considered are:
1. Taking fresh flax seed – ground or pressed.
2. Reducing intake of refined carbohydrates and citrus juices.
3. Every meal could have a little whey in yoghurt, kefir or sour milk. Yoghurt made of goat’s milk helps gut healing and maintain gut health.
4. Consuming Vitamin K rich stuff like alfalfa, yolk of eggs, etc.
5. Taking sprouts having proteins in easily digestible form.
6. Consuming cod liver oil regularly.
7. Papaya juice and raw cabbage juice are good for gut health.
8. Herbs like comfrey, aloe vera, cinnamon, caraway, peppermint, chamomile are helpful. Aloe curbs the immune system from releasing poisons into the gut and helps gut healing.
9. Chronic diarrhoea could be contained with dried blueberry with cinnamon.
10. A millet cereal along with banana does much good.

A few simple tips which you may follow to have a squeaky clean and smooth functioning gut are chewing your food well, taking small portions of meals at frequent intervals, eating slowly and following a diet rich in whole grains, fibers, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, eggs and lean meat.

A gut health diet is no different from a balanced healthy diet. But yes it is different from the balanced healthy diets prescribed for reducing weight. Food allergens like dairy products and wheat could be avoided. Cold water and cold eatables could be avoided. Enough water intakes should be ensured. Physical and mental exercises like yoga helps a lot. A good sleep at the end of the day is a must.

Gut Health – Gut Disorders, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis

February 21, 2009 by  
Filed under Gut Health

You need guts to do this, to do that…you would have often heard of this phrase ‘guts to do’. Today you will know how this phrase came about. Gut health gives you holistic health and as such making you capable of meeting any challenge thrown by life, physical or mental. And that is how the phrase came into being.

The gut or the technically known gastrointestinal tract starts right from our mouth and extends all the way up to our anus. Digestion and assimilation of food and absorption of essential nutrients from the food takes place in the gut.

Food is broken down into smaller portions and salivated in the mouth. Esophagus helps the food reach the stomach from the mouth. In the stomach the acids and enzymes secreted assimilate the food. Pancreas secretes alkaline juices into the stomach to neutralize acids and enzymes. Some portion of food gets absorbed by the stomach.

Further breakdown and absorption takes place in small intestine and large intestine. Gall bladder releases bile into the small intestine to enable it to break down fats. Liver receives the nutrients absorbed by stomach and intestines, through blood.

The gut is lined with mucus with trillions of both good and bad bacteria of some 400 species. The numbers in the colon are double that elsewhere. There are many parameters affecting these numbers like, age, gender, diet, medications being used, surgical procedure undergone, etc. They, among other functions, help resist infection, diseases and also promote immune system of the body. Ideally the number of good bacteria should exceed the number of bad bacteria to maintain good gut health.

The most likely disorders which are going to visit you if your gut health is not healthy are constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, peptic ulcers, bowel cancer, diverticulitis , colonic diseases, etc.

The most likely causes which would have played truant with your gut health are inadequate digestive enzyme production, inadequate acid production, lack of good bacteria, bacterial infection, food allergens, sugary low fiber diet, sickness, antibiotics, aging and stress.

The symptoms which should set you running to the doctor are, marked change in bowels, blood in bowels, painful bowel movement, incomplete bowel movement, feeling of incomplete bowel movement, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, difficulty in swallowing, stomach ache just before or soon after meals, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weariness along with these other symptoms.

The tests likely to be performed to diagnose gut health problems:

1. ELISA food allergy test to find out the allergens which cause adverse reaction in an individual.
2. Stool analysis test for excess of parasites, bacteria, fungi in the gut.
3. Test to confirm the presence or otherwise of leaky gut. Sometimes a portion of the small intestinal wall becomes permeable (leaky gut) allowing harmful bacteria to seep through to other parts of the body and cause infection. This also leads to mal-absorption, disruption of blood sugar and insulin levels, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain and moodiness.
4. Test for poisonous gas in the gut is performed. Sometimes poisonous gases get released in the gut and absorbed by the body. Certain disorders ensue. The condition can also deplete the body of some minerals.

If your gut health is in disarray, take corrective gut healing steps to restore your gut health. Because you need guts to take on challenges other than maintaining gut health.

Constipation Treatment

February 20, 2009 by  
Filed under Constipation

Constipation is a big problem for a lot of people who wake up every day wanting to move their bowels but just end up frustrated. There are, however, various ways to address this digestive problem without resorting to medications. All it takes is just a simple change in lifestyle and eating habits. After that, all else should fall in the right places.

