Sunday, June 11, 2006

Irritable Bowel syndrome

In many cases, the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
can be controlled by managing your diet, lifestyle,
and stress.

The main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
include:
Abdominal pain or cramping.
A bloated feeling.
Gas (flatulence).
Diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both.

In fact, people with IBS may also experience alternating
bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Some people with
IBS report having both constipation and diarrhea in the
same day. Diarrhea often occurs after eating or first
thing in the morning.

There are things that may mimic or be similar to irritable
bowel syndrome:

Celiac Disease is a sensitivity to a protein found in wheat,
and this can also cause symptoms similar to those of Irritable
Bowel Syndrome.

Lactase is an enzyme which is required for the body to be able
to digest the sugar, Lactose, which is found in dairy products.
If you lack this enzyme, then you may experience symptoms which
are similar to those caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS),
including abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea.

So these two sensitivities may be the first thing you need to
address if you experience these type of problems. Go off of
wheat and dairy products for 30 days. See if it makes any
difference.

Then eat a snack of just one item after the thirty days and see
if you get your symptoms back.

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac.