Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Supplemental Solutions

Treatment of this condition may involve diet modification, prescription medications and various nutritional supplements. Below is a list of some of the most useful ones.

One theory is that people with IBS have an overly sensitive large intestine, one that negatively reacts to certain foods. For example, an individual with IBS may have intolerance to foods such as artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, chocolate, dairy products and foods containing wheat or barley.

Feeling stressed or angry can promote colon spasms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. The nerves in the colon are partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which can be influenced by stress. For individuals with IBS, even slightly stressful events can provoke: spasms.

There is a complete system of nerves along the entire length of the gastrointestinal system, communicating with other nerves traveling to and from the spinal cord. Subsequently, nervous system messages travel from the spinal cord to the brain.

This translates to three different areas where the nervous system messages can be scrambled, including the gastrointestinal tract, the spinal cord and brain.

Although there are no specific tests for irritable bowel syndrome, there are other diagnostic tests he may perform to rule out other problems. Such tests include testing a sample of your stool, blood tests and x-rays.

Additionally, your doctor may perform a colonoscopy, where a scope is inserted inside your colon, allowing your doctor to examine it. A small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your anus. Your doctor then examines these images from this scope on a larger screen, thus allowing your doctor to see better.

If the test results are negative, your doctor may diagnose irritable bowel syndrome based on symptoms alone. For example, he may ask how often you have experienced abdominal discomfort during the past year, when the pain starts and stops relating to your bowel function, and examining the frequency of your bowel movements and stool consistency, looking for any changes.

Most doctors will make a list of symptoms present before making a definite diagnosis. Here's a list of some of those symptoms:

Pain in the abdominal region for at least 12 weeks of the previous 12 months. They do not have to be consecutive weeks. The abdominal pain has two of the following three features:

• A bowel movement relieves the pain
• When the bowel movement starts, there is a change in the appearance of your stool
• When the pain starts, you experience a change in how frequently you have a bowel movement

Additionally, other symptoms must be present including:

• There is a change in the appearance of your stools
• You experience a feeling of uncontrollable urgency whenever you need to have a bowel movement
• You experience difficulty passing stools
• There is mucus in your stool
• Intestinal bloating

Although irritable bowel syndrome can occur in anyone, you're more likely to develop this condition if you're a younger female.

In fact, it is two times more common in women than men.

Onset of this condition typically occurs before the age of 35 in 50% of most people.

It is more likely to occur in individuals that experience panic attacks, or have a family history of IBS.

It may be linked to individuals who have a history of physical or psychological abuse.

There have been several studies showing a connection of a history of abuse to gastrointestinal disorders.

• Stop eating any known food allergens or irritants such as corn, dairy products, eggs, fish, tomatoes and wheat. Your physician may run tests to see if you are sensitive to any foods.
• Avoid eating any refined foods such as pastas, sugar and white breads.
• Eat less of the red meats and more of the lean meats, cold-water fish or beans for protein.
• Use healthier cooking oils such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Minimize consumption of trans-fatty acids, commonly found in cakes, cookies, crackers, French fries, onion rings and margarine.
• If you have problems with intestinal gas, eliminate foods such as apple juice, bananas, beans, cabbage, grape juice and raisins.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, coffee and tobacco products.
• Try to drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water each day.
• Get into a regular exercise routine, exercising 30 minutes a day, five times a week.

• A daily multivitamin, including antioxidant vitamins A, C, D, E, the B vitamins and numerous trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
• Alpha-lipoic acid - take 25-50 mg two times a day for their antioxidant qualities.
• Cat's claw - 20 mg taken three times daily to control inflammation and for its antibacterial or anti-fungal capabilities.
• Chamomile - Chamomile has anti-spasmodic capabilities and is a mild sedative, and may help to calm the muscles of the digestive system.
• Coenzyme Q10 - take 100-200 mg when going to bed, taken for its antioxidant capabilities and for boosting immune system function.
• Garlic - 400 mg taken two or three times a day to boost immune system function and for its’ antibacterial or anti-fungal capabilities.
• Ginger - Ginger has anti-spasmodic qualities, helps to prevent vomiting, while improving the muscle tone of the intestines. It also exhibits moderate anti-inflammatory qualities.
• Grapefruit seed extract - take 100 mg in capsule form three times a day for its’ anti-bacterial or anti-fungal capabilities.
• Green tea - 250-500 mg taken daily as an antioxidant.
• Reishi mushrooms - 150-300 mg taken two or three times a day to control inflammation and to boost immune system function.
• N-acetyl cysteine - take 200 mg each day for its’ antioxidant effects.
• Olive leaf - take 250-500 mg 1-3 times daily, to boost immune system function, and for its’ antibacterial or anti-fungal capabilities.
• Omega-3 fatty acids - take 1-2 capsules a day to boost immune system function and decrease inflammation.
• Peppermint oil - Peppermint oil may reduce the pain and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
• Probiotics - Probiotics, such as acidophilus, are the friendly bacteria found in the digestive system. They suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, while enhancing the protective area of the digestive system.
• Slippery elm - Slippery elm is rich in mucilage, which is a gummy substance that soothes the intestinal tract.
• Vitamin C - take 1000 mg 1-3 times a day as an antioxidant and to support the immune system

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While irritable bowel syndrome can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not permanently cause harm to the intestines and does not lead to other serious illnesses such as cancer. Notwithstanding, it can be an extremely disabling condition for many individuals, preventing them from working or attending social events.

Fortunately, irritable bowel syndrome is a treatable condition that may involve diet modification, eliminating certain problematic foods. Your doctor may also prescribe various medicines such as Levsin and Phazyme and Imodium.

Last, he may also recommend you take some of the supplements mentioned above. I hope that these recommendations help.