Health and Diet Blog

Researchers have yet to find a specific cause for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. It is known as a functional disorder, which means that the way the bowel words is affected. However, there are yet to be found any physical abnormalities that can explain the symptoms.
One theory that has been proposed is that people who have IBS have a large intestine, or colon, that is quite sensitive and reactive to both stress and certain foods. It is thought that the immune system may also be involved.
Symptoms of IBS seem to be caused by contractions of the muscle in the bowel wall some researchers think. These contractions are thought to be stronger and more frequent in people that have IBS. The contractions seem to worsen after eating certain foods and in stressful situations. If a person is intolerant to certain foods such as dairy products, tea and coffee, it may trigger symptoms.
IBS may often develop after a bout of gastroenteritis which is an inflammation not only of the stomach but also of the bowel linings. This often causes diarrhea and sickness. An infection with a bacteria or virus may be the culprit here as well as food poisoning.
These are some other causes of IBS which you may want to think about:
Normal movement, or motility, may be absent in the colon of someone who has IBS. The motility can be spasmodic, also called a spastic colon or it can even temporarily stop working. Spasms are strong and sudden muscle contractions that may come and go periodically.
The lining of the colon which is also known as the epithelium is affected by both the immune and nervous systems. It regulates the flow of fluids both in and out of the large intestine or colon. In a person who has IBS, the epithelium seems to work properly.
However, when the contents inside of the large intestine move too quickly, the colon is not able to absorb the fluids. This results in watery stools. In other people, the movement inside of the colon is much too slow.
This causes any extra fluid to be absorbed, and thus the person suffers from constipation.
With a person who is suffering from IBS, their colon may respond very strongly to certain foods or to stress that would normally not bother other people.
Recent research has found that serotonin and normal gastrointestinal functioning are linked together. Serotonin is a chemical, or neurotransmitter, that delivers messages from one body part to another. Approximately 95% of the serotonin in a person’s body is found in the GI tract, and the other 5% is located in the brain. Cells which line the inside of the intestines work as transporters and work at carrying the serotonin out of the gastrointestinal tract. People who suffer with IBS do not have as much receptor activity as normal people, and this causes a build-up of serotonin in the GI tract. As a result, people with IBS suffer from problems with bowel movement, sensation and motility since they have more sensitive pain receptors located in their GI tract.
Researchers also have reported that IBS may be linked to a bacterial infection in the GI tract. Studies have been documented that people who have had a bout of gastroenteritis may sometimes develop IBS.
These are the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome. If you think that you may be suffering from this disease, it would be wise to consult your physician.

First let’s look in what cases nausea may occur.

Nausea or vomiting is not considered to be a disease. They are typical symptoms in the following conditions such as:

•    Early period of pregnancy (nausea occurs in about 50%-90% of all pregnant women) •    Gastroparesis (often found in people with diabetes) •    Emotional stress (fear) •    Food poisoning •    Heart attack •    Bulimia or other psychological illnesses •    A reaction to certain smells or odors and so on.

There are a number of disorders and diseases for which nausea is one of typical symptoms. And among them there is also irritable bowel syndrome.

Of course, not everyone who suffers from IBS certainly should experience nausea. It is individual and can vary from person to person. As far as I know, unlike abdominal pain and irritable bowel, nausea is not a common symptom of IBS.  Sometimes nausea can occur in IBS sufferers during periods of severe stress. But it is not the only reason. Actually, the cause of nausea occurring in IBS patients is difficult to find out. When the digestive system is imbalanced, nausea can appear as one of the most common symptoms of IBS.

Most of IBS sufferers report that nausea is a typical symptom for them. But the most difficult task doctors and patients face is that one treatment may work for one sufferer when it will be useless for another.  It is supposed that sometimes nausea can be soothed by a bowel movement, but some patients might not be able to have a movement.

Today many different types of drugs are available for the treatment of the nausea associated with irritable bowel syndrome. But since one cannot guarantee 100% cure, the drugs are usually used to relieve symptoms only. So there is no exact receipt for getting rid of nausea or vomiting. Besides, these drugs sometimes can have some side effects.

However today mainly the following medicaments are used:

Anticholinergics – it is used not only at fighting against muscle spasms in the small and large intestine but also for alleviation of nausea.

Dicyclomine – It is a drug that is applied to calm the muscles in the gut and help prevent any possible spasms or pain. But this medication is also helpful in reducing nausea.

But such treatment with the above mentioned drugs can cause certain side effects such as dry mouth, throat. etc.

Nowadays multiple other drugs are also available to treat irritable bowel syndrome and nausea that is associated with it. But there are also more simple and safe solutions. The most effective one of these solutions is changing diet plan and including those products that will help relieve nausea.

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IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, affects an estimated 15-20% of the population today, which is more than depression, diabetes, and asthma combined. This troubling condition that is physical in nature rather than psychological is characterized by a series of symptoms generally occurring in the lower abdominal region. These symptoms can be considered mild, moderate, or severe although the intensity is likely to vary, even from day to day, in the same person.

IBS, a disorder which is most commonly diagnosed by gastroenterologists, affects people of all ages and ethnicities. However, women are twice as likely as their male counterparts to experience the condition, although researchers are still unsure as to why. IBS in women is often associated with their menstrual cycle, although it can occur at any time.

“Irritable bowel” refers to disturbances or changes in regular bowel function, and the word “syndrome” indicates that there are a number of signs rather than one exclusive symptom that characterizes the condition. While everyone may have an occasional disturbance of the bowel and its functioning from time to time, people afflicted with IBS experience more severe symptoms that are frequent and occur on a regular basis.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can vary in intensity and location, although the lower abdomen is where the most “activity” occurs. IBS is characterized by a series of symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, gas-like cramping, reoccurring or chronic diarrhea and changes in the frequency or consistency of bowel patterns. Nausea, bloating, gas, and constipation alternating with diarrhea are also commonly reported symptoms of IBS.

25-50% of IBS patients also report that they experience regular heartburn along with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. Many people suffering with IBS also report a number of signs that are non-gastrointestinal in nature such as muscle pain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Lower backaches and headaches are also commonly reported symptoms from those with severe cases of IBS.

The symptoms of IBS are likely to mimic those of many other disorders, which is why a proper diagnosis by a physician is essential. Clinical tests that depend on factors such as your age, overall health, your family history, as well as your reoccurring symptoms can be conducted to rule out other conditions. Symptoms such as blood in the stool, weight loss, fever, and continual pain are NOT signs of IBS and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.

The signs or symptoms of IBS occur due to a disturbance in function between the brain and the gastrointestinal system, which is why IBS is classified as a “functional” disorder. People suffering from the condition appear to have no physical signs of disease such as structural abnormalities that can be detected by medical tests.

Experts believe that there is a disorder or some form of miscommunication between the interactions of the brain and the intestinal system, which ultimately affects movement and the sensitivity of nerves in the intestines in people with IBS. The brain and the autonomic nervous system are responsible for regulating the bowel and its functioning which is one of the ways we know that IBS is not a psychological or psychiatric disorder.

While there is no cure for IBS, there are a number of effective ways of controlling or even eliminating the symptoms of the condition such as diet, stress management, herbal and organic supplements, hypnosis and drug therapy including laxatives, anti-diarrheals, anti-spasmodic drugs and anti-depressants. With proper diagnosis and treatment it is possible to lead a normal, productive life even with IBS.

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition effecting up to 20% of the population and the numbers are rising. There are more women sufferers than men and the age that it commonly starts is at around twenty. It is classed as a ‘functional’ disorder as it alters the way the body works and therefore is not diagnosable using traditional means such as examination or blood test.
It is not a commonly understood condition, with the medical community unable to clarify the exact cause. IBS appears to occur due to the body’s inability to regulate the bowel functions correctly. This leads to a number of unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, excessive wind and irregular bowel movements including constipation and/or diarrhoea. However, there are treatments available to allow sufferers to manage their symptoms.
If you start to notice irregular bowel movements or suffer prolonged abdominal discomfort you could be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Keeping a diary to monitor food intake, exercise and stress levels is a good idea to track anything that may exacerbate your symptoms. When diagnosing IBS your medical practitioner will ask you for a general history of your bowel movements so keeping records will come in handy.
Certain foods are also recognized as triggers for IBS, such as fatty foods, caffeine and dairy products. Keeping a food diary will help you identify if eating these foods cause your symptoms to flare up and you can eliminate them in line with advice from your doctor.
Some foods can conversely be helpful in easing the symptoms of IBS, namely foods high in fiber. For example, bran, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Try introducing these foods into your diet, in small quantities first to allow your digestive system time to adjust. They will be particularly helpful if you suffer from constipation as they make stools soft and bulky and easier to pass.
Eating little and often has also been proven to relieve symptoms in some IBS sufferers. Try spreading your food intake over 5 meals a day. Eating too much in one sitting can bring on cramping and diarrhea for people at risk from IBS.
Although not the cause of irritable bowel syndrome, stress can be a contributing factor to its symptoms. Try to introduce some relaxation techniques into your day such as meditation, yoga, exercise or any activity that you enjoy.
There are medications available that play a role in relieving the symptoms. Fiber supplements or laxatives are sometimes prescribed for constipation, there are also drugs available to reduce diarrhea and control colon muscle spasms. Antidepressants may also be prescribed. Your doctor will talk through the most appropriate approach for you to take, determined by the symptoms that you suffer from.

One is a benign disorder, the other a chronic and potentially debilitating disease. The former involves the digestive system, while the latter affects the brain and spinal cord. As different as they may appear to be, irritable bowel syndrome and multiple sclerosis are not entirely independent of each other. They may impact different parts of the body, but studies suggest they have very much something to do with each other.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and potentially debilitating disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. This disease arises when the body mistakenly directs antibodies and white blood cells against proteins, resulting to inflammation as well as injury to the sheath.

This is a fairly common disease, affecting an estimated 300,000 people in the United States alone. Symptoms and signs usually surface when patients are around 20-40 years old. Sometimes, however, multiple sclerosis can strike a person at any age, making it crucial for everyone to pay attention to the symptoms even if one does not belong to this age group.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome also affects a lot of people. Commonly referred to as spastic colon and functional bowel disease, its “attacks” are associated with the following symptoms: cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

So far, medical doctors have not been able to identify the real causes of this condition. The good news is, there are many modes of treatments available for people afflicted with this disorder. One can follow low fat and high-fiber diet; exercise; and drinks lots of liquid. Refraining from drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

The Connection

On the surface, these conditions may not be related to each other, however close inspection reveals otherwise. Studies show that people with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis as well as other autoimmune disorders. They are also more vulnerable to asthma, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, psoriasis, bronchitis, and other conditions.

Thus, when you experience any of the symptoms associated with irritable bowel disorder or multiple sclerosis, it is highly recommended that you see a physician immediately. By doing so, you can avoid all these health complications. Your doctor will give you a sound advise on how you can avoid getting afflicted with other diseases, besides giving you medicines to address your existing condition.

IBS is a standard occurrence and makes up about twenty to twenty five percent of visits to gastroenterologists. It is a disorder of the bowels involving irregular patterns and movements resulting in uncomfortable bathroom breaks. There are different levels of IBS that vary in severity and can truly result in fever, acute diarrhea, and even vomiting for those whose symptoms spawned from an infection.
There are many potential symptoms for Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. For the most part the tell-tale sign that one is coming down with some stress and soreness in the abdominal area. This can happen if there are changes in patterns of your bowel habits. Normally it is relieved by doing number 2 in the bathroom.
It has been indicated that there are other components to IBS beyond bowel habits, and having some overlap with stress, chronic pelvic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, figromyalgia, hypoglycaemia, and within a small minority of people even diverse mental disorders.
There are many other scientific and medical explanations for the onset of IBS signs and there also exists many methods to diagnose whether one actually has IBS or not ranging from the Manning Criteria, Rome Process, to Differential Diagnoses. There are many potential routes for treatment options ranging from a change in diet, medication, and other treatments for those who suffer from IBS.
As of yet, although IBS is so routine (especially in the Western world), there is no surefire explanation of why it exists and many strategies for suffering it has arisen as a result. The best thing to do is to consult with a medical professional to help diagnose your IBS and to see which lines of defense you have to prevent this uncomfortable circumstance in the future. Tangible help is on hand to those who seek it.

Medical science is breaking new frontiers each passing day. Particularly in the last few decades, research on the human body, its diseases and treatments has received enormous focus all across the world. However one aspect that has been relatively ignored by modern medical science is the relationship of mind and body. There are a lot of disorders that are created by mind-body imbalance, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome seems to fall into this category. As you look for the information Irritable Bowel Syndrome articles and books provide, you would generally find them talking at length about its relationship with diet, and less so about the disorder’s link with the mental state of the patient.
With the popularity of alternative healing practices such as Reiki, Yoga, hypnotherapy and Acupuncture, the world is waking up to the importance of the mind-body connection in maintaining good health. This is one fact that has not yet been given adequate importance in traditional medical science. However numerous patients across the world have experienced recovery from various diseases by using techniques that help restore the balance between mind and body.
Although some doctors believe that IBS is only the result of abnormal food habits, or a hypersensitivity to the bowel motor functions, this view has been challenged by many. They state that IBS is often found in individuals who have a tendency to be over anxious. General anxiety disorder (GAD), that is fairly common today, has been found to have a deep relationship with IBS.
In fact in a study carried out at the Medical University of South Carolina, anything between 50% and 90% of the people who visit their doctors about treatment for irritable bowel syndrome also have psychological disorders, including GAD, social anxiety, post traumatic stress and panic disorder.
Also, a study showed that when a group of people where given arithmetic problems to solve, a greater number of those with IBS showed distinctive brain wave patterns, relating to how they cope with psychological stress.
Other studies have also shown that those with IBS seem to also have a lower pain tolerance to perceived abdominal pain, often reporting excessive discomfort during procedures like a barium enema or colonoscopy.
Although the cause of IBS is not known, there is progress being made in its treatments, and there are a number of steps a person can take to help him or her self as well as following their doctor’s advice.
Continue reading to discover how you can sign up for the free relieving IBS newsletter, and find out natural methods to help you relieve IBS symptoms.
One of the first things to understand about IBS is that it is a condition that will need to be managed throughout life, but it is not a condition that defines a person, nor one that leaves a physical impact on the body.
There are likely to be for each person certain foods that trigger the symptoms more than others and these need to be identified and avoided. A good way is by creating a food diary to monitor what is being eaten, when it is being eaten, how often and how large the portions where, and what effects, if any the food has on the body.
Also, dependent upon the type of IBS, often increasing the intake of water and fiber can help considerably.
If you want more information Irritable Bowel Syndrome sites like ours can give you insight into the natural methods you can use to control symptoms.

Ever had an enema? Do you suffer from constipation? If you suffer from abdominal cramps, bloating and some diarrhea then you might be a sufferer of irritable bowel syndrome. If you are looking for relief, good news…
The subtle symptoms creep into our life one at a time until we find a barrage of complications we never had before. Constipation is the most obvious difference, then pain, abdominal cramps and bloating followed with occasional diarrhea, all add up to irritable bowel syndrome.
Our lifestyles have shaped our habits to fit an unnatural pattern of elimination. We eat and rush to work or school, suppressing the natural elimination that should occur within 20 minutes after eating.
Some individuals may wait as long as a week between bowel movements. This only complicates the impaction, toxic build up in the bowel, which comes back into the blood stream as toxic waste, and creates a need for laxatives or enemas.
Enema can be a natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The early 1900′s medical practice was that when a patient was admitted to the hospital for any ailment, the patient first received an enema. A bit messy and inconvenient, enema is usually a last resort. Diet and intestinal cleanse using all natural herbs has become more popular and healthy.
Colon cleanse has become a buzzword as it has been determined that the origin of most disease starts in the colon. The impaction of fecal matter that lines the walls of the colon without being eliminated can easily be 15 pounds. Decay and putrefaction in the bowl throws the immune system in extreme overload, ridding the body of toxins and trying to fight off disease. If the immune system fails, disease grows in the body.
Irritable bowel syndrome can be controlled before permanent damage is done to the colon. Herbal colon cleanse is the most effective on a long-term use. Herbal colon detoxification is also called colon cleanse. High fiber foods in the diet are natural scrubbing agents for the colon to cleanse the cilia that absorb nutrients.
Constipation is not all corrected with a laxative. Drink 5 glasses of water a day. Avoid excess bread and pastry. Augment your diet with foods high in fiber. Choose an intestinal formula supplement that will stimulate the peristaltic action in your bowel and strengthens the colon muscles.
Avoid harsh laxatives that are not all natural. Dependence on over the counter laxatives can lead to weakened elimination muscles and loss of natural body function.
It is claimed that all habits can be learned in 21 days. In the next three weeks try an intestinal herbal formula and make time to eliminate within 30 minutes of eating. Your body is designed to heal itself if you do not override the master plan.

The most common treatments for constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are fiber supplements and taking a laxative, but do these options offer the best approach?
When a person suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome they will more than likely find themselves caught in 1 of 2 extreme situations: loose bowels or constipation.
It is likely they have already taken numerous over-the-counter remedies for several years before being formally diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
However, over the counter treatments are usually not effective in clearing up the problem, as they tend to treat the symptoms of IBS, rather than the cause of the condition.
A much better approach that can get to the cause of IBS misery is to make changes to your diet, lifestyle and exercise patterns.
Many people have seen improvements to their IBS symptoms by making lifestyle changes. In fact there are a number of studies that suggest it is the lifestyle of the person that can often be the original cause for the condition in the first place.
One of these lifestyle changes includes reducing stress either through counseling or other methods. You should also make sure that you exercise regularly, one of the best methods for promoting good digestion and effective bowel function is simply walking.
You will also need to maintain proper hydration and nutrition. This means that you will need to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, which will help minimize your bouts with constipation.
It is also important to understand that there are likely to be foods that can further irritate your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bring on IBS symptoms.
In order to figure out what foods you are going to need to avoid try maintaining a food diary. It is a useful way to keep track of the food you eat, the quantity, what time the food was eaten and if there where any symptoms that followed.
This diary system has helped thousands of IBS sufferers pinpoint the foods that leads to symptoms like constipation.
There are some common foods that IBS sufferers seem to be more sensitive to, these tend to be diary products, chocolate, soda and carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks including coffee, and foods high in fat, like french fries. So it is really worth keeping a close track on these foods when consumed to see if they are the ones causing IBS symptoms in you.
There are also 3 different medications that your doctor may prescribe. The first is an antispasmodic, which will reduce colon spasms and pain. These spasms can also upset the balance of your digestive tract and lead to additional health issues.
The second medication you may be prescribed is an antidepressant, which will help you to relax and thus potentially reduce some of the IBS triggers.
The third and final medication that may be prescribed is a muscle relaxant. These are usually prescribed instead of the first two because antispasmodics and antidepressants can cause dehydration, which may only lead to more problems with constipation.
There are natural alternatives to these medications, which you can find out about by signing up to our free newsletter below.
Please ensure that you consult your doctor, nutritionist or dietician if you are going to make considerable changes to your diet, as although the changes may be beneficial in the long run, changing your diet too quickly can actually bring on IBS symptoms.
Researchers are working to develop combination medications that will treat constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, they have not been able to determine what causes this disorder yet. Until they figure this out, doctors can only treat you for the symptoms that you have.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome, the signs and symptoms may vary greatly from one person to the next. These symptoms may often mimic those of other diseases. The most common symptoms are:
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Feeling bloated
• Gas
• Constipation or diarrhea – one can sometimes have alternating bouts of both
• Mucus in the stool
Sometimes you may have only mild symptoms of IBS. At other times, they can be quite disabling for people. Sometimes these signs and symptoms will not respond well to medical treatment. It may happen that symptoms of IBS will be present with other diseases. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor about your concerns.
For most people, irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition. However, there may be periods when your signs and symptoms are quite bad and even times when your symptoms seem to improve dramatically or disappear altogether.
When to seek medical advice
Approximately one in five adults who live in the United States has signs and symptoms of IBS. Less than half of these seek any kind of medical help. If you happen to have a constant change in your bowel habits or if you have other symptoms or signs of irritable bowel syndrome, it is important that you seek the help of your physician because such symptoms may indicate that you have a more serious underlying condition such as colon cancer.
Your doctor might find ways to help you obtain relief from your symptoms as well as eliminate some of the other more serious conditions of the colon such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis as well as colon cancer. Your doctor may also help you to avoid possible complications from symptoms such as chronic diarrhea.
IBS Screening and diagnosis
In order to come to the conclusion that you have IBS, it is very important to have a comprehensive physical examination as well as a complete medical history.
Criteria for making a diagnosis
Usually there are no physical signs to definitely indicate that a person has irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, the diagnosis of IBS becomes a process of elimination. To help with this process, a diagnostic criteria has been developed by researchers known as Rome criteria that is use to diagnose IBS along with other functional gastrointestinal disorders. These are conditions that are characterized by an abnormality in bowel function but normal bowel appearance.
You should have certain symptoms and signs according to these criteria before your doctor will diagnose you with IBS. The most important of these symptoms are discomfort and abdominal pain that lasts for approximately twelve weeks. However, these weeks do not have to occur consecutively. Two of the other symptoms must also be present:
• Change in the consistency or frequency of your stools.
• Urgency, straining or feeling that you are not able to empty your bowels completely.
• Abdominal distention or bloating
• Mucus in the stool
If you happen to fit the IBS criteria but you do not seem to have any of the red flag symptoms or signs, then your doctor may prescribe a course of treatment with your having to undergo any additional testing.