Aloe Vera IBS
Aloe vera – IBS or irritable bowel syndrome can be treated naturally and herbal treatment with aloe vera is one of these ways to manage the disease. When taken internally, the juice of the aloe vera can lessen the discomfort caused by IBS. Because of this finding, the aloe vera plant has increased in its popularity. The unpleasant symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, gut pain, bloating and wind.
The usual dosage used by IBS sufferers is two teaspoons of aloe vera twice a day or half of this amount mixed with water. Some flavoured juices like red grape or tropical fruits are also available or there are also aloe vera tablets. However, tablets aren’t seen to be as beneficial if used over a long period. There are those who claim to experience an immediate effect while others claim a more progressive benefit after a few months taking aloe vera. IBS is really a difficult disorder but using aloe vera could help lessen the symptoms.
Some companies market it as a general supplement for IBS. It is available in different forms, such as caplets, juice and gel and the products vary in strengths and concentration. Aloe vera helps in cleansing and repairing the lining of the digestive tract and restoring the natural process of digestion. Since aloe vera is made up almost entirely liquid, it helps to regulate the stool when it is used regularly.
There is a wrong notion that aloe vera is a laxative and when taken in large quantities could cause constipation. The real effect however of this herb is that it normalizes the digestive systems’ processes although it might seem like it has a laxative effect. Increased protein digestion or absorption and an increase volume of water in the stool thus lessening the symptoms of IBS are other benefits you can get from aloe vera. IBS and many other stomach upsets can be generally treated with this wonder herb, to say the least. Actually, there are other disorders that are treated with aloe vera. IBS is just one of the conditions it can resolve, based from old and recent findings can benefit indeed from aloe vera medication which is one of the oldest medicinal therapies in history.
Irritable Bowel Diet
Irritable bowel diet aims to reduce or eliminate foods that are IBS triggers. If you are an IBS sufferer, please don’t despair when seeing the list of these foods because some of them can still be eaten by you in small quantities following the proper guidelines. Also, there are safer substitutes to these foods and you can eat them freely. The following are foods that should not included in an irregular bowel diet:
Red meat – includes ground beef, hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, roast beef, ham, etc.
Poultry dark meat and skin- organic turkey and chicken and skinless white meat are fine.
Dairy products – includes cheese, butter, sour cream, milk, ice-cream, yogurt. Dairy products trigger IBS even if you are not lactose intolerant because of the high fat content of most dairy. Also, dairy contains proteins whey and casein which can cause serious digestion problems.
Egg yolks – organic eggs are recommended, egg whites are fine.
Other high fat foods- French fries, onion rings, fried chicken, corn dogs, battered and deep-fried foods, margarine, all oils, mayonnaise, coconut milk, solid chocolate, nuts, unbaked potato chips, corn chips, nachos.
Coffee/Alcohol/Carbonated drinks- these contain enzyme that are GI tract irritants.
Artificial sweeteners- can trigger pain cramps, gas, bloating and diarrhea.
MSG- it has many negative anecdotal findings that are related to digestive problems.
The most harmful foods are red meat, dairies, egg yolks and fried foods and it is best that these should not be included in the irregular bowel diet. You might find the idea shocking but giving them up will mean that your whole body will be healthier and you will feel better.
It is important also to maintain low fat diet if you are suffering from IBS but it is also important that you don’t go fat free. Your body also needs healthy fats in order to function properly. The total fat intake should be kept at 20% to 25% of your total calories. These fats should be monounsaturated and should contain essential fatty acids which can come from olive oil, canola oil, avocados, finely ground nuts, fatty fish, flax oil, etc. Irregular bowel diet therefore should eliminate the above list of foods because they are the culprits to this problem.
Irritable Bowel Movement
Irritable bowel movement is caused by an abnormal functioning of colon or large intestines in the stomach which causes cramping and infrequent bowel movement. The problems lies in the colon which causes spasm which may either be too short or too lengthy disturbing the normal intestinal process. This resulted to serious discomforts due to frequent and disturbing bowel movement because affecting the person’s life and efficiency with his work. This problem is an intestinal disease caused by the malfunction of colons and can be the result of eating certain foods, stress or due to the immune system.
Irritable bowel movement cannot be determined by medical tests alone since these tests can only exclude other problems that cause the symptoms. The main symptom people is experiencing is recurring bouts of abdominal pain for a period of at least three months. The pain can be felt all over the abdominal area and is often felt in the lower part of the abdomen below the belly button. The other symptoms can be confusing and frightening to the patient. Consulting a doctor would be the best thing to do for a person suffering from this condition.
In the case of irritable bowel movement, the pain happens because of the bowel’s heightened sensitivity. Persons who are experiencing this disorder say that the pain often goes away after having a bowel movement but it usually returns after a few minutes. A person may have this disorder when 25 percent of the time there is an irregular pattern in his or her bowel activity.
For example, the person may have normal bowel movement today but come every fourth week he experiences constipation or diarrhea like bowel movement. When there is a more serious disorder such as colitis or bowel inflammation, the pain often remains although the intensity may lessen. If the pain is severe or never experienced before, then he should seek the advice of a physician for proper treatment.
Proper medication and treatment will gradually lessen the pain and discomfort being experienced by people who are suffering from this condition. Irritable bowel movement can be managed by changing one’s diet and practicing stress management.
Irritable Bowel Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Symptoms are similar to those symptoms being experienced by a person with lactose intolerance. For this reason, IBS sufferers are misdiagnosed quite often so symptoms comparison should be done before giving treatment.
Irritable bowel symptoms can be persistent and troublesome and can be different from person to person. The most common symptoms are the following:
- Abdominal pain – This could be felt most often on the left low down part of the abdomen but it could be anywhere in the abdomen.
- Fullness and bloating – Sometimes goes with rumbling noises and wind or flatulence.
- Nausea – can occur but without vomiting because this is not usually an IBS symptom.
- Change in bowel habit – The patient either suffers from constipation or diarrhea or an alteration between these two symptoms. Individuals have different bowel habits but most people have their own pattern. The alteration in bowel habit may be in the frequency of the bowel movement or the urgency or rushing to do it. The person may find it hard to open the bowels. Incontinence can also be experienced occasionally.
The symptoms are attributed to an increased sensitivity of the bowel resulting to bowel muscle spasms. This disorder involves the bowel functions and is sometimes referred to as a ‘functional bowel disorder’.
Irritable bowel symptoms are not due to the following:
- It is not hereditary even if some family members have the same symptoms.
- It is not due to food allergy although some particular foods are not suitable to some patients.
- It is not due to infection although it may have started with an attack of gastro-enteritis.
- It is not due to bowel inflammation which is the case with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- It is not due to ulcers, gallstones, cancer or other more serious digestive illness although patients suffering from these serious diseases may have the some symptoms similar to irregular bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is very common in developed countries. The person who suffers from irritable bowel symptoms may be feeling embarrassed or distressed about his situation but worrying in silence will not help him unless he consults a doctor who can diagnose and help in its treatment.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Dogs
Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs is a very common condition happening to all types of breeds and affects thousands each year around the world. This can cause many symptoms which includes diarrhea, blood in the feces and reoccurring bouts of diarrhea with little being produced each time and possible straining while this is happening. Below are some of the discussions regarding this disorder in many dogs:
- Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs usually begins when something upsets the digestive system of your dog. Some of this includes abnormal food or some kind of poisoning system. The first reaction of dogs when it happens is to try and remove the offending substance that causes the irritation of the stomach. This is often done through diarrhea because of the stomach irritation the dog will make itself sick in order to stop the pain that is occurring as soon as possible.
- There certain things that causes dogs to have this such as bacteria, parasites or food allergies. It is also widely accepted that stress also causes this disorder.
- There are also methods on diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome in dogs. It can be diagnosed by means of ruling out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms like kidney problems. Most veterinarians conduct a complete blood count and other test such as intestinal biopsy. But intestinal biopsy can be conducted if the owner of the dogs allows it to do so.
- Once your dog is diagnosed that has this kind of disorder there it will based the treatment for your dog. There are possible treatments that can be done. The most important treatment on the irritable bowel syndrome in dogs is the dietary modification. Through this your dog must only eat specifically foods and it does not include commercial dog food that has too much corn and grain. Another treatment is by means of anti-diarrhea medication and drugs. This is prescribed by vets to relieve the abdominal pain, bloating and gas.
All these help you to become more aware of what can be the possible condition of your dog. It also educates you on how to deal with this kind of disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs can be treated so you don’t have to worry at all.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication
Irritable bowel syndrome medication usually comes in the form of anti-spasmodic drug. Old medicines have anti-depressant or anti-diarrhea in them. The newest and potentially riskiest IBS drugs are Zelnorm or Lotronex. Zelnorm however increases the risk of serious cardiovascular problems and has only been approved for short term use. These are some of the few medicines available in the market today although their effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. The type of drug that will work best with you will be determined through trial and error.
Anti-spasmodics are usually given to patients suffering from IBS. These drugs affect the gut motor activity and significantly reduce the colon’s response to both eating and stress. These drugs are to be taken 30 minutes after meals or only when needed. The sublingual (dissolved under the tongue) and the oral (swallowed whole) are the varieties available. Many people in general prefer to use soluble fiber supplements, peppermint, and fennel, and the IBS diet rather than anti-spasmodics.
Irritable bowel syndrome medication drugs are symptom-specific meaning they are aimed at painful, abdominal spasms, diarrhea, or constipation and do not treat the underlying brain-gut dysfunction of the syndrome. Don’t be discouraged if the first medications you take don’t work well because there are other options available
Put in mind that there is not a specific treatment for IBS and no single drug has yet been approved. You and your doctor should work together to determined which medication works best for you. This may take a couple of months and periodic check ups but always make sure that you receive the clinical insert about the drugs’ side effects and possible drug interactions. You could ask a pharmacist for this insert just incase you don’t receive it with your prescription.
At present most patients suffering from IBS complain about the lack of safe, reliable and effective irritable bowel syndrome medication. What they are looking for are new drugs that would target the problem especially preventing its symptoms. For the mean time we must make use of irritable bowel syndrome medication drugs that we have and keep our fingers crossed for new possible breakthroughs.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and variation of bowel movements without any organic cause. The disease doesn’t cause harm the intestines or lead further to any serious illnesses or disease. Most people suffering from this disease can control the symptoms by proper diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. Others though find the ailment disabling. It literally takes them out of their comfort zone and makes ordinary activities very laborious. It is one of the most common disorders and usually affects women more than men.
The signs of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person. Some experience constipation while others experience diarrhea and in some cases both at the same time. People who suffer from IBS report instances of this condition recurring or fluctuating.
There are times when the symptoms subside and then later on return in a few months.
Researchers have yet to find out what causes IBS. Some presume that it is cause by a colon pr large intestine that is particularly sensitive to certain foods and stress. The immune system which safeguards us from infection and diseases is also being suspected to be involved with this condition. There is no cure for IBS yet but there are treatments to which try to relieve symptoms.
Seeing a doctor is the first step in treating irritable bowel syndrome. It is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history including symptoms and physical examination. There is no specific test for this condition rather the tests are being done to make sure there are no underlying problems. If the tests results are negative then it would be safe to say that the patient has IBS. Many doctors refer to a list of specific symptoms to make a diagnosis on the patient. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:
- abdominal pain for at least 12 weeks out of the previous 12 months.
- change of frequency in bowel movements
- change in appearance of the stool
- uncontrollable urgency to have a bowel movement
- mucus in the stool
- bloating
- difficulty in passing of the stool
Irritable bowel syndrome can best give you the best treatments for and can encourage you to manage your stress and change your diet.
Irritable Bowel Treatment
Irritable bowel treatment should be sought by a person by consulting first a physician when he experiences IBS symptoms. He could go to the emergency department of the hospital if his symptoms are severe and/or has suddenly occurred. IBS may affect individuals differently. There are symptoms that are inconsistent with IBS such as fever, bloody stools or urine, vomiting, black or tarry stools, pain or diarrhea which interrupts sleep and weight loss which really need medical attention.
Irregular bowel treatment maybe determined after taking the patient’s history and physical examination. It could be hard to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. A doctor has to perhaps conduct tests to rule out other problems of the patient. These tests may include laboratory tests, CT scan or small intestinal x-rays or GI endoscopy or colonoscopy. During an endoscopy, the patient is conscious but under sedation while a flexible tube with a tiny camera is passed into his GI tract. It may require a second opinion because no single blood test or x-ray study can confirm a diagnosis of IBS.
Irritable bowel treatment can also be combined with a change in the diet. Many people change their diets before consulting a physician. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to irritable bowel syndrome so to assess the problem, it is advisable to avoid temporarily taking dairy products. However, those who do not consume dairy products should consider taking calcium supplements plus doing exercise. Some foods should also be avoided since they may worsen bloating and gassiness such as cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and legumes. Adding fiber to the diet is also a good irregular bowel treatment. Fiber when taken can expand the sides of the digestive tract thus reducing spasms and could promote regular bowel movements.
Majority of people with irritable bowel syndrome have problems only occasionally but a few may experience long-lasting problems hence they need prescribed medications from a doctor. These drugs are antispasmodic medicines, antidiarrheal medicines and antidepressants. Irritable bowel treatment using these medicines however are not for everyone since these may have harsh side effects and other treatments available should be considered depending on the symptoms and conditions of the person.
IBS Medication
IBS medication is generally used to cure IBS as well as other different IBS-related conditions.
1. When IBS pain is due to constipation, most of the doctors recommend over the counter medication such as laxatives. On the other hand, taking laxative can only lead you to diarrhea and it may also be habit forming which can be ineffective after prolonged and continued use.
2. When there is an accompanying diarrhea, a recommended over the counter IBS medication like Immodium or Kaopectate can be taken. It can lessen diarrhea, but the researchers found out that these do not relieve other symptoms such as IBS pain and bloating. Bloating and gas may be relieved when you take antacids, anti-gas products or a herbal remedy.
3. A recommended herbal remedy called aloe and slippery elm. These products containing aloe and slippery elm may help relieve constipation and these also often have anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve IBS pain.
4. Doctors also prescribe low doses of anti-depressants for IBS pain. But some of the newer anti-depressant can cause diarrhea like Paxil and Prozac. Also, all anti-depressants have side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision and headache which can render a person uncomfortable.
5. One of the IBS medication prescribed that is proven to be effective to relieve constipation and IBS pain is Zelnorm but it is only effective to women and does not work with men. But this is only recommended for a short term use for it can cause serious side effects.
6. In order to relieve IBS pain, many people look for an alternative like chiropractic or hypnotic therapies. These are more preferred because of the zero side effects compared to chemically composed medications.
7. Regular exercise is the most effective IBS medication. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain which block pain and develop good mood.
IBS becomes a quite common diagnosis that affects any one out of five people at some point in their lives. The use of medication is often the immediate solution for this condition. IBS medication is generally safe for temporary use only because of the notable side effects.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms has a list of common symptoms related to this disease which is called Rome III criteria that is being used by doctors to distinguish IBS from other intestinal diseases. The Rome III criteria is met by a patient if the following symptoms are present six months ago and the abdominal discomfort/pain occurs at least three days each month in the last three months Also, at least two of the following conditions are present:
After having a bowel movement, the pain is gone or relieved.
The pain is related to how many times you have a bowel movement.
The pain is related to a change in the appearance/consistency of the stool.
Other Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms may include constipation with abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. In other persons, there is no diarrhea but only pain and mild constipation. Other symptoms also are intestinal gas and there is mucus in stools. There are also Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms that are non-gastrointestinal or symptoms that don’t affect the intestines and they include:
Depression/Anxiety
Fatigue and headache
The mouth has an unpleasant taste.
Backache/sleeping problems or insomnia
Reduced sexual desire/pain during sex
Heart palpitations like when the heart skips a beat or is fluttering
Frequent urination and other urinary symptoms
Blood in stools/urine
In some cases, vomiting
In rare cases, vomiting accompanied with nausea
Sleep interruption due to pain or diarrhea
The symptoms of IBS may worsen when the person is under stress such as during travel, attending a social function or a change in his daily routine. The symptoms also may get worse if the person does not have a healthy diet. They could also get worse after eating a big meal. Some foods could also make the symptoms worse. IBS symptoms are also more frequent in women with this disorder during their menstrual periods. Irregular bowel syndrome symptoms can best be managed by eating a healthy diet, avoiding foods that make the symptoms worse and finding ways to handle stress such as relaxation and regular exercise.