Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Common Treatments
August 31, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Let’s face it – when we find ourselves having to run to the toilet more often than what we would like, we usually attribute it to something we’ve eaten, whether it be spicy food, or even a high fat diet. Even though these can cause an upset stomach from time to time, they wouldn’t result in you experiencing such symptoms regularly. In fact, if you frequently suffer from a sore stomach, constipation, or diarrhea, then there is a possibility that you may be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which of course is certainly more serious.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS as it’s commonly known, is by all accounts a chronic condition resulting in symptoms which can vary from mild to severe. While some people experience diarrhea, others are forced to endure painful constipation. Furthermore, the frequency at which these symptoms are experienced can also differ from one person to the next.
Fortunately however, IBS can be controlled to a certain extent by means of stress management and a change of diet. Even though there is currently no known cure, those who suffer from the condition can certainly find relief providing they’re willing to make some changes. It’s been determined that there are as many as 50 million people in America suffering from this condition, with 70% only experiencing mild symptoms, 25% experiencing moderate symptoms, and 5% experiencing severe symptoms. The symptoms which affect those in the 5% group are usually so severe, that specialist help might be required.
On the other hand, those who experience mild symptoms can usually find relief simply by altering their diets and by reducing stress levels. Those people who are in the 25% group, that experience moderate symptoms, will of course stand to benefit by reducing stress and altering their diet, but they may need to put in a little more effort. It is also advisable for them to keep track of which foods tend to irritate their condition. In the most severe cases, patients may be required to take prescription drugs in order to control pain at first, just as they may be required to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy.
One should also bear in mind that IBS affects different people differently, which means that treatments which work for one may not work for another. As such, if you are currently taking medication for the condition and you feel that it’s not working then you should of course discuss it with your doctor. Whatever you do; never be tempted to make adjustments to the types of medication you’re taking or to your diet without consulting a doctor first.
Above all, you need to realize that while IBS is by no means pleasant, it’s also not life threatening. If you currently experience the symptoms of this condition, you should however consult with a doctor so that you can be checked for more serious conditions that have similar symptoms to IBS, like colon cancer. Better safe than sorry!
7 Things you need to know about “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”
August 30, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
So many people experience regular abdominal pain and frequent bouts of diarrhea and/or constipation, but what many don’t realize is that it could be the result of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Additionally, many don’t realize just how serious this medical condition really is, rather than only being an inconvenience at times. In order to help you determine whether or not you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, here are seven things you need to know:
1) Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more common than you think.
It is estimated that approximately 25 to 50 million people in the United States suffer from this condition. Furthermore, IBS is more prevalent among women than it is among men. Of those who suffer from this condition, 60% are women while the remaining 40% are men. One should also bear in mind that this condition can affect anyone, irrespective of age.
2) The exact cause of IBS remains a mystery.
Contrary to what many people believe, IBS is not a condition caused solely by stress, although stress can of course make the condition worse. Many medical professionals have suggested that the condition is brought about due to a disturbance occurring between the brain, the digestive system, and the nervous system. Even so, the root cause has yet to be pinpointed.
3) IBS Symptoms are not always the same.
The symptoms of IBS can vary significantly between one person and the next. While some people may experience constipation, others suffer from severe diarrhea on a regular basis. In fact, some people experience both of these symptoms regularly. Unfortunately, irrespective of how the condition effects you, pain is virtually inevitable, and while it may be relatively mild in some cases, it can be extremely severe than others.
4) There is currently no known cure for IBS.
Even though the condition can be controlled to a certain extent through a combination of medication and stress management, the minute a person stops taking medication, or their stress levels rise, they begin experiencing the symptoms again. (That is why I don’t recommend this way of training IBS!)
5) IBS is often left unreported.
Surprisingly enough, the vast majority of people who suffer from this condition, do so for many years before they seek help. This is possibly due to the fact that many people are embarrassed about the condition. This is also why some people do report it but they don’t make it perfectly clear just how severe their symptoms really are.
6) IBS is becoming more and more common.
Gastroenterologists have declared that between 20 to 40% of all their patients are suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and are in agreement that most fail to seek help simply because they feel ashamed.
7) IBS should only be diagnosed by a qualified health care professional.
If you or anyone close to you regularly suffers from abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or excessive gas, you should immediately go and see a doctor. Irrespective of whether or not you are diagnosed as having IBS, a doctor would at least be able to check you for other, more serious, health issues.
Sex and Colon Cleansing
August 1, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
When you’re constipated, there are many things going on inside your body that you may have no idea of. For example, if you’re not moving your bowels in a proper fashion, it can lead to a build-up of toxins that get re-absorbed into the bloodstream. As the toxins rush throughout your body, they send your systems into a frenzy. Your body is fighting the toxins so hard that other functions just can’t be handled. What happens is your immune system lowers, your digestive system is already wrecked and your sex drive suffers.
How to tell if YOU are Constipated
At any time, over 4 million Americans are suffering from constipation. To say it’s almost epidemic is an understatement! And those are the ones actually going to the doctor for it, not the people simply using over-the-counter treatments. What’s important to know is that you can be having bowel movements and still be diagnosed with constipation.
If you have two or less bowel movements in a week, you can be classified as constipated. If you have to strain, or have incomplete bowel movements 25% of the time you go, you are constipated. Likewise, if you experience black, small, hard and pebble-like stools, or thin pencil-sized stools, you’re constipated.
It’s important to understand that constipation is usually derivative of an underlying cause. It can be something as simple as an improper diet or as severe as diabetes. You need to be aware that you don’t get constipated for no reason. Blood sugar levels, diseases like diabetes and medications can all affect your digestive system in a negative way. These same reasons can also be adding to your sexual problems.
Study results show that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are over 4 times higher at risk to experience sexual health problems. Decreased sex drive was the most common complaint, and women were noted as experiencing pain during intercourse. It was also shown that the problems surfaced twice as much with constipation patients compared to diarrhea patients. Also, the worse the IBS, the lower the sex drive.
How to Get the Drive Back
Cleaning your colon can get rid of all the sludge and grime that is backing your system up and causing your libido to nosedive. It’s been proven that the average person has accumulated between 5 and 25 pounds of pure waste in the colon. Waste that never leaves. It just sits in there, putrefying. Right off the bat, imagine how much better you would feel if you cleansed 25 pounds of garbage out of your body!
Did you know that over 90% of all illness can be directly traced back to a dirty colon? The colon is where 70% of the body’s immune system does its work. If the colon is filled, the immune system is lacking and you’re getting sick. How much better would it be if your colon was clean and your immune system could fight the organisms it’s meant to fight instead of dealing with the toxins in your body?
Products like Oxy-Powder work wonders, effectively cleaning out the colon and getting rid of numerous years worth of build-up. Oxy-Powder’s powerful, yet gentle formula uses a combination of oxygenated magnesium, germanium and citric acid to naturally cleanse and detoxify your colon. It even promotes a healthy environment that allows good bacteria to flourish and aid in digestion.
With Oxy-Powder, you’ll notice a difference both inside and out. You’ll feel lighter, cleaner and simply healthier than ever on the inside. On the outside, you’ll have a much more vibrant look, a clearer complexion and your energy will be noticed by everyone. Your body is like a self-servicing machine. It has the ability to heal itself and avoid many illnesses, but that’s only if it’s healthy enough to do it. Removing the toxins from your body will allow it to work the way it’s supposed to.
Adding a proper exercise routine and changing your diet to include more fiber and water will help maintenance your clean, new system. A good diet should include 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans only get about 15 grams if they’re lucky. That adjustment alone can work wonders for your digestive system. A colon cleanse may be just the spark you need to re-ignite your life. You can say goodbye to constipation and hello to your partner again, in the bedroom!
By: The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center
About the Author:
The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center’s Web site features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.
© The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center, All Rights Reserved
Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
July 25, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
Medicines:
Your doctor can recommend medicines that can counteract the symptoms you are experiencing. But be aware of the side effects of the medicines before pursuing this route for Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment. There may even be times when the medicines can worsen the side effects you are experiencing. Also the effect of medicine is just temporary. Medicine is one method of treatment but is not permanent solution. It cannot cure IBS symptoms permanently.
In fact your body can become immune to these medicines over long run and the same dose may not have the same effect anymore. It is also possible you take an overdose to cure constipation which may end up causing diarrhea. So in using this method of treatment for IBS symptoms one should be aware of it’s side effects and one should definitely keep long term relief in mind.
Anti Depressants:
Some patients go into depression because of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In such cases anti-depressants can be prescribed by the doctor, as well as psychotherapy. Such methods will cover up the symptoms of the condition rahter than deal with them effectively. One should always employ to natural treatment methods first before medicinal route for curing IBS symptoms, or at least lower the symptoms.
Herbs and Natural Remedies:
Peppermint is a herb that can smoothen out your intestinal muscles. Slippery elm and aloe are effective herbs to use for abdominal pain.
There are also essential oils that can help relieve the IBS symptoms. Essential oils should always be used with base carrier oils for safety. Pure essential oils by themselves are very potent and can be harmful. One should always consult a professional for these alternate treatments.
There are also different food products that you should avoid. Take help from a dietitian or a nutritionist. Certain food products can cause constipation. But too much avoidance of these food items can also cause diarrhea. Thus, professional help is needed to establish a delicate balance. Keeping food data sheets can help in determining which foods trigger the IBS symptoms.
Large meals should be avoided as they produce much compaction and strain on your stomach and other organs playing vital roles in the digestive system. Thus, it is advisable for any patient afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome to take smaller meals. This may mean you would have to take more meals in smaller portions. This can effectively reduce the strain your stomach would experience when processing the three large meals you have become accustomed to.
The symptoms can also be reduced by eliminating fatty foods from ones diet. Fatty foods are harder to digest slowing the digestion process. Your stomach can feel more strain which can trigger the symptoms of IBS.
In general, fiber rich food is recommended. Many people experience significant relief in their symptoms by adding fiber to their diet. Fiber can help in constipation as well as diarrhea. Fruits and Vegetables are excellent source of fiber. So there are dietary changes one can make to cure IBS symptoms.
There are many more Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment methods that you can choose from. Whatever method you choose, just make sure to refer them to your physician first, so that you can be sure you are on the right track.
By: Ravi Kuwadia
About the Author:
Should You Be Concerned About Anxiety Irritable Bowel Syndrome Link?
July 25, 2009 by Admin
Filed under IBS - Free Content
The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) will be different from person to person. One of the most common symptoms is bowel dysfunction accompanied by abdominal discomfort or pain. On average it is estimated that someone with IBS will suffer for 12 weeks over the course of a 12 month period.
This does not mean that these 12 weeks have to be consecutive though. It is usual for IBS to come and go, sometimes attacks may only last a few hours. There is also the possibility of suffering a number of other symptoms like depression, stress and anxiety.
There are many disorders that can cause abdominal pain. For this reason it should not be assumed that that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if you experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Many people jump to this conclusion thinking they have a form of IBS, but without proper diagnosis it could just as easily be one of the other digestive or gastrointestinal disorders.
One way to identify if you have IBS is the abdominal pain can often be relieved after having bowel movement and sometimes the bowel movement can be abnormally colored.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a bit of a contrary condition as some people can suffer from constipation, while others may suffer with diarrhea and there are some who experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. This is because Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects the function of the colon, therefore the ability to pass a stool.
The colon can also go into spasms, which will push your stool out of your body before all the necessary digestive and waste processing have taken place. Alternating between clenching up and spasming is what causes a person to go from suffering with diarrhea to having the pains that go with constipation.
Another common symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is bloating. This is due to the gas build up in the intestines increasing the pressure in the abdomen.
Of course, all of these symptoms effect the way you live your life, meaning you need to avoid certain trigger foods, and are not able to be too far away from a bathroom.
This impact can lead to a number of mental and emotional symptoms that are commonly seen in IBS sufferers..
Suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome increases the risk of experiencing bouts of depression or feeling more stressed and anxious. There may be nights where you simply cannot sleep, and you may even have panic attacks because you do not know when and where the next bathroom visit is needed.
It is believed that between 50 and 90 percent of people being treated for IBS have psychological conditions, which includes social anxiety, panic disorder, stress disorder or a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
There are a number of ways of relieving the anxiety, the first is to seek the best advice on relieving the IBS symptoms. This should be done in conjunction with your advising physician.
There are also a number of relaxation techniques that you can use to soothe the anxiety symptoms. These should be tried before turning to anxiety medication which could complicate and effect your IBS treatment.
Continue reading to discover natural methods to treat IBS and join up for our free relieve IBS newsletter.
Some people gain pain and anxiety relief through visualization and imagery, and others through using deep breathing techniques. Alternatively listening to your favorite music, meeting with friends or just taking up a hobby can work wonders to make you realize there is more to life than your IBS.
Getting a good night sleep every night can help reduce anxiety, as can carrying out some form of regular exercise, and improving your diet.
The anxiety irritable bowel syndrome connection has been shown to be real concern in many IBS sufferers. Learning methods to relieve anxiety and stress can allow you to concentrate on gaining control over the other IBS symptoms, and live a life that is not controlled by IBS.
By: Susan Reynolds
About the Author:
