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DESCRIPTION
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common digestive disorder seen by health care providers. It is estimated that approximately 45 million Americans, or almost 20 percent (about 1 in 5) of the adult population has symptoms of IBS, although fewer than half of them seek help for it. Twice as many women suffer from the condition as men. IBS is also sometimes called intestinal neurosis, Mucous colitis, spastic colitis, spastic colon and usually affects people between the ages of 25 and 45 years of age.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder. In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract becomes irregular and uncoordinated. This means that the movement of the digestive tract is impaired but health care providers can find no change in physical structure, such as inflammation or tumors. The irregular and uncoordinated movement interferes with the normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to the accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestine. This accumulated material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn causes bloating, distention, and constipation/diarrhea. IBS may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth through the colon.
Many people with IBS have alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea, but often one problem is more common than the other. A given episode may be milder or more severe than the one before it, but the disorder itself does not become worse over time. IBS does not lead to more serious diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer.
IBD COMPARED TO IBS
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not the same thing as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBD is a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines. There are two major types of IBD:
- Ulcerative colitis affects only the large intestine (colon).
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohns disease can affect any part of the entire digestive tract (from the mouth to the anus).
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease may include abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea that may contain blood or pus, fever, chills, weight loss, and fatigue. The condition may be mild or severe. The inflammation can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes or joints, and may cause a form of arthritis.
Inflammatory bowel disease may recur many times in a person's life. It is treated with medications and sometimes with diet changes. If the disease is in remission (not causing symptoms), treatment may not be needed, although medications may help keep the disease in remission. A severe attack may require that the person be hospitalized for treatment. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease increases a person's risk of colon cancer, although the risk is higher with ulcerative colitis than with Crohns disease.
Abdominal Anatomy
SYMPTOMS OF IBS
Symptoms of IBS may include:
- Constipation and/or diarrhea (often alternating).
- Abdominal pain. Pain is often triggered by eating and may be relieved by a bowel movement.
- Bloating.
- Intolerances to certain foods causing irritation of the intestinal tract. Lactose (milk sugar is a common culprit, as are all dairy products.
- Mucus in the stools.
- A sense that you have not completely emptied your bowels.
- Nausea.
- Severe headaches (sometimes).
- Vomiting.
- Anorexia. Because of the pain, a person may dread eating.
- Malnutrition may result regardless of whether a person eats normally or not, as nutrients often are not absorbed properly ( malabsorption). As a result, people with IBS require as much as 30 percent more protein than normal, as well as an increased intake of minerals and trace elements, which can quickly be depleted by diarrhea.
IBS should not be confused with the more serious bowel disorders, such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. These are inflammatory bowel diseases, but, unlike IBS, they result in demonstrable lesions in the digestive tract. Crohns disease affects the entire length and thickness of the wall of the large and/or small intestine, the last five or seven feet of the digestive tract.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may persist for a long time, but IBS does not cause cancer or shorten life expectancy.
- Some people may have symptoms off and on for many years.
- The pattern of IBS varies from one person to the next and from one bout to the next. You may go months or years without having any symptoms. However, most people have recurrent episodes of symptoms.
- Symptoms may improve over time in some people.
- It is rare for a person to have symptoms constantly.
Although IBS does not cause more serious conditions, such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, a person who has IBS may also have one of these illnesses.
CAUSES
There are no physical signs of disease in bowel tissue with this disorder, and its cause or causes are not well understood or is not known. Some scientists believe a virus or bacterium may play a role. Lifestyle factors such as stress and diet are probably common causes. The overuse of antibiotics, antacids, or laxatives, which disturb the bacterial microflora of the bowel, may also be a factor.
Some health experts believe faulty communication between the brain and the intestinal tract cause IBS. A complex combination of elements, including psychological stress, hormones, the immune system, and chemicals called neurotransmitters, appears to interfere with messages between the brain and the bowel. The miscommunication causes abnormal muscle contractions or spasms, which often cause cramping pain. The spasms may either speed the passage of stool, causing diarrhea, or slow it down, causing constipation or bloating.
People with IBS seen to have unusually sensitive intestines. It is not know why their intestines are more likely to react strongly to these elements. People who have IBS may develop pain in response to one or more factors, including:
- Eating (though no particular foods have been associated with IBS).
- Stress. Stress may affect the movements of the intestines and also may affect the way a person feels pain. Stress may also have the same effect on people who do not have IBS.
- Bloating caused by trapped gas.
- Hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle.
- Certain medications.
- Genetics. IBS may be more likely to occur in people who have a family history of the disorder.
RISK FACTORS
Many other diseases can be related to IBS, including candidiasis, colon cancer, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, malabsorption disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, ulcers, and the parasitic infections amebiasis and giardiasis. Over 100 different disorders may be linked to the systemic effects of IBS. One disorder that is linked in about 25 percent of adults with IBS is arthritis, usually peripheral arthritis, which affects the ankles, knees, and wrists. Less frequently, the spine is affected. IBS can also be related to skin disorders, but this is unusual. Some people with IBS have abnormalities in the levels of liver enzymes in their blood.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) tends to be more common in:
- People younger than age 35. At least half of the people who have IBS developed symptoms before age 35. If the first attack occurs after age 40, it is more likely than not that symptoms are caused by something other than IBS. IBS is less likely to develop for the first time in people over 60 than it is in younger people.
- Women. In the United States, most people who are seen by health care providers for IBS are women. However, in some other countries, most people who are seen by health care providers for IBS are men. This difference may have more to do with cultural variations in willingness to report IBS symptoms than with any real difference in the numbers of men and women who have the condition.
- People who have panic disorder or other psychological conditions.
- People who have a family history of IBS.
- People who have a history of physical or sexual abuse or other psychological trauma. Several studies have found a link between a past history of abuse and gastrointestinal disorders.
PREVENTION
You cannot prevent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, proper self-care may help minimize symptoms and perhaps extend the time between episodes.
TREATMENT
MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OF IBS
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome requires ruling out disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as celiac disease, colon cancer or benign tumors, Crohns disease, depression, diverticulitis, Endometriosis, fecal impaction, food poisoning, infectious diarrhea, ischemic or ulcerative colitis, lactose intolerance. A health care provider may recommend one or more of a variety of procedures to do this, including barium enema, colonoscopy, rectal biopsy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool examination to check for the presence of bacteria, blood, and/or parasites.
No specific test can be used to diagnose IBS, so health care providers use symptoms to help diagnose the condition. In most cases, only minimal tests are needed. A health care professional diagnoses IBS when a person has the typical symptoms of the disorder and routine tests, if needed, have ruled out other possible causes.
An expert panel has outlined a list of symptoms common in IBS. Health care providers often use these symptoms, known as the Rome criteria, to tell IBS apart from other intestinal problems. However, people who don't have all of these symptoms may still have IBS.
You are believed to have IBS if abdominal pