Irritable Bowel Syndrome (ibs) – a Functional Disorder

by admin on August 20, 2010

Food becomes an important part when affected by IBS. There is no one food which triggers this problem. Any food which is high in fat, insoluble fiber (which cannot be dissolved in water like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals and caffeine (in any form like carbonated beverages, tea, coffee and even decaf) can cause this problem. Soluble fibers on the other hand are our saviors. They can get through problems like diarrhea and constipation. An increased fiber diet really helps you beat this problem. But excess of anything can be trouble. Other than helping you out from this mess it may push you further into it. There are no specific treatments which can cure IBS problem but by using preventive measure we can relieve the symptoms. A change in ones lifestyle can make a huge difference to fight this condition. Some dietary changes, changes in medicines as well as counter attacking stress-related problem make a lot of difference.

Home Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Instead of having one large meal, eat small meals which will not add too much stress on your digestive system.

Another method of treating this syndrome is by the use of hypnotherapy. It is one of the drug-free solutions to combat this problem.

Avoid stress by doing some relaxing activities like reading, chatting up with your friends, listening to music and many more.

In dietary changes avoid all the fatty foods like French fries, cheese, ice-cream, chocolate, alcohol and many more.

You can include soluble fiber in your diet such as rice, pasta and noodles, oatmeal, barley, fresh white bread, turnips, sweet potatoes, avocados, papayas and many more.

Drink enough fluids to remain hydrated as well as to have smooth bowel movements.

Avoid gas generating vegetables like beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and onions.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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Tagged as:Bowel, Disorder, Functional, Irritable, Syndrome

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Peppermint Oil For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

by admin on August 21, 2010

Irritable bowel syndrome is a painful and frustrating disorder of the intestines that is very difficult to treat. It causes cramps, gassiness, bloating, and alterations in bowel habits and is called a functional disorder because there is no visible sign of the disease when the colon is examined. Although irritable bowel syndrome causes a great amount of pain and distress, there is not any damage actually occurring in the intestines. The symptoms range from mild to severe and depend upon the person. Some people may experience diarrhea, while others may have constipation, and still others may experience both. This disorder is caused by hyperactivity of the intestine, with individuals having irritable bowel syndrome to be more reactive to stressors and diet than usual. Researchers also believe that irritable bowel syndrome can also be caused by emotional problems or significant amounts of stress. Although everyone experiences queasiness as a response to everyday stress or certain foods, those with irritable bowel syndrome have and exaggerated response.

Irritable bowel syndrome is very common, being one of the most frequent problems seen by family physicians. Because so many people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, the disorder results in significant socioeconomic costs along with a reduction in quality of life for many individuals. A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome will have abdominal cramps and pain, sometimes severe and disabling. The person’s bowel movements will be irregular and range between diarrhea and constipation. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal bloating, passing of gas, nausea, lack of appetite, heartburn, belching, disrupted sleep, fatigue, anxiousness, and depression. A person diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome will have the continued presence of the above symptoms for at least three months and all other intestinal conditions including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, inflammatory conditions of the stomach or pancreas, ulcers, infectious disease, or gastroesophogeal reflux disease will have been ruled out.

There have been a few natural alternatives to the over-the-counter drugs that are prescribed by doctors. These include enteric-coated peppermint oil and clown’s mustard, which both have significant amounts of scientific research behind them and have been demonstrated to benefit individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. Clown’s mustard, also called wild candytuft or bitter candytuft, is a white-flowering plant from Spain. However, it is also grown in Britain, France, and the United States. Its key components are glycosides and flavonoids that have specific actions on the gastrointestinal tract. There has been a great deal of impressive research on clown’s mustard, in conjunction with other herbs, which has proven great success on those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have proven that clown’s mustard can reduce symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Clown’s mustard can also help those who suffer from symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome as a result of long time medications for cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases that have caused erosion of the stomach lining and ulcers. Reglan, which is often prescribed by physicians to reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, is not only an effective medication, but it also has numerous side effects. These side effects include fatigue, anxiety, agitation, jitteriness, insomnia, yellowing of the skin or eyes, changes in vision, hallucinations, and seizures. Because of its serious side effects Reglan can not be taken for a period longer than twelve weeks. When comparing Reglan to clown’s mustard, both give the same improvement to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, side effects occur much more frequently with those that take Reglan verses those that take Clown’s mustard and Clown’s mustard has no limit on the duration of use.

Peppermint oil has also been shown to relax the intestinal muscle. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome in Great Britain are currently being prescribed peppermint oil by physicians, where it has been used as a digestive aid to soothe upset stomach for many generations. Recent research has proven that peppermint oil shows significant effects on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These good results caused additional studies of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome. Because straight peppermint oil is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach, studies have concluded that enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil deliver the benefit directly to the intestines, rather than to the stomach. An enteric-coated peppermint capsule that contains rosemary and thyme is extremely effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome because all three oils are classified as volatile oils, which are derivatives of plants that impart taste and aroma, The combination of these three oils can provide a great deal of relief to irritable bowel syndrome related pain.

Both clown’s mustard and enteric-coated peppermint oil can be taken together, but depending on the symptoms, people with irritable bowel syndrome may want to start with one supplement and then add the other one if it is needed. Both of these formulas are available at health food stores, natural product supermarkets, pharmacies, and from health professionals. Most sales personnel and health professionals that are knowledgeable about medications can direct consumers to the most effective products. When purchasing peppermint oil, be sure it is enteric coated, so that the oil is prevented from being absorbed in the stomach. The enteric coating on the capsule will deliver the peppermint oil directly through the stomach to the small intestine and eventually to the colon, where it can give the maximum benefits. To treat an irritable colon, 0.6 ml per day of enteric-coated peppermint oil is recommended by the German Commission E. This product can also be purchased in capsules. Sometimes, the enteric-coated peppermint oil can cause a burning sensation in the rectum when moving bowels. If this occurs, a simple reduction in the dosage will cure this. Those individuals who must refrain from alcohol should not take clown’s mustard in an herbal tincture, which could possibly contain alcohol.

Along with the above natural alternatives, irritable bowel syndrome patients have some other options to help themselves feel better. Because food allergies or food intolerances may be associated with irritable bowel syndrome, determining which foods cause episodes of irritable bowel syndrome and eliminating them from your diet can be very helpful. Reducing saturated fat, limiting calories, and increasing fiber can also be helpful in preventing symptoms that occur after a meal. Since stress also stimulates the intestinal hyperactivity, relaxation training, listening to therapeutic audiotapes, hypnosis, counseling, or biofeedback may help to reduce some of the irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Peppermint Oil and other natural supplements are available at your friendly internet vitamin store.

Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality supplements like Peppermint Oil for Irritable bowel Syndrome. Please link to this site when using this article.

Tagged as:Bowel, Irritable, Peppermint, Syndrome

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For My Tummy – 7 IBS Diet Principles

 Special Offer: Get Permanent Relief From IBS in 7 Days Guaranteed!For My Tummy – 7 IBS Diet PrinciplesDavid December 8th, 2007

Tummyblogger over at ForMyTummy.com recently blogged about 7 diet principles when it comes to IBS. I have to agree with all of her principles especially #1. I always start my day with a nice fiber-rich bowl of cereal such as Raisin Brand or Fiber One. It gives me confidence knowing that I’ve put down something solid so I won’t find myself having to run to the bathroom as soon as I get to the office.

I’m also a strong believer in principle #6 which has to do with getting off your butt and exercising. Now I go to the gym 3-4 times a week for two reasons. First off, it’s good for me and I enjoy staying fit and secondly and more importantly it reduces stress so I’m less likely to have an IBS stomach issue.

Here’s the full list tummyblogger has put together on the blog:

Principle 1 – Never eat on an empty stomach
Principle 2 – Get actively involved in food shopping
Principle 3 – Read all food labels in the store
Principle 4 – Start with an elimination diet
Principle 5 – Emphasize fruits and vegetables for added foods
Principle 6 – Move and grow
Principle 7 – Add these to your new diet

If you haven’t tried exercise and/or a strong fiber diet, I highly recommend you start there first. It will take a week before you really notice a difference but you’ll be glad you did. I also drink green tea which has helped as well. Soda and coffee don’t get along well with my stomach which I figured out by doing an elimination diet (principle #4).

Foods That Cause Constipation – The Things to Be Avoided

 Special Offer: Get Permanent Relief From IBS in 7 Days Guaranteed!Foods That Cause Constipation – The Things to Be AvoidedDr John Anne December 13th, 2007

Constipation is often the result of a poor diet. It is important that you eat a healthy diet that consists of foods that help your digestive system to work properly. It is just as important that you avoid foods that cause constipation. Since constipation is something that can affect anyone, it is important for you to know what foods are beneficial to the prevention and treatment of constipation and what are the foods that cause constipation so that you can limit or avoid the intake of these foods.

A Healthy Diet in Constipation

It is essential, not only to your overall health, but also in the prevention of constipation that you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetable, foods high in fiber, and foods that provide Omega-3 fatty acids. Your healthy lifestyle should also include planning your meals and maintaining a daily schedule for eating. Eating on a schedule will help your digestive system to stay on a regular schedule, which will aid in the prevention of constipation.

Foods to Avoid in Constipation

There are many types of foods that cause constipation. You should limit or eliminate your intake of these foods in order to prevent the onset of constipation symptoms. While constipation can occur in anyone and is not a serious illness, repeated bouts of constipation can lead to more serious illnesses. Sometimes constipation is a side effect of a medication or illness. If you are taking the medication or suffer from an illness that may involve constipation as a symptom of the illness, you should try to avoid foods that make the risk of constipation higher. Here are some common foods that cause constipation:

How can you tell the difference betweeb IBS and Celiac Disease?

Sasha C asked:

My stomach has been very weird since I was stationed in VA.
I saw a show about Celiac Disease and swore up and down that I was going through the same things.

I am always tired, I have constipation/diarrhea in alternation, sometimes I’m bloated, my allergies change (one minute I’m allergic to wheat and can eat dairy and then I am lactose intolerant and can eat wheat), my body really shuts down at times,…

It’s not so bad now but I begged my doctor to test me for Celiac and he told me I was overexaggerating and it’s just lactose intolerance. I wanted to smack him because I don’t even eat a lot of dairy products and I knew it was the wheat doing those things to me. Ironically, some months later, dairy products tore me up but the symptoms weren’t the same.

I had a colonoscopy, everything and all my test results came back negative. SO, how can you REALLY tell whether it’s IBS or Celiac?

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How will IBS affect my life? What changes to my diet should I make?

AG asked:

I have been diagnosed with IBS today, but I don’t really know what it means! Of course I understand the medical side, but I don’t really understand how it is going to affect my life if at all.

I have always been incredibly regular, but this changed after visiting Cambodia (3 months ago). My doctor has checked for parasites etc and has made the diagnosis of IBS. He thinks the travellers diahorea I experienced on holiday has brought to light my IBS. My boyfriend is really pleased that I don’t have parasites. He said having parasites would be serious but that IBS isn’t.

I am really confused though! I am currently living in Japan and have a doctor who doesn’t know me.The information I have on the internet says I should change my diet. However, one website says eat insoluble fibre but another say eat soluble fibre! All I know is that I have lost weight, feel tired and am spotty.

I have found the IBS Network but instead of making me feel better I now want to cry!

Please help!

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Foods That Relieve Constipation

As you probably already know, constipation is classified as a person that only has three bowel movements or fewer in a week. Their stool is hard and dry and sometimes it can be painful to pass. You also may feel bloated, clogged up, and full.

You might hear people tell you that it’s healthy to have a bowel movement at least once a day. While that may be true for some people there actually is no “right” number of bowel movements a typical person should have. Everybody is different and just needs to figure out your body’s normal number of bowel movements. There are many factors that determine this such as the type of food you eat, how much you exercise, how stressful your life is, etc.

At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for a short time and is not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it. If you have IBS with constipation you probably already know how important fiber-rich foods are to your comfort.

The major cause of constipation is unhealthy eating habits and you’d be surprised how quickly you’d have a bowel movement after changing your diet for a few days. Fiber foods are also important in helping to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body. They are not easily digestible by the intestinal tract hence putting them in the position of bulk forming enhancers and enable the feces to pass easily.

If you don’t already include foods like bran, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your daily diet it’s time to start now. In short, all high fiber foods are part of the .

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends you eat 20-35 grams of fiber a day but in order for a high-fiber eating plan to work its magic, you have to do three things:

Reach the higher-fiber target (of 20-35 grams of fiber a day) almost every day.Spread your high-fiber foods throughout the day so it works better on your bowels.Drink plenty of water and other non caffeinated, noncaloric liquids/beverages throughout the day as well. Fiber works better in the intestines if there is plenty of water to go with it.

For me, I found my solution by learning from someone else who has lived with constipation for many years. She travels three times a month (and probably just like you and I), her constipation was worse on the road. After reading her step-by-step e-book and learning her techniques, I was able to prevent my constipation in the future. I’ll include a picture and link to her e-book below if you’re interested in getting a copy.

Now I usually start the day by waking up and drinking a large glass of water and then eating a bowl of Raisin Bran or Fiber One. Just make sure to pick a cereal (or oatmeal) that has a lot of fiber and ideally low sugar. Look at the side of the box when you’re at the grocery store for the number of grams of fiber it contains. Having this for breakfast helps me have a bowel movement usually right after lunch or on a good day a few hours after breakfast. I also eat lots of green vegetables and drink green tea. The green tea helps in more than one way and is a natural way to help cleanse the body.

To help relieve constipation in the fastest and most painless way possible, try following some of these tips which have worked well for me:

Change your diet and start eating more fiber on a daily basis. I’m not asking you to drop all junk food and just eat spinach but instead try something like a bowl of high fiber cereal in the morning, 1 to 2 slices of whole-grain bread with peanut butter & a banana for lunch, and steamed vegetables with brown rice and a meat dish.Drink water regularly and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups. At least 6 glasses of water a day would be very great and therapeutic. Large amounts of water aids quick digestion and enables easier bowel movement.Get regular exercise which will help your digestive system stay active and healthy. You don’t need to become a great athlete. A 20 to 30 minute walk every day may help. I personally go to the gym 2-3 times a week which also helps me reduce stress.Add fiber supplements to your daily intake. Products like Fiber Choice, Metamucil, Konsyl, FiberCon, or anything basically containing psyllium husk powder will do the trick. You may get gas the first couple of days while your body gets used to the additional fiber but give it a week and the gas will pass (no pun intended).

I hope these tips help you as they’ve certainly helped me with my constipation and diarrhea as well. Bulking up your stool by eating fiber really helps push out and clean your bowels so besides feeling better, it’s a healthy way to live.

If you’ve got any questions or comments, please add them below. As you can see, I’ve added direct links to the fiber supplement products I mentioned above. You can order them from Amazon.com without having to make an embarrassing trip to the grocery!