http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for what is irritable bowel syndrome Copyright 2008 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:08:01 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/what+is+irritable+bowel+syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:20:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromesymptoms of irritable bowel syndromewhat is irritable bowel syndromebowelsdifferent thingsdigestiondiarrhea http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-irritable-bowel-syndrome irritable bowel syndrome" are often confused as to what that illness is. Many wonder about the various symptoms associated with the term. What is irritable bowel syndrome? In order to properly understand this illness, a person should learn about these factors:

1) Symptoms =96 These are the common manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome in human beings. In a sense, the symptoms tell what irritable bowel syndrome is by telling you how it affects your body. In the past, it was actually quite difficult to answer the question of "what is irritable bowel syndrome?" by looking at the symptoms.

You see, irritable bowel syndrome is not really a disease. It is a "syndrome" mainly because it is a group of symptoms.

This is because of the fact that some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome contradict each other. For instance, some people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome experience diarrhea while some people experience constipation.

2) Causes =96 As said before, irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease. It is actually a disorder. It is important to know this in order to understand what irritable bowel syndrome is. Many people misunderstand irritable bowel syndrome because they do not really understand its causes. Some people may think that irritable bowel syndrome is caused by eating some sort of food that does not agree with one's digestion. Others may think that irritable bowel syndrome is caused by a virus or bacteria of some sort.

However, one thing you need to understand about irritable bowel syndrome is the fact that it is not really "caused" by anything. Irritable bowel syndrome is a state in which your bowels do not function properly. This condition then leads to the various symptoms that people experience.

3) Triggers =96 In order to truly know what irritable bowel syndrome is, people should be able to understand the different things that trigger its symptoms. There are two main triggers of irritable bowel syndrome:

a) Stress =96 Studies have shown that stress can have a huge impact on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In fact, the stress caused by knowing that a person has irritable bowel syndrome can trigger that person's symptoms. This is the reason why counseling is part of the treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

This is also the reason why people today turn to alternative therapies for their treatment. Some people take up yoga or go through the process of acupuncture to help them relieve stress.

b) Food =96 Eating the wrong type of food can definitely trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Foods that have a high fat content should be avoided by people with IBS. Alcohol should also be avoided as it is a known trigger of the symptoms of IBS.

c) Treatments- Knowing what irritable bowel disease is also involves knowing about the various treatments that are used to relieve the symptoms of it. There are various drugs that are in use today to help stop one or more of its symptoms. However, since irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease, it is also incurable.

What a person suffering from this illness can do is to try and keep the symptoms at bay by using different treatments like specialized diets and relaxation techniques.

By keeping these various factors in mind, a person can answer the question of "what is irritable bowel syndrome?" Janet Rusky is a health freak and as an ex IBS sufferer offers her hints and tips to manage this discomfort on her website. http://irritable-bowel-syndrome.nichetray.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/proper-diet-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/proper-diet-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:29:59 +0000 irritable bowel syndromediet for irritable bowel syndromespecial dietdisastrous resultsdesperationhypnosisdiets http://www.artwoo.com/article/proper-diet-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome irritable bowel syndrome try to alleviate the symptoms of this illness through different methods. Some turn to special herbs to try and stop the illness. Others may even try techniques such as hypnosis in order to relieve them of their sickness. It is sad to see, however, that not many people who have irritable bowel syndrome really consider going on a special diet. This may be due to a variety of reasons, one of which is the failure if a physician to give a plan of diet for irritable bowel syndrome to the patient.

Another dismaying fact is that today, there are a lot of bogus diets for irritable bowel syndrome. There are many people today who give and receive the wrong advice on diets for irritable bowel syndrome. This, of course, can lead to disastrous results. Why, you ask? Well, try to put yourself in the shoes of a person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. You are suffering because of all the symptoms of this illness. You would do anything to alleviate your pain. "Anything" in this case includes following every bit of advice that you pick up from your environment.

Because of your desperation to rid yourself of this illness, you will try various suggested diets for irritable bowel syndrome. If, of course, the advice proves to be wrong, then you would only end up having worse symptoms. And that's something that you do not want to happen.

One thing that you should know about irritable bowel syndrome is the fact that diet has a lot to do with it. Eating the right foods can definitely help ease the various manifestations of this illness in a person's life. Many people say that every person should have his or her own diet for irritable bowel syndrome. They insist that personalized diets for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers are necessary to achieve freedom from this illness. And so people who want to find a solution pay a lot of money in order to have someone personalize a diet for their irritable bowel syndrome.

In fact, this is not really necessary. People who have irritable bowel syndrome may try to stick to one generic diet and still enjoy its benefits. Finding the proper diet for irritable bowel syndrome only requires understanding of these tips:

1. Think in categories, not in specifics =96 There is no specific food that triggers symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This does not mean that you don't have the power to control your illness. What you need to understand is that there are certain types of foods that will trigger your illness. You need to avoid these categories of foods:

a) Fatty b) High in insoluble fiber c) Coffee (both caffeinated and decaf) d) Carbonated drinks e) Alcohol

The proper diet for irritable bowel syndrome eliminates food that fall under these categories because of the fact that these foods will trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

2. Substitute and diversify =96 Just because you are on a diet for irritable bowel syndrome does not mean that you should miss out on eating good food. Try to find substitute for the different foods that you need to eliminate. You should also try to vary your meals in order to avoid boredom with what you are eating. Remember that a diet for irritable bowel syndrome will help you only if you commit yourself to following it. Janet Rusky is a health freak and ex irritable bowel syndrome sufferer. She now sells her book with hints and tips for managing this disorder and get rid of it. http://irritable-bowel-system.nichetray.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/vitamins-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/vitamins-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:35:00 +0000 irritable bowel syndromesymptoms of irritable bowel syndromelaxative effectcoke 2calcium citratediet cokecalcium carbonate http://www.artwoo.com/article/vitamins-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary from person to person. There are people who experience symptoms of diarrhea with their irritable bowel syndrome while there are some people who experience constipation. Because of this, there are different effects of vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome. Vitamins generally cause chemical reactions in the stomach and these reactions can either be beneficial or harmful to a person's IBS. Here are some common effects of vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome:

1) Vitamin C =96 Also known as ascorbic acid, this vitamin has a laxative effect. People should be careful in taking this vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome as it can cause diarrhea when it reaches the stomach. People already suffering from symptoms of diarrhea should monitor their intake of vitamin C very closely.

Taking this vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome may also cause gas and bloating. This occurs when the acid of the vitamin reacts with the alkaline setting of the lower intestinal tract. You can try to observe this reaction by dropping a couple of mentos on a glass of diet coke.

2) Calcium =96 This vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome can have either a laxative or constipating effect on a person, depending on the type. People suffering from IBS should try to discover hat type of calcium is right for them:

a) Calcium carbonate =96 This vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome contains no magnesium and can relieve symptoms of diarrhea. This is the best vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome which is prone to diarrhea (IBS-D).

b) Calcium citrate =96 This type of vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome contains magnesium and thus, can trigger symptoms of diarrhea. This is the best for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome which is prone to constipation (IBS-C).

A good advice to follow when taking calcium vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome is to keep the amount at a maximum of 500 mg. This is in order to prevent triggering symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It is also a good idea to take this vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome with vitamin D as this helps in the absorption of these nutrients.

3) Iron =96 This vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome can be quite constipating. People taking this vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome are also prone to stomach upsets. It is also a known fact that Iron interferes with the absorption of calcium.

Tips in taking vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome:

1) Try to get balanced doses of your vitamins - When buying supplements, make sure that those supplements deliver the right amounts of vitamins you need. It is important that a certain supplement does not contain a megadose of any vitamin as this could trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

2) Always take your vitamins with food =96 It is important that you not take your vitamins on an empty stomach. Doing so could increase the discomfort brought about by the chemical reactions caused by the vitamins. This is especially true with acidic vitamins like vitamin C.

3) Consult a pharmacist =96 Remember that there are different effects of vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome. If you are unsure regarding which vitamin supplement to take, you should get help from a pharmacist in finding the mildest vitamin for irritable bowel syndrome.

4) Take separate vitamins separately =96 Vitamins for irritable bowel syndrome also react in various ways with each other. For the best absorption of nutrients, you should try taking vitamins one type at a time. Janet Rusky is a health freak and as an ex IBS sufferer offers her hints and tips to manage this discomfort on her website. http://irritable-bowel-syndrome.nichetray.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-the-solution http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-the-solution#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:15:00 +0000 irritable bowel syndromehigh fiber dietsreported that theirhypnosisstomach areastress freeblood flow http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-the-solution Irritable Bowel Syndrome is no fun for those folks who have to live through it. When your stomach is rocking and there is no clear end in sight, you hope that the sun doesn't come up tomorrow. Though Irritable Bowel Syndrome is really just more of a nuisance than anything else, it has raised some interesting questions about the medical field in recent months. Lots of patients are starting to think that their doctors know absolutely nothing about Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some patients have even reported that their doctors are prescribing high fiber diets to counter Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There couldn't be a worse idea, as fiber irritates the bowels even more. What are folks to do when they can't get their stomach under control? They might consider a treatment that many people never think of.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by a lot of stress in a person's life. Though there are other causes to go along with it, stress is the primary reason why people experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome. As people get stressed out, their insides end up feeling tangled. Tense muscles constrict blood flow and nothing gets done when blood flow gets restricted. That's one reason why it is important to keep a stress free life. You want to avoid having to go through the aggravation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

One method for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome is something that you might not think of everyday. Hypnosis can be a good treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Hypnosis is often overlooked by people when they think about good treatments for everyday problems. This is unfortunate, too, as hypnosis can cure a whole bunch of ills. Everything from smoking to gambling to Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be helped by a good hypnotherapist. In this generation, hypnosis isn't just a sideshow act. It's a living, breathing solution for big time problems.

How can it help fight against Irritable Bowel Syndrome? It will help to relax the body's functions, including the stomach area which can become tense. As the stomach becomes relaxes, blood will once again return to its normal rate of flow in the area. That brings oxygen and white blood cells that are ready to attack Irritable Bowel Syndrome with all of their worth. In my time as a practicing hypnotherapist, I have seen people make a full recovery from Irritable Bowel Syndrome after only a couple of tries with hypnosis. If you need help with this problem or others, check out hypnosis and see if it's right for you. For more on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and hypnosis, please visit Richard's website http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/shop/ibs-mp3.htm and http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/ibs.htm ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/say-goodbye-to-ibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/say-goodbye-to-ibs#comments Sun, 05 Aug 2007 23:35:00 +0000 irritable bowel syndromehypnosisstressbutter churnresearch doctorsadventuroushypnotherapists http://www.artwoo.com/article/say-goodbye-to-ibs Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that makes the stomach feel like a butter churn. It includes some pretty heavy symptoms that are not attractive to talk about. Though the pain that is caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome is relatively small, there are some major question marks surrounding the treatment of the condition. Doctors still don't have a firm hook on how to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and they make this known by giving out different treatments to each different patient that they see. Despite expensive research, doctors still aren't quite sure how to fix your bowel situation. Maybe they should see a plumber.

One thing is for certain in regards to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, though. It can be caused by, among other things, a lot of stress and tension in the middle abdominal area. Those people who go through stress each and every day at their job or in school are more likely to pick up Irritable Bowel Syndrome than those folks who live relaxed lives. Everybody experiences some stress, though. In the end, it comes down to how well the stress is managed. If you don't manage it well, then Irritable Bowel Syndrome can manifest itself within your stomach. In that case, settle in and get ready for a few adventurous weeks. If you aren't content with just riding it out, then you might want to think about hypnosis as a possible treatment.

You didn't know that hypnosis can treat things like Irritable Bowel Syndrome? You thought that hypnosis was something that you only saw in magic shows? You didn't know hypnosis was an actually recognized type of treatment for a laundry list of conditions? If that's the case, then you better get with the times. In recent years, more and more professionals are recommending their clients to hypnotherapists. Hypnotherapists offer a real solution to problems that occur in everyday life. Some of these problems are mental and some (like Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are physical. Whatever the case, hypnosis can help out.

Hypnosis helps with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by working to release the tension within the stomach muscles. Then those muscles relax, more blood can be pumped into the stomach area. As more blood makes its way into the stomach, more oxygen and other good cells can make their way to the Irritable Bowel Syndrome and end it. If you need help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, then grab some information on hypnosis. It could be just what you were looking for. For more on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and hypnosis, please visit Richard's website http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/shop/ibs-mp3.htm and http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/ibs.htm ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/hypnosis-the-way-to-overcome-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/hypnosis-the-way-to-overcome-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Sat, 04 Aug 2007 19:20:00 +0000 irritable bowel syndromehigh fiber dietstomach musclesstomach problemshypnosisstress levelsdoctors http://www.artwoo.com/article/hypnosis-the-way-to-overcome-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a problem that makes life difficult for many people each day. Though it's not life threatening or a largely serious medical issue, it does cause a constant worry for lots of people. The biggest issue for most folks who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome is over how to treat the condition. Doctors, for all their education and knowledge, still haven't come up with some sort of protocol for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Depending upon which doctor you choose, you could get any number of different treatment options. Some doctors are even prescribing a high fiber diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is clearly known to make the problem worse.

If doctors can't help you get it fixed, then where do you go? There are quite a few options for people who struggle everyday with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The main concern of these folks is to eliminate their stress levels, which are known to cause more stomach problems in addition to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The stomach as a whole is a stress sensitive area, as many of the basic problems associated with stomachs are due to stress. In order to eliminate some of the tension that contributes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a person must make sure that they try out hypnosis.

Hypnosis can calm down the stomach muscles and relax the body, which has a positive impact on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When the stomach becomes more relaxed, added blood flows to the stomach and Irritable Bowel Syndrome begins to go away. Though this might not completely eliminate the problem right away, it will help to slowly increase the blood flow and decrease the level of irritation.

Many people don't even think about hypnosis when they consider fixing a problem like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but they certainly should. In my time as a hypnotherapist, the numbers have supported the claim that hypnosis can help cure different conditions like these. Hypnosis is not just that trick that you saw in a magic show. It isn't just something that you make fun of in the movies. When people have no where else to turn, hypnosis can help them drop the problem that has had such a grasp on their life. Like with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, hypnosis can have a positive impact on a bunch of other problems. Anything that be fixed by a change in thinking or some relaxation is fair game for hypnosis. For more on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and hypnosis, please visit Richard's website http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/shop/ibs-mp3.htm and http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/ibs.htm ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/discover-what-you-need-to-know-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-iritis http://www.artwoo.com/article/discover-what-you-need-to-know-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-iritis#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:25:02 +0000 irritable bowel syndromeinflammation of the eyepain in the eyebowel habitsafflictionsabdominal painbowels http://www.artwoo.com/article/discover-what-you-need-to-know-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-iritis afflictions that many people have, but irritable bowel syndrome and iritis are two disorders that can cause severe pain for anyone who has them. Irritable bowel syndrome mainly affects the bowels and bowel habits, while iritis is more associated with the inflammation of the eye.

One of the reasons that these two disorders can be severe and painful to those who have them is because they can often be misdiagnosed or completely missed altogether. Nevertheless, thousands of people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and iritis each day. Fortunately, though, there are some great relief options for those who are inflicted with irritable bowel syndrome and iritis. Here is some more information about these two disorders, though, and what some of the treatment options are.

Even though there are hardly any shared symptoms between irritable bowel syndrome and iritis because they are two different disorders, many of the symptoms center on great pain in both of the areas that are afflicted.

For starters, irritable bowel syndrome causes pain with the bowels, often provoking diarrhea, constipation, and terrible abdominal pain. In fact, one of the greatest indicators of this disorder is the abdominal pain, which is why it's so important to indicate that symptom to the doctor.

On the other hand, since iritis is involved with inflammation of the iris part of the eye then one of the obvious symptoms and signs associated with this disorder is pain in the eye. There can be various degrees of pain also associated with iritis, but the pain mainly affects the eye whenever light is exposed to it.

The next issue that is important to cover concerning irritable bowel syndrome and iritis is the different treatment options. When you discover or think you might have one of these diseases then it's always best to speak to your doctor first before using any treatment methods. But if you do have a confirmed case of irritable bowel syndrome and iritis then there are some important options your doctor will pose to you.

First, iritis treatment will often involve a series of eye drops which will decrease the swelling and inflammation in your eye. Chances are that your physician will also prescribe a medication for the pain at least until the swelling in your eye is down.

On the other hand, irritable bowel syndrome has a different type of medication, especially since this disorder is often chronic and sticks with those who discover that they have it. Laxatives are definitely an option with irritable bowel syndrome but chances are that your doctor will not keep you on this type of medication for long.

Other types of medication that will help irritable bowel syndrome, though, include Tegaserod, Alosetron, and Cilansetron. On the other hand, one of the major components of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is focusing on your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, and an overall healthy lifestyle plan.

All of these treatment methods are great for helping individuals afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome and iritis. As mentioned, these two diseases are very serious to those who have them, and if you think that you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and iritis then it would be best to be checked out by a doctor.

All in all, though, irritable bowel syndrome and iritis do have important treatment options and these options can significantly reduce the symptoms and pain that is felt with both irritable bowel syndrome and iritis. Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to bottom line information on IBS at http://www.ibs-information.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:35:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromediet for irritable bowel syndromeswollen abdomenstress dietchronic diarrheacause diarrheamenstrual periods http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome irritable bowel syndrome) is characterized by abdominal pain. Other symptoms include cramping, gas, diarrhea, constipation or bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome affects the colon or the large bowel. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease but a functional disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome means that the bowel is not functionally properly or correctly. The cause of Irritable bowel syndrome is still a mystery; doctors are not able to give a proper answer for the cause of Irritable bowel syndrome. Those affected have sensitive nerves and muscles in their bowel, i.e., muscles that contract too much when eating. Such contractions cause diarrhea and cramping after a meal or during meal. The reason for cramping or pain is that the nerves may react while the bowel is stretching. Irritable bowel syndrome is very painful but not dangerous for other organs or does not lead to more health problems.

Chronic diarrhea or constipation, mucus, which is in white color in your stool, swollen abdomen or an uneasy feeling in your stomach are symptoms. Women with Irritable bowel syndrome suffer more symptoms during their menstrual periods.

Doctor may find that you have Irritable bowel syndrome due to its symptoms. The most specific of Irritable bowel syndrome is a Rome criterion that is widely used for diagnosis of Irritable bowel syndrome. The best ways to diagnosis is undergoing medical tests after every six months. The medical tests you need to undergo for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series and Colonoscopy. In lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, x-rays are you to diagnose the problem. Where as in colonoscopy the doctor inserts a long thin tube with a camera into your colon. Doctors can view inside the colon with the help of the camera on the screen.

Treatment means a proper diet, taking medicines on time, taking less stress. Diet for Irritable bowel syndrome do not include fatty foods, French fries is the enemy. Ice cream, cheese, chocolate, alcohol, soft drinks, coffee are allies making Irritable bowel syndrome worse. Your diet must be according to the food pyramid. Apples and peaches are favorable to Irritable bowel syndrome. Vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are also good. Intake of cereals and beans like kidney beans and lima beans help to take care of Irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors suggest taking fibre pills or drinking water with high-fiber powder. Eating small meals for Irritable bowel syndrome is helpful. Medicines suggested by doctors should be taken on time for Irritable bowel syndrome. Keeping you busy with less stressful work like your hobbies help Irritable bowel syndrome to be away from you to some extent.

The method of hypnosis is also used for the treatment of Irritable bowel syndrome. You don't need to make special accommodations in your busy schedule to fit in hypnosis sessions, so there's no question of taking medical leaves. You can begin hypnosis to treat IBS right at home. You simply need to download hypnosis for IBS and listen to your MP3. This will help you relax and transcend., you will reach a new level of peace and concentration where stress and the irritable present condition do not bother you. For more on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and IBS check out the link - http://www.richardmackenziedirect.com/IBS-Hypnosis.htm ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/so-you-have-an-irritable-bowel-treat-or-relieve-symptoms-with-these-methods http://www.artwoo.com/article/so-you-have-an-irritable-bowel-treat-or-relieve-symptoms-with-these-methods#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:24:59 +0000 irritable bowel syndromegeneral anxiety disorderfood allergiesfood diaryprobioticsibsallergy specialist http://www.artwoo.com/article/so-you-have-an-irritable-bowel-treat-or-relieve-symptoms-with-these-methods IBS is still not fully understood, and it is not easy to diagnose. So, if you have an irritable bowel, treat it by initially gaining a full understanding of how the symptoms specifically effect you. This will help with any later diagnosis. Here are some things to consider about IBS.

One thing that is known is that about 80% of those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome also suffer from a general anxiety disorder (GAD) like stress, depression or anxiety. It is not known whether these issues cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome or this disorder causes these issues. Nevertheless, stress and other emotional issues can definitely make symptoms worse.

Unfortunately, the progression of Irritable Bowel Syndrome has not been fully studied. However, research does show that certain people are more prone to this disorder than others. Approximately 80% of the estimated 35 million Americans who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome are women. Often the hormonal changes in women can trigger the symptoms, but again this cannot explain the condition as it is shared with men.

One important way to identify food that may trigger an IBS episode is to keep a food and symptoms diary so that a doctor can see what is setting off your symptoms. When this is done, the majority of people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have been able to identify what foods and conditions lead to their symptoms. Often, by avoiding these foods, these people can reduce their symptoms.

It is possible that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is related to food allergies. So, if you have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and you have not been tested for food allergies, this is an area to explore with an allergy specialist. Your food diary will come in handy again here.

It is possible that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by a lack of balance between the good and the bad bacteria in the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract. For this reason, sometimes probiotics are recommended so that this balance can be improved.

It is also possible that doctors may prescribe antibiotics in this case to change the make up of the GI flora.

Other research of this disorder has shown that the pain and contraction of stomach muscles may be relieved by antidepressants. Since it is not believed that depression is necessarily the cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it needs to be understood that these antidepressants are not prescribed to relieve depression. Instead, they are prescribed to block the brain's pain receptors and make the stomach muscles relax. It is also possible that antidepressants are prescribed to relieve anxiety that may accompany this disorder.

Continue reading to discover more about the dietary and lifestyle, and natural methods you can use to alleviate IBS symptoms by joining the Free IBS Newsletter.

So if you have an irritable bowel treat it initially by understanding your symptoms and what triggers them for you. The majority of the people who have this disorder are able to live normal, healthy, pain-free lives, but they are the ones who have a good understanding of how the conditions effects them and made the appropriate lifestyle changes. Sign up for the free Irritable Bowel Syndrome Newsletter and discover new and natural methods to soothe Irritable Bowel, treat and relieve symptoms at http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/?source=is. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/ibs-faq-learning-about-ibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/ibs-faq-learning-about-ibs#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:27:10 +0000 irritable bowel syndromespastic colonfibromyalgia syndromemusculoskeletal systemthrush infectiongastroenteritisibs http://www.artwoo.com/article/ibs-faq-learning-about-ibs Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also called spastic colon. It refers to a chronic condition that is characterized by the presence of abdominal pain, change in bowel movements, cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. It is considered a serious intestinal disease that can lead to much higher risks if left untreated.

* What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

As with many syndromes that affect the human body, the real cause of IBS is not yet known. There are no medical studies so far that explain the root of the problem, although some claim that the symptoms of IBS are caused by muscle contractions in the bowel wall. However, medical specialists continue their studies to discover the exact cause of this syndrome.

* Are there other conditions related to IBS?

Yes. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is closely related to other conditions like gastroenteritis. This is a condition where the stomach and bowel linings become inflamed. It is believed that IBS develops after the occurrence of gastroenteritis.

In addition, it was also found that about 60% of the people with IBS suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS. This is a disorder located in the musculoskeletal system.

Candidiasis, also called yeast or thrush infection, is also a condition related to IBS.

* How common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Frankly, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is extremely common. Anyone can be affected with it, but only a small percentage of people with IBS are treating the disorder. This is a widespread disease in most of the developing countries in the world.

* How serious is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The fear of IBS can lead to more serious problem, so it should be treated early on. It is true that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is closely associated with more chronic symptoms but it will never develop into a cancerous disease or a life-threatening disorder.

It is more important for people with IBS to focus on its immediate treatment rather than feel the devastation that will make the condition unrelieved. Tests must also be conducted for an early diagnosis.

* What is the impact of IBS?

IBS is a common intestinal problem, particularly for women. It is said that the true impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can range from a mild nuisance to severe debilitation. It affects many factors in a person's life such as the emotional and social aspects. The difficulty arises when the person finds it difficult to overcome the symptoms that lead to impairment of their everyday activities. Ilene Trevore is editor of http://www.IBS-Tips.com, the online guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She also writes IBS FAQ's for http://www.prettygreatanswers.com/articles/IBSQuestions/ . ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-4-ways-to-treat-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-4-ways-to-treat-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2007 08:43:58 +0000 irritable bowel syndromesymptoms of irritable bowel syndromelifestyle issuesloose bowelsproper hydrationfiber supplementsplethora http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-4-ways-to-treat-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a generic name for a plethora of different bowel symptoms and issues. Common symptoms include gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea and constipation. Because the symptoms are so varied, treatment for irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely based on which symptoms are acting up at any given time.

The most common treatments for irritable bowel syndrome are fiber supplements and laxatives. Sufferers often find themselves caught in one of two extremes, loose bowels or constipation. These over the counter remedies are often used for years before a person is diagnosed with the disease. So, the most common form of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is to treat the appropriate symptom. However, even those with loose bowels are encouraged to take fiber supplements or increase their dietary fiber because the pendulum often swings from one extreme to the other.

The second most common treatment, recommended for all sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, is lifestyle adjustments. Doctors believe that many lifestyle issues contribute to the development and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. They recommend these lifestyle issues be adjusted to help prevent continuing problems with the disease. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should seek counseling or other methods to reduce their stress levels. They should exercise regularly, particularly through walking, and should be certain to maintain proper hydration and nutrition, drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day.

Some foods can further irritate the digestive tract, causing additional problems, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Proper hydration can also help treat irritable bowel syndrome by minimizing constipation. Doctors often recommend sufferers maintain a food diary to be able to easily track which foods or types of foods increase their symptoms. Patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are often told to avoid carbonated beverages and raw fruits and vegetables which can contribute to gas and bloating. Caffeine should also be avoided due to its dehydrating effects.

In addition to those lifestyle changes, doctors often treat irritable bowel syndrome with three different medications. Sufferers are usually first given an antispasmodic to prevent colon spasms and the associated pain. Oral antispasmodics are designed to prevent cramping and reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Colon spasms not only create pain for the person with irritable bowel syndrome, but also upset the balance of the digestive tract and can lead to additional health issues. The second prescription medication often given to treat irritable bowel syndrome is some form of antidepressant. The antidepressants often help the sufferer to relax and therefore minimize the symptoms. Finally, the third medication often prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome is mild muscle relaxants. These are usually prescribed because both antispasmodics and antidepressants can cause dehydration, leading to more constipation problems.

Researchers are developing combination medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, but they have yet to determine the cause of the syndrome. Without knowing the cause, doctors can only treat the obvious symptoms and the lifestyle issues which tend to go hand in hand with the disease. http://www.methodsofhealing.com/Bowel_Control.html ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/can-you-trust-online-irritable-bowel-syndrome-symptom-relief-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/can-you-trust-online-irritable-bowel-syndrome-symptom-relief-information#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:35:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromegeneral anxiety disorderirritable bowel syndrome symptomspredominant ibssubsidelarge intestinebowel movements http://www.artwoo.com/article/can-you-trust-online-irritable-bowel-syndrome-symptom-relief-information irritable bowel syndrome is annoying condition which reduces the quality of their life. The condition affects their social life and sometimes it can lead to anxiety and depression. However, many of the sufferers who have access to Internet will find online irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief resources and information, which should be able to help them alleviate their symptoms.

There are a number of web sites and forums that provide useful information on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and solutions. Some of these web sites even give information on various techniques that can help in reducing the symptoms. Although it is worth ensuring that the web sites are credible and the information is valid.

Continue reading to discover how to sign up for the Free Relieving IBS Newsletter.

Most people with irritable bowel syndrome experience periodic bouts of abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or both. Other symptoms include flatulence, belching, and bloating which may subside with a bowel movement.

There are two major variants of irritable bowel syndrome: diarrhea-predominant IBS and constipation-predominant IBS. In the first case, the patients generally have three to seven bowel movements per day with loose, watery stools. In the second case, the patients have less than three bowel movements per week. The stools are hard or lumpy and patient may strain during bowel movements.

The main cause of irritable bowel syndrome appears to be hypersensitive nerves within the large intestine. Many researches also suggest that patients with irritable bowel syndrome have extra sensitive pain receptors in their GI tract. This condition may arise due to abnormal levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter related to digestion regulation and mood.

An abnormal level of serotonin could also be the reason why a higher percentage of people with irritable bowel syndrome are diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder (GAD) or depression.

Another potential cause for irritable bowel syndrome is a GI tract infection. This infection may disturb the mechanism that helps in the break down of remaining nutrients in the colon.

To diagnose irritable bowel syndrome in a patient, a doctor needs to rule out other possible diseases. Generally doctors ask questions about the symptoms and go through the medical history of the patient. Doctors examine if there is any damage to intestines (irritable bowel syndrome itself does not damage the intestine). After the physical examination and other tests, if there is no sign of disease or damage, and listening to the symptoms the doctor may diagnose irritable bowel syndrome.

For treatment, doctors generally recommend dietary changes such as eating more fiber and cutting out the foods that trigger symptoms. Sometimes doctors may prescribe anti-spasmodic or pain relief medications to their patients.

If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, you can get more information about the condition from any number of web sites, or sign up for our free newsletter below.

There are many online irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief resources available. But do ensure that any source you use to change diet, medication, supplements or lifestyle are credible and well researched and consult your doctor for further advice. Grab your free copy of Susan Reynolds' brand new IBS Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you overcome IBS naturally with online irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief delivered to your inbox at http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/?source=is. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-explained#comments Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:27:03 +0000 irritable bowel syndromelarge intestineaforementionedbowel movementself diagnosisibslower abdominal pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-explained irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition in which the large intestine is not operating the way that it should. Medically IBS is not referred to as a disease, rather a disorder or more specifically a syndrome.

The specific cause of this condition in which the large intestine is not operating properly is not yet known.

Through testing, IBS sufferers will show no signs of abnormality or intestinal damage and as such diagnosis of IBS is done via criteria being met as opposed the tangible evidence being observed. Again, this is why there has been no definitive reason uncovered for the precise cause of irritable bowel syndrome.

Among the common symptoms of IBS, includes pain or discomfort (lower abdominal pain and cramping) associated with a change in the frequency of bowel movements, pain or discomfort is relieved with the onset of a bowel movement, the pain and discomfort is associated with the consistency of the stool, straining during a bowel movement, a sense of urgency in the timing of the bowel movement, and a feeling of bloating or fullness in the abdominal area.

If you do suffer from irritable bowel, you may find that your intestines may react more intensely to factors such as stress and diet. For instance, certain foods that don't bother the rest of your family or friends may set off a series of contractions or cramps within your body.

IBS is a very common disorder for Americans. Approximately 1 out of every 5 people suffers from some degree of irritable bowel symptom. The severity of IBS encompasses a very wide range and degree. On the more severe end of the spectrum, IBS can become almost personally debilitating due to the pain and/or the constant personal interruptions throughout the day.

If you begin to suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should seek a consultation with your physician and not attempt any self diagnosis, because with IBS since there are no visible or test-able abnormalities; your doctor will diagnose by ruling out other possible (and more serious) intestinal or gastrological afflictions. As such your doctor will most likely perform a series of tests to help insure the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Talk with your doctor about the diagnostic process and what to expect, and if diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome; talk about the various methods and strategies of coping with this disorder. For more important information on http://www.a-stomach-pain.com visit a-stomach-pain.com You'll find advice on stomach pain causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and many other articles. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-a-sensitive-system http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-a-sensitive-system#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:27:28 +0000 irritable bowel syndromespastic colitisspastic colonirritable colonzelnormconstipationabdominal pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-a-sensitive-system Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which the colon is extremely sensitive and is disorder which is characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It is believed that IBS may affect approximately 1 in 10 adults or more than 5 million Americans.

Irritable bowel syndrome is often referred to as a nervous stomach, spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, or even an irritable colon.

This malady is a complex motility disorder impacting the entire digestive tract and is one of the most common conditions treated by gastroenterologist today. IBS causes a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or even a combination of both. It is often a distressing and embarrassing condition and one of great frustration since its precise cause and best treatment have yet to be determined.

It is important to seek early treatment if you suspect you have irritable bowel syndrome since the symptoms of this condition often mimic the symptoms of many other medical conditions.



After your physician has confirmed a diagnosis of IBS, you will work together to structure the best treatment options for you. The primary goal for any treatment plan is to simply reduce symptom and to restore normal bowel function.

Treatment options can vary from simply avoid certain trigger foods which produce symptoms, acupuncture, herbal therapies or even prescription medications. One such medication is Zelnorm® is a serotonin 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist and is used short-term for women who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

It is important to remember that no one treatment for IBS works for everyone and there is no single treatment for coping with irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the colon characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea or even a combination of both diarrhea and constipation. Although it may be troublesome, frustrating and at times embarrassing, IBS is not contagious, inherited, or even cancerous.

Seeking help from your physician is important to maintaining a happy, healthy and active lifestyle. For more important information on stomach pain be sure to visit http://a-stomach-pain.com where you will find advice and tips on common stomach pain causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other articles that you can view at http://www.a-stomach-pain.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-explained#comments Fri, 10 Nov 2006 02:27:06 +0000 irritable bowel syndromelarge intestineaforementionedbowel movementself diagnosisibslower abdominal pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/irritable-bowel-syndrome-explained irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition in which the large intestine is not operating the way that it should. Medically IBS is not referred to as a disease, rather a disorder or more specifically a syndrome.

The specific cause of this condition in which the large intestine is not operating properly is not yet known.

Through testing, IBS sufferers will show no signs of abnormality or intestinal damage and as such diagnosis of IBS is done via criteria being met as opposed the tangible evidence being observed. Again, this is why there has been no definitive reason uncovered for the precise cause of irritable bowel syndrome.

Among the common symptoms of IBS, includes pain or discomfort (lower abdominal pain and cramping) associated with a change in the frequency of bowel movements, pain or discomfort is relieved with the onset of a bowel movement, the pain and discomfort is associated with the consistency of the stool, straining during a bowel movement, a sense of urgency in the timing of the bowel movement, and a feeling of bloating or fullness in the abdominal area.

If you do suffer from irritable bowel, you may find that your intestines may react more intensely to factors such as stress and diet. For instance, certain foods that don't bother the rest of your family or friends may set off a series of contractions or cramps within your body.

IBS is a very common disorder for Americans. Approximately 1 out of every 5 people suffers from some degree of irritable bowel symptom. The severity of IBS encompasses a very wide range and degree. On the more severe end of the spectrum, IBS can become almost personally debilitating due to the pain and/or the constant personal interruptions throughout the day.

If you begin to suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should seek a consultation with your physician and not attempt any self diagnosis, because with IBS since there are no visible or test-able abnormalities; your doctor will diagnose by ruling out other possible (and more serious) intestinal or gastrological afflictions. As such your doctor will most likely perform a series of tests to help insure the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Talk with your doctor about the diagnostic process and what to expect, and if diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome; talk about the various methods and strategies of coping with this disorder. For more important information on http://www.a-stomach-pain.com visit http://a-stomach-pain.com You'll find advice on stomach pain causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and many other articles. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-have-any-symptom-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-have-any-symptom-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:05:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromesymptoms of irritable bowel syndromeibs symptomsdiffer from individualensure that theysubsidediarrhea http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-have-any-symptom-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) track disorder. It is a common condition that is unfortunately poorly understood. You may find many people experiencing a symptom for irritable bowel syndrome but having little knowledge about it, and of course just because a person has one symptom of IBS it does not mean they have the condition.

IBS is a formally diagnosed condition, and a person will need to undergo various tests to ensure that they do not have another, potentially more serious condition that is causing the symptoms.

People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may experience abdominal pain, bloating, gas, altered bowel habits such as urgency to defecate, constipation, diarrhea or alternating between constipation and diarrhea. However, no structural or pathologic abnormalities are found in the intestines with IBS.

Continue reading to discover natural methods to relieve IBS symptoms and sign up for our free newsletter.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the intestines. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome differ from individual to individual.

Some people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome complain of infrequent bowel movements while others experience frequent loose stools. Some People feel crampy urges to defecate but find themselves unable to do so. They either cannot eliminate stools or are able to eliminate only a small amount.

For those that experience diarrhea it can effect their home and work life, as the need to go to the bathroom can sometimes some on at unexpected times (although mostly after meals).

Many patients' experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea and symptoms can subside for few months and then return while some people report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome match with a number of gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. Therefore a physician has to rule out a number of conditions before diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not an inflammatory bowel disease. No inflammation of any internal organ occurs with irritable bowel syndrome. However, some studies have shown that irritable bowel syndrome occurs more with some pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some studies have proved that the main cause of irritable bowel syndrome are hypersensitivity and increased motor reactivity in the large intestine, often triggered by diet and stress.

In IBS sufferers the digestive track rhythm is more rapid and irregular compared to a person who does not have the condition. The muscles of the bowel wall go into spasm and hinder the movement of digested food. This leads to constipation, diarrhea, or both.

Sometimes, specific foods, allergies, diet and stress can trigger irritable bowel syndrome flare-ups. The hypersensitivity is also the basis of abdominal pain/discomfort in a patient.

There also seems to be a link between IBS and anxiety, with one study suggesting that approximately 60% of the people studied with IBS also has one or more psychological disorders like anxiety or depression. I is not known if the IBS leads to the psychological disorders or vice versa.

To diagnosis irritable bowel syndrome, the physician needs to rule out other possible conditions. Generally, physician take a detail medical history and will perform a physical exam to see if there is any damage to intestines and may suggest further laboratory tests to look for the presence of blood, bacteria, and parasites in feces.

After the physical exam and other laboratory tests, if the physician finds no sign of any other disease, he may diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. For treatment, physician may recommend dietary changes or medications depending on the symptoms.

If you are also experiencing a symptom for irritable bowel syndrome, you should consult a physician to identify the cause before looking to self-treat your symptoms. Sign up for Susan Reynolds' free IBS newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about Symptoms for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/?source=is ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/info-on-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/info-on-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:30:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromechemicals in the brainbowel habitgastrointestinal disordergastrointestinal discomfortmucus in the stoolmuscle contractions http://www.artwoo.com/article/info-on-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. It is a disrupting condition in which sufferers usually experience gastrointestinal discomfort and bowel habit variability. Although, info on irritable bowel syndrome shows that the symptoms are extensive and reminiscent to other gastrointestinal disorders, it can be diagnosed by eliminating other conditions that have similar signs, and investigating the patient's history and physical symptoms.

Aside from the main symptoms of abdominal pain and bowel habit changes, there are also other symptoms, which present themselves with irritable bowel syndrome.

Some of these symptoms include abdominal bloating or gassiness, presence of mucus in the stool and a feeling of not having been completely emptied after a bowel movement.

Bowel habit alterations are either predominately diarrhea or constipation depending on the variety of muscle contractions in the intestines. Although, some people can alternate between diarrhea and constipation.

The disorder is long-term in nature but is manageable and can be treatable, and the condition causes no physical changes or damage to the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Even in children, if they have IBS, there has been seen to be no effect on their development or growth.

The exact cause or trigger for IBS is still unknown. One explanation is that it may be caused by faulty communication between the brain and the intestinal tract, which causes muscle contractions thereby altering the digestive process presenting the symptoms of abdominal cramping and inconsistent bowel movement.

Neurotransmitters can be seen as chemicals in the brain that act as information carriers to the rest of the body. It is thought that with some IBS sufferers certain elements and hormones throughout the body may have been altered or inappropriately produced due to stress, sudden hormonal changes or immunological response.

These interactions between the neurotransmitters and the intestines may adversely affect the signals in the digestive system and so cause muscle spasms and contractions in the intestines. As spasms and contractions intensify, it can lead to the common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Some theories suggest that irritable bowel syndrome stems from the presence of a previous disease, virus or condition.

Continue reading to discover how you can sign up for our free newsletter and find out what really works to relieve IBS.

IBS itself can not be the cause of other graver illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis or ovarian cancer.

Studies have shown that those with IBS seem to have hypersensitive intestines which react more powerfully and frequently to stimuli. Pain or cramping is usually the most common symptom as nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract are often irritated.

There are speculations whether food allergies trigger irritable bowel syndrome. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to try a hypoallergenic diet and keep a food diary to gather as much info on irritable bowel syndrome, and the foods that may trigger your condition as possible. Sign up for Susan Reynolds' free IBS newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about info on irritable bowel syndrome at http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/?source=is ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:50:21 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome What is IBS?

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a common gut disorder and it is by far the most common illness diagnosed by gastroenterologists in the UK and USA accounting for approximately 65% of all cases referred from a GP.

IBS is what is known as a functional disorder. A functional disorder means that there is a problem (i.e. something not functioning as it should) with a certain part of the body. For example depression is also considered a functional disorder. My understanding is - when an otherwise healthy part of the body is displaying symptoms, and it is otherwise free of injury or infection, it is classified as a functional disorder. So focusing on IBS this means that the gut, most often the colon (large intestine) if examined would appear normal and healthy (it is normal and healthy) as there is no disease present. The symptoms IBS patients experience are caused purely by the gut not functioning effectively. The gut is out of sync if you like.

IBS is often a long term, but manageable condition. There are various treatments and diets to help alleviate symptoms, although there is no single treatment that will work for everyone.

So we now know that IBS is a functional disorder (known as a syndrome), and not a disease. It is also worth noting that IBS does not damage the gut or cause any other diseases. If you have IBS there is no increased risk of bowel cancer, or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) such as Crohn's Disease, or Colitis.

There seems to be quite a lot of confusion about what the difference is between a disease and a syndrome.

A disease is a condition which causes us harm or impairs bodily functions. It is identifiable by its symptoms and it is diagnosed as a single specific condition (disease).

A syndrome is a group of symptoms which occur together and are characteristic of a specific disorder. There is no single specific disease, just the collective symptoms which are referred to as the syndrome.

So with IBS for example, once specific diseases of the bowel have been ruled out via tests and medical investigation, you are left with a group of symptoms which are presenting without being caused by a specific disease, so this is then referred to as a syndrome.

With a disease such as Crohn's disease for example you may have similar symptoms as IBS but during testing and medical investigation Crohn's will be diagnosed as the specific disease.

So to summarise:

I - irritable = the functional part of the disorder.

B - bowel = relates to the area of symptoms.

S - syndrome = a basic definition for the word syndrome means a group of symptoms which are characteristic of a specific disorder.

* IBS is the most common gut complaint seen by gastroenterologists in the UK and USA.

* The gut is simply not functioning effectively, but otherwise it is healthy.

* There is no disease present, and IBS does not increase the risk of bowel cancer.IBS Journal - An Irritable Bowel Syndrome Resource - I created IBS Journal which is an Irritable Bowel Syndrome website containing information and news on IBS, including symptoms, diets, treatments, and general related news and views.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/drug-treatment-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome http://www.artwoo.com/article/drug-treatment-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:35:02 +0000 irritable bowel syndromefrequent bowel movementsmucous colitisnerves in the bodytreatment for irritable bowel syndromemucorrheasubjective sensation http://www.artwoo.com/article/drug-treatment-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of specific and unique organic pathology. Osler coined the term mucous colitis in 1892 when he wrote of a disorder of mucorrhea and abdominal colic with a high incidence in patients with coincident psychopathology. Since that time, the syndrome has been referred to by sundry terms, including spastic, irritable, and nervous colon.

Traditionally, IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. No specific motility or structural correlates have been consistently demonstrated, so IBS remains a clinically defined illness.

The criteria to distinguish IBS from organic disease are as follows:

.. Onset of pain associated with more frequent bowel movements. .. Onset of pain associated with looser bowel movements .. Pain relieved by defecation. .. Visible abdominal bloating. .. Subjective sensation of incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time. .. Mucorrhea more than 25% of the time.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder in which the nerves in the body that usually work to control the muscles in the GI tract are too active, thereby causing it to become sensitive to food, stool, gas and so on. There are many different methods of treatment that are available for irritable bowel syndrome, one of the most common being the drug treatment for irritable bowel syndrome It is important to realize however that there is no single drug used for all cases of irritable bowel syndrome. Rather, you are going to have to work together with your doctor and get a proper diagnosis of your condition, so that you can determine what specific drug treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is going to be best suited for you.

Besides drug treatment for irritable bowel syndrome there are also a few other things that you are going to want to do as well. Remember that the primary goal for treatment of an irritable bowel syndrome condition is to reduce the symptoms, and this is something that can usually be accomplished with basic stress management techniques or positive changes in the diet. Then if the symptoms continue, ongoing care by a physician is often the most ideal option. It is also important to remember that even if you may be on a drug treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, you should not depend on this as a permanent method of treatment, but rather should aim to live a healthier lifestyle in general and that by taking seemingly small steps, including eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water, you will be doing a great favor for yourself in terms of treating your condition. Every little thing you can do is going to make a difference here, and so you should try to do as many things as you can in terms of relieving your condition.

Besides regular therapy and counseling, another great idea for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers is to join a group therapy class. This gives you an opportunity to meet others who are also suffering from the condition and you will have people to give you firsthand opinions on their own experiences, as well as have people there who can answer any questions that you may have. This condition is incredibly common worldwide, and if you ever experience any of the symptoms associated with this disorder then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to have a proper assessment and diagnosis. Roger Thompson advises consumers on jobs in the health care, hospital and medical sectors for portal http://www.idohealthcare.com/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-there-an-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ovarian-cyst-connection http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-there-an-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ovarian-cyst-connection#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2007 02:25:01 +0000 irritable bowel syndromeovarian cyststhree times more likelyovarian cystlarge intestineabdominal bloatingintestinal muscles http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-there-an-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ovarian-cyst-connection irritable bowel syndrome ovarian cyst link. It is already a known fact that women are three times more likely to be effected by irritable bowel syndrome than men, but it would not be safe to say that the syndrome is the cause of development of ovarian cysts.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease and has not been proven to lead to other diseases or physical conditions. However, some existing factors may connect both. Knowledge of these can put people a step forward in identifying the real cause and symptoms of the syndrome.

The colon, which is essentially the large intestine is around six feet in length and links the small intestine with the rectum and anus. It plays an important role in transiting waste from the stomach toward successful evacuation.

It primarily absorbs or adds water from digested matter after it is expelled from the stomach. The muscles will then contract to transport the matter through the intestines. Hormones and nerve impulses trigger the muscular contractions.

Continue reading to sign up for our free newsletter and discover natural methods to relieve IBS that really work.

However, irritable bowel syndrome patients have hypersensitive colons, which may stem from the disorder itself, or from trigger foods that aggravate the symptoms. This hypersensitivity causes the intestinal muscles to contract intensely and frequently which leads to abdominal cramping and diarrhea. A common irritable bowel syndrome symptom, abdominal bloating causes the bowel to swell and distend which can be very painful for the patient's hypersensitive nerve endings located near the area.

The connection between irritable bowel syndrome and ovarian cyst development can be well explained by alterations in colon function. Since ovarian cysts form from changes in the process of egg production by the ovaries, it is considered a functional disorder just like the intestinal syndrome. The problem does not lie in any structural abnormality.

One potential link between ovarian cysts and irritable bowel is as follows. During irritable bowel syndrome, there is colon dysfunction so the intense contractions in the long term may eventually lead to tissue stretching in the intestines which can affect the ovaries.

If the stretching continues over a long period of time, scarring can result not only in the intestinal walls but also to the nearby organs that the distension comes into contact with like the kidneys, the ovaries and the appendix. This scaring of cells may form ovarian cysts and even other types of tissue anomalies.

The irritable bowel syndrome ovarian cyst link is debatable, even though the exact cause of IBS is unknown. Evidence does show that the development of the cyst and the dysfunction in ovary production of egg cells may have been impacted by the symptoms of the intestinal condition. Both conditions are chronic in nature and it is highly recommended that any symptoms should lead you to discussing the problems with your doctor. Sign up for Susan Reynolds' free IBS newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about irritable bowel syndrome ovarian cyst at http://www.natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com/?source=is ]]>