IBS symptoms vary by their type, intensity & duration. Some people experience short term IBS flares while others experience more chronic IBS symptoms. Those who experience chronic IBS symptoms may also be susceptible to IBS flare-ups as well. Continue reading “Physical IBS Symptoms” »
People dealing with IBS often have to deal with psychological symptoms as well as physiological symptoms.The brain & the gut are connected together via numerous neurological pathways. The gut & brain also extensively use serotonin to communicate. Serotonin is a chemical that is often related to mood & anxiety disorders. This neurological & chemical connection is known as the “brain-gut connection”. Some researchers have even referred to the digestive system as “the second brain”. Continue reading “Psychological IBS Symptoms” »
On this website you will find out about both the physical symptoms & pyschological impacts of IBS. You’ll learn how to talk to your doctor about IBS & about the diagnostic tests you should request. I’ve included a wealth of information on typical treatment options such as diet, medications, probiotics & meditiation as well as alternative or experimental treatments such as hypnotherapy, bacteriotherapy or helminthic therapy.
As someone who has battled with IBS for 14 years, I know the hardships it can bring a person. That is why I’ve created this guide, so that I can share the information I’ve learned as well as the information I am still learning. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is starting to get more notice & as new developments emerge I will continue to update this guide.
Hopefully this guide will help with your IBS & maybe give you some new options as far as treating IBS & reclaming your life.
There are many medications on the market which may help with a variety of IBS symptoms. Used in conjunction with natural remedies and/or diet changes, they may allow you to manage your IBS symptoms better. Continue reading “IBS Medications” »
Scientific research has shown that the brain & the digestive system are linked via numerous neurological & chemical pathways. Due to these pathway connections the brain can have a powerful effect on the digestive system as well as visa versa with the digestive system having a powerful effect on the brain.
Those with IBS are often found to have not just physical symptoms, but psychological symptoms as well. These symptoms are usually anxiety, panic attacks & depression. In some cases people with IBS had these psychological symptoms before they developed IBS, while others develop them after IBS symptoms appear.
In some cases someone’s state of mind can play a heavy part regarding the severity of their IBS. Does this mean that IBS is a disease entirely in someone’s head? No! In some cases psychological treatments are very effective in helping to moderate IBS symptoms or even cure IBS altogether. Not everyone has IBS symptoms for the same reasons & not everyone will benefit from psychological treatment.
Psychological treatments that have helped some people with IBS are Counseling, Medication, IBS Support Groups, Hypnotherapy for IBS & Meditation.
Ginger is a spicy tasting root like vegetable. Not only is it’s flavor powerful, it’s also been known for it’s ability to aid in digestion & help with nausea. There are many different ways you can take ginger such as in teas, candies, soups or drinks. Continue reading “Herbal IBS Treatments” »
Vitamins & minerals are essential to living healthy lives. There are some vitamins that may be beneficial to those suffering from IBS. Keep in mind that some people have a sensitive stomach which vitamin supplements can upset. If you do not notice improvement of your symptoms within a few weeks or your symptoms noticeably get worse, stop taking the the supplement. Continue reading “IBS Vitamin Treatments” »
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that live in your gut. They help with food digestion as well as fend off invading bacteria that could make you ill. If the probiotics in your digestive system become depleted then you may experience IBS symptoms. Taking a probiotic supplement may help restore the healthy probiotics back to your gut & perhaps improve or cure your symptoms. Continue reading “IBS Probiotic Treatments” »
Diet is a very important aspect of anyone’s life & it’s especially important for people who suffer from IBS. Many people who suffer with IBS have ‘trigger foods’ which cause symptoms to occur or worsen. Avoiding trigger foods & trying hard to follow basic eating guidelines will usually help with IBS symptoms, this includes chewing your food completely & not overeating. The easier you make it on your digestive system, the less likely you’ll have an adverse reaction. Continue reading “IBS Diet Treatments” »
IBS impacts all aspects of your life including your work. It can be especially difficult if you are dealing with an occupation that may not have bathrooms readily available, one that requires significant travel or one that is physically active.
Unfortunately many employers and doctors are in the dark as to how IBS can affect your ability to perform your job. Most employers do not typically care about your personal or health problems unless they have to by law or you have created a personal relationship with your employer. This is why it’s important with how you approach managing your IBS with your job.