Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common digestive disorder seen by physicians. For reasons unknown, IBS is most common in women between the ages of twenty and thirty, and it occurs five to six times more often among people of Jewish ancestry than among people of other ethnic backgrounds. This disorder is also sometimes called intestinal neurosis, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon.
In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated. This interferes with the normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to the accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestine. This accumulated material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn causes bloating, distention, and constipation. IBS may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth through the colon.
Symptoms of IBS may include constipation alternating with constipation, lasting for six months or more; intermittent abdominal tenderness; bloating and abdominal distention; gas; nausea and vomiting; and loss of appetite, anorexia, and intolerances to certain foods. Pain is often triggered by eating, and may be relieved by a bowel movement. Because of the pain, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes severe headaches and even vomiting, a person with IBS may dread eating. Whether or not an individual with IBS eats normally, malnutrition may result, as nutrients often are not absorbed properly. As a result, people with IBS require as much as 30% more protein than normal, as well as an increased intake of minerals and trace elements, which can quickly be depleted by diarrhea. Although the physical cause of IBS is not known, predisposing factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, and the use of laxatives. People with IBS are often “bowel conscious” – they are more sensitive than other people to motion and sensations within the digestive tract.
Many other diseases can be related to IBS, including candidiasis, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, malabsorption disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, ulcers, and the parasitic infections amebiasis and giardiasis. Over 100 different disorders may be linked to the systemic effects of IBS. Diagnosis of IBS requires ruling out disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance, and ulcerative colitis. A physician may recommend one or more of a variety of procedures to do this, including barium enema, colonoscopy, and rectal biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool examination to check for the presence of bacteria, blood, and/or parasites.
IBS is painful, but not serious and most people who have it can lead active, productive lives if they change their diets, get regular exercise, and replace needed nutrients.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Eat a high-fiber diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus whole grains (especially brown rice) and legumes.
- Use supplemental fiber (Herbal Fiberblend!) Psyllium powder regulates bowel movements and should be used daily. Also use oat bran and ground flaxseeds daily, on an alternating basis.
- Avoid animal fats, butter, all carbonated beverages, coffee and all other substances containing caffeine, candy, chocolate, all dairy products, fried foods, ice cream, all junk foods, the additives mannitol and sorbitol, margarine, nuts, orange & grapefruit juices, pastries, all processed foods, seeds, spicy foods, sugar, sugar-free chewing gum, and wheat bran and wheat products. These foods encourage the secretion of mucus by the membranes and prevent the uptake of nutrients.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco; these irritate the linings of the stomach and colon.
- When an intestinal upset occurs, switch to a bland diet. Put vegetables and non-acidic fruits through a food processor or blender. If you are on a soft diet, take come type of fiber and a protein supplement. (Herbal Fiberblend & Pro Peas)
- For excessive gas and bloating that lingers, take some Florafood – this will replace the “friendly” bacteria very quickly and resolve the problem. Exercise, such as stretching exercises, swimming, or walking, is also important.
- Check to see if you have food allergies; they are important factors in this disorder. Eliminating allergenic foods from the diet relieves symptoms in many cases.
- Chew your food well. Do not overeat or eat in a hurry.
- Practice deep breathing exercises. Shallow breathing reduces the oxygen available for proper bowel function.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. Do not wear anything that is tight around the waist.
- Do not eat right before going to bed. Wait one or two hours after eating before lying down.
- Test your pH as significant acidosis may occur with IBS. You can buy AIM’s pH Tester and test your urine first thing in the morning. If you are very acidic, increase your alkaline forming foods in your diet until balance is restored (BarleyLife/ Garden Trio).
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Eating the correct diet, using supplemental fiber, and drinking plenty of quality water are very important in controlling IBS. Early recognition of the disease, good nutrition, and a positive outlook help minimize complications.
- Certain foods irritate the wall of the intestinal tract. Lactose (milk sugar) is a common culprit, as are all dairy products.
- IBS should not be confused with the more serious bowel disorders, such as Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are also inflammatory bowel diseases but, unlike IBS, they result in demonstrable lesions in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease affects the entire length and thickness of the wall of the large and/or small intestine; ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the large intestine, the last five to seven feet of the digestive tract.
- People with IBS should receive regular physical examinations. This disorder has been linked to a higher than normal incidence of colon cancer and diverticulitis.
- If IBS causes chronic diarrhea, electrolyte and trace mineral deficiencies are likely (Peak Endurance to the rescue!)
- Certain drugs can aggravate the malabsorption problems often present with IBS. These include antibiotics, corticosteroids, cholestyramine, and sulfasalazine, among others. These drugs increase the need for nutritional supplements.
- Research and testing have found not only that breathing exercises can control IBS, but that people who practice stress management have fewer and less severe attacks. Stress management also relieves symptoms. (Composure for stress – very important in IBS patients!)
- The symptoms of IBS are similar to those of many other disorders, including cancer. If dietary modification and natural remedies yield no relief, it is wise to consult a physician to rule out some other underlying problem.
AIM PRODUCTS FOR IBS:
- Herbal Fiberblend – use as prescribed, for every year struggling with digestive trouble, stay on HFB for a month, e.g. 10 years trouble, at least 10 – 12 months consistently every day!
- Composure – excellent supplement to help with stress management, as well as that the herbs are feeding/aiding the adrenal glands. To be taken daily, whether client thinks they need it or not; consistent use will aid greatly in general wellbeing & managing of daily stress.
- Florafood – you cannot be without this product. The bacteria balance in the colon & digestive tract is directly responsible for your health. Please take 1-2 capsules daily. If a severe attack is experienced, up your intake of Florafood to 6 a day until relief is experienced for 5 days, before cutting back down to a daily maintenance dosage.
- BarleyLife & LeafGreens – this is foundational food for your body, especially when you are battling with IBS. The LeafGreens is high in protein, and your body struggles with protein absorption when you have IBS. The BarleyLife & LeafGreens are high in all the minerals & vitamins, your body will be fed at cellular level & best of all, it gives your digestive system a rest from digestion!! Win-Win all the way!!!!
- ProPeas – a most wonderful vegetable protein supplement. Use as suggested on the container. Helps assist the body with protein absorption as well.
- Cell Wellness Restorer – a daily soak in the bathtub with this product is just what the doctor should order. It replaces the magnesium through your skin, helps you to relax, and aids in a good night’s rest. When you are struggling with IBS, you are always tense, waiting for the next painful spasm. CWR is a wonderful aid to help relax, so that when you sleep, the body can recover, restore, & rejuvenate properly.
Once the IBS is under control, I would strongly suggest the client do a parasite-cleanse, using AIM’s Para90. Parasites are dangerous, and they cause more harm than most in the medical fraternity acknowledge. You have nothing to loose, just parasites!! I would also recommend a course of Herbal Release to aid the lymph in cleansing the blood, thereby assisting the liver, which will in turn assist the digestive system to get healthy & strong.
Get your digestive system strong, clean, & healthy, and you will experience abundant life on a whole new level.
Amanda Russ, Royal Emerald Director