Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Question:
Answers:
yes there is a few:
* 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. Peppermint is considered a carminative herb, which means that it is used to eliminate excess gas in the intestines.
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.
Peppermint oil, especially in excessive doses, may result in nausea, loss of appetite, heart problems, nervous system disorders, and lead to kidney failure and even death. Peppermint oil should not be taken internally by children or pregnant or nursing women. Peppermint oil may interact with the drug cyclosporine (used to prevent organ transplant rejection and for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis), so they should not be combined unless under medical supervision.
*Probiotics
Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract and vagina. Sometimes referred to as "friendly" bacteria, probiotics are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.
There are over 400 species of microorganisms in the human digestive tract and the balance between beneficial bacteria and potentially harmful bacteria is important. One theory is that people with irritable bowel syndrome may have an imbalance in their normal intestinal bacteria, with an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria.
Studies have found that probiotics may be helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome. For example, a fairly large study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the use of three different doses of Bifidobacterium infantis or a placebo in 362 women with irritable bowel syndrome. After four weeks, the B. infantis dose of 1 x 10(8) c.f.u. was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing abdominal pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining, and gas.
There are many different probiotic strains, and some may be more effective for irritable bowel syndrome. Another study compared lactobacillus salivarius, bifidobacterium infantis, or a placebo in 77 people with irritable bowel syndrome. Only people who took B. infantis had a greater reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement difficulty.
*Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber that may help to reduce constipation and to a lesser extent diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome. PHGG also appears to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the intestines.
*Food Intolerances
Food intolerances may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by triggering immune responses in the gut, leading to low-grade inflammation and an imbalance of intestinal bacteria.
The most common food intolerances reported by people with irritable bowel syndrome are dairy and grains.
A trained practitioner can supervise an elimination and challenge diet. Many foods are removed from the diet for a brief period of time, then re-introduced sequentially to isolate the body's reaction to the offending foods. Since grains are a common culprit, it is important to remember that carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth and that chewing grains thoroughly allows amylase, the digestive enzyme present in saliva, to digest the grains
also
*Pancreatic enzymes have been suggested for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that are aggravated after a fatty meal
hope this helps you hannah xxx
try soya milk perhaps
There are quite a few things that help with general digestion and may help with IBS. Many customers get benefits from Probiotics, Fiber, or Enzymes.
If you are allergic to lactose, you should make sure that any probiotics you get are either lactose free or milk free (they are more expensive that way)... OR you could try some Lactase Enzyme (it helps digest lactose, so it may help reduce the reaction).
There are a few people that get benefits from stomach soothers like Ginger, Peppermint Oil, or Aloe Vera.. but that's just to calm the stomach, not the intestines or bowels (which is where Irritable Bowel Syndrome is based).
For any of those, I would recommend checking with a doctor that knows about supplements or an allergist, just to make sure you won't have a problem with any of those (standard warning for anyone with a medical condition).
.but you could try them if you don't have a very severe reaction and are willing to risk it ;-)
You may find it at other pharmacy's but I have had no luck getting it anywhere but Walgreen's- it is called IBS Digestive Advantage-"Ganeden" these are individually wrapped chewable tabs that come in a box- a friend I know has had this since he was 12, he is in his 30's now and has been taking them since he was age 13 and swears by them. I also have IBS, though seldom ever take them they have helped.
Cutting out dairy, and leafy veggies (any greens other than green beans) non gas producing veggies-has helped. I eat more bland foods now and never go to fast food places, they ruin me. no fried, or greasy foods.
It is hard at first to avoid these foods, but over time you notice you don't miss or want them anymore.
Eat small portions too, eat a few small things throughout the day, don't eat large meals- portion them and space them out.
Try Aloe Vera juice from your local health food shop. Avoid the lemon flavour as it's disgusting, orange is ok. You just need to put one capful in a small glass of water, take once or twice a day and that should help.
For IBS take aloe vera juice in some other juice as it tastes foul.
You will be in deep water if you can't have lactose, I can't and I can't also have wheat, rye, gluten, sugar, dairy foods, alcohol etc I assure you that their are foods out there to have.
I have loads of information but see you don't take emails so cannot help you unless you can get hold of mine. Do send an email to me.
A diet of no lactose is hrd but so is IBS and that may calm down when you don't have the foods that are causing you problems.
I also add that there are only five tablets in the world without lactose in them and you will have to get all your tablets made for you. Do not buy any pills over the counter you will be ill.
There are plenty of natural and herbal remedies out there but nothing will help until you eliminate the foods and drinks that are causing the problem. This is top the priority. Keep a diary of what you eat and record how you feel an hour or two later. List all the symptoms you are experiencing - this is useful for when you want to introduce foods back in to your diet again. Within a week you will be able to pinpoint most of your problem foods and start avoiding them.
Most often people do much better once they cut out all the grains and dairy products however the job doesn't stop there. Your bodies immune system will need a boost.
How much emotional stress are you under I wonder? IBS is very often linked to our emotions.
I am a holistic practitioner specialising in IBS and other digestive problems. I seek to aid the body in healing itself using the best protocols I have found to date along with a complete overview of lifestyle.
IBS is not a one sided coin there are many aspects that need to be looked into.
For further info www.retreattoyou.com
Get 20-30 grams of fiber each day.
Take a good quality acidophilus tablet each day. Good quality brands include: Kyodophilus, Enzymatic Therapy Pearls, Primadophilus, Jorro-Dophilus.
yes -loose the milk! milk is for baby cows,not humans.the dairy industry is so good at marketing a product that is actually harmful to humans.the reason women have breasts is to nourish the young.once the kid is done nursing,there is NO NEED FOR MILK.
A Yahoo search for "irritable bowel syndrome" + "natural remedies" will give you a wealth of useful information.
At major supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths you can get lactose free milk.
Switching to soy milk will also eliminate the lactose problem.
More Questions & Answers...