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What affect does Stress or Diet have on
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
A major response to stress is that it stimulates colonic spasm with those that
suffer from IBS. Its is not fully understood why this occurs but scientists
believe the nervous system partly controls the colon. Doctors however do not
associate IBS in a person to mean that they are suffering from a personality
disorder. Counseling and other forms of support such as relaxation techniques,
cognitive behaviour skills, IBS alternative medicine and lifestyle changes help
to relieve in some people their IBS symptoms.
During the course of digestion the colon
contracts. Those that suffer from IBS have the urge for a bowel movement
accompanied with diarrhoea and cramps. A strong stimulus of colonic contractions
after a meal includes fat in any form being animal or vegetable. The number of
calories in a meal can also strengthen the response. Foods that
contain fat are whipped toppings, cream, cheese, butter, whole milk, margarine,
shortening, avocados, meats of all kinds, poultry skin and vegetable oil.
Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Eating a proper diet for many people helps to lessens IBS symptoms and provides
a sound approach to IBS remedy. Those that are considering dietary changes
should first keep a journal recording their food intake. This way certain food
groups can be identified that have caused IBS symptoms and those food groups
that do not trigger an episode. Discuss your findings with your doctor or
dietician so that the correct changes in your diet can be made. It might be a
simple approach to lessen the intake of certain food groups to find the correct
balance in your diet. Taking this approach will ensure that your diet will
provide the required nutrients that your body needs to maintain full
functionality.
Foods that have a high content of dietary fiber might help to ease the symptoms
of IBS. A good source of dietary fiber is found in vegetables, legumes, fruits,
cereals and bread. Taking an over the counter supplement should first be
discussed with your doctor or dietician. Eating foods high in dietary
fiber prevents spasms from occurring by keeping the colon slightly distended.
When you first start out of a high fiber diet you may find an increase in gas or
bloating but this will soon reduce as your body adjusts to its new diet. Fiber
also keeps a high content of water in the stools and this alleviates
constipation allowing the softened stools to easily pass.
Herbs for irritable bowel syndrome
Psyllium
Psyllium should be added to the diet gradually if recommended by your doctor or
dietician by beginning with a few teaspoons and slowly increasing the dosage
over a week's time. Taken with at least eight glasses of water a day, psyllium
can help with the symptoms of constipation or diarrhoea. Discontinue use if
either condition worsens.
Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-spasmodic properties known to soothe the digestive tract.
Chamomile is a flower in the Asteraceae, or daisy, family. People who are
allergic to ragweed, aster, or chrysanthemums may also have a reaction to
chamomile. This is a rare occurrence, but anyone taking chamomile should be
aware of this possibility. While no human studies have been performed on this
supplement in relation to IBS, it has been proven to reduce irritation and
cramping in animals. Chamomile can be taken as a tea, or as a capsule.
Acidophilus
This supplement can help the healthy gut bacteria grow, while reducing the
harmful bacteria. Be certain that there are 'live organisms' in the pills. The
preferred source of healthy bacteria is yoghurt (make sure the container says
'contains live cultures'). Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may be added to
acidophilus pills. FOS are carbohydrates that are not digestible by humans, but
serve to help the beneficial bacteria to grow.
Peppermint Oil
This supplement can help reduce spasms in the colon. Peppermint oil can be taken
in either capsules or tea. While more effective, capsules can cause anal
irritation. Peppermint oil has even been approved for use by IBS patients in
Germany.
Evening Primrose Oil
Many women with IBS report that symptoms are worse during their menstrual
period. Evening primrose oil may help to improve symptoms.
Food Elimination
A food elimination diet can help discover 'trigger foods' that set off IBS
symptoms. Keeping a food and symptom diary for a few weeks might point out
problem foods. Try eliminating those foods and see what the results are. Common
triggers are caffeine, high fat foods, sorbitol, and milk products.
It's also very important to advise your doctor or
dietician about any alternative remedies such as the digestion of irritable
bowel syndrome herbs that are being used in conjunction with medical treatment
for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS herb and supplements can interact with
prescription drugs.
As with any medical condition, it is beneficial
to maintain a well balanced, low-fat diet and drink at least 8 glasses of water
per day.
Next is IBS - Diet
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