Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Causes & Cures
The Symptoms of IBS and Some Suggestions on How to Fix It.
Mar 14, 2008
Digestive problems can have a devastating effect on the whole body, including loss of libido, low energy levels, excessive perspiration, gas, weight gain and insomnia - and that is just for starters. When certain of these symptoms come together in a cluster the are known as 'irritable bowel syndrome'.
The IBS Check List
Do you have the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Well, let's check it out!
- Do you get terrible stomach cramps followed by urgent need to evacuate?
- Do you get bloating and gas?
- Do you get diarrhoea or constipation or both?
- Do you often need to rush to the toilet within minutes of eating?
- Do you worry about going on journeys because of the lack of toilet facilities?
- Have you experienced central weight gain?
If you answered yes to two or more of the above questions, then it is highly likely that you are one of the growing number of IBS sufferers.
IBS - It's NOT a '"just a woman's thing"
It is a common misconception that IBS is a "woman's thing". This is far from the truth. The numbers of men who are also "card carrying members of the IBS fraternity" is increasing.
Whereas women are happy to discuss such topics with their friends and colleagues, for many men it is seen as a sign of weakness to admit to digestive problems. Moreover, men are not programmed to be complainers.
IBS Wreaks Havoc on One's Life
However it is a fact that IBS is a pretty debilitating condition that can wreak havoc with one's life whatever one's gender. As if the above symptoms aren't enough to put up with, one may also experience insomnia, hot flashes, skin problems, depression, poor memory, poor concentration and chronic fatigue. It often comes on very gradually so that one hardly notices the changes that are occurring.
This condition is often associated with disturbance in the gut flora, which often comes about through
- excessive alcohol consumption
- taking prescription drugs regularly (especially antibiotics)
- eating a poor diet
- ingesting chemicals in our food and water.
There is a Simple Remedy for IBS
However there is no need to panic. There is a simple remedy which entails building up the beneficial flora in the gut. It is the good flora that keep the insides working smoothly and sweetly. Sounds technical? Well no it isn't really!
Beneficial bacteria can be taken in the form of food. Some of the best sources are live / bio natural yoghurt, organic fruit and organic vegetables, "those little drinks with yoghurt in them", and if all else fails, go to your local health food store and purchase a pot of probiotic capsules and keep taking them until the problem goes away.
Urgency to Evacuate the Bowels = Food Intolerances
You can also go to see a kinesiologist (pronounced kin-easy-ologist) to be helped and guided through the process. This may be necessary if you have food intolerances - that is what usually triggers the 'eat & rush' scenario described above. They can test you to find out which foods are affecting you and also suggest an alternative 'safe' diet until your insides have healed up and the problem goes away.
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