One of the many home remedies for constipation is resorting to a fruit diet. Countless fruits helpful in giving that desired constipation relief. With the exception of banana and jackfruit, all fruits are sure cures for constipation. Among the most effective ones are bael, guava, pear, orange, papaya and spinach. Sixty grams of bael fruit sweeps out the intestines even of those old stuck up faecal substances. One or two guavas a day provide the much needed fiber in the diet.

Chronic constipation, more specifically, could be dealt with a medium-sized pear after dinner. Food residues that usually settle in the colon are gone with just two oranges, one after dinner and another for breakfast. Papaya for breakfast would also provide the much needed laxative for the stomach. Last but not the least, an organic and tested recipe to help with constipation by cleaning and reconstructing the tracts of the intestines is that which contains raw spinach. These fruit regimens, when continued for a month or two should bring back the digestive system to its good old self.

Other effective constipation remedies that could be observed regularly at home includes drinking hot water squeezed with lime or a teaspoon of linseed after meal for enough lubrication in the stomach and intestines.

Some changes in the diet might also prove to be helpful natural remedies for constipation. Keeping the diet natural and simple is easy when it is stuffed with cereals and wheat meals along with some fruits on the side. Foods that cause constipation that should be avoided include sweets, rice, bread, cakes and pastries, cheesy and oily foods, as well as products consisting of white flour. However, curing constipation does not stop at eating the right food. It extends to chewing and enjoying your meal at regular hours of the day.

Eating properly should always be coupled with exercising regularly, preferably at least two times a week. Outdoor sports such as jogging, swimming, tennis, or simply walking for a few hours would surely help eradicate the symptoms of constipation by strengthening the muscles of the body

It should be put in mind though that when confronted with severe constipation, one should avoid straining your body to let it out of your system because it is likely to cause bleeding, hemorrhoids and anal fissures. What is even worse, some people especially the elderly strain themselves too much to the point of raising their blood pressures and causing the situation to aggravate or puts them at the risk of getting heart failures in the toilet.

Thus, when constipation reaches intolerable heights, one should not hesitate to go to a doctor because ignoring it would not solve the problem at all.

Boosting Up Gut Health – A Basic Guide to Probiotics

February 20, 2009 by  
Filed under Gut Health

With the busy lifestyle we are practicing now, it is inevitable that we usually eat unhealthy food products. Add a little bit of overnight alcohol sessions, stress and lack of proper exercise, on that one and we end up having a badly shaped gut health. Yeah, that’s right – our gastrointestinal system suffers for these. Fast food products may pack some energy to boost us for the day but these food products also contain a lot of preservatives and other undesirable compounds. In due time with our current lifestyle, these will cause the development of toxins in our gut health.

In normal settings, our intestines contain millions of bacteria. These are both good and bad bacteria. On default, the good bacteria overrun the bad bacteria. This setting helps our immune system and other body systems to function well. We are able to put up a formidable defense system to resist possible infections because our immune system is boosted up by our good bacteria in our gut health. But due to our currently bad gut health diet, sometimes bad bacteria overgrow the good ones.

And so, this would result in a great imbalance. When this imbalance occurs, our gut health is being sacrificed causing a chain reaction within our other bodily systems. We tend to have low resistance to common diseases, and we get sick easily. Because of such, we must therefore fortify and maintain a good gut health.

Regular intake of a balanced diet coupled with some nutritious green vegetables can help maintain a robust gut health. Some gut health healing food also include yogurt. However, this is not entirely enough since we are not able to maintain intake of nutritious food all the time. Overtime, toxins still find their way into our intestines because of environmental factors. And so, this is where gut health supplements called Probiotics come in.

A great example of this one is RPN Gut Health; this probiotic contains floral bacteria that settle in the large and small intestines. These bacteria will help maintain and conserve the balance within our gut health. With this health aide on our side, our gut health will be healthier than ever – enough to fight the imbalance in our system. RPN Gut Health contains a superior good bacteria strain of Lactobacillus casei which are called KE99. Aside from the stated functions, this probiotic eliminates protein related gastrointestinal distress (gas).

It also improves intestinal membranes – giving exemplary efficiency of digestion within our intestines. Another unique feature of this probiotic is that it hinders pathogens which are the causes of some diseases. RPN Gut Health also aids in the prevention of bowel irritation. And further more, this also reduces Nitrogen excretion thus increasing the absorption of protein within our body. These functions make this probiotic very vital in maintaining the balance within our gut health.

With the knowledge garnered above, we can truly say that the key to a good gut health is through maintaining the ever tenacious balance of the ratio of good and bad bacteria. So if you want to have a formidable resistance against diseases, always remember that your gut health does a good number of protecting it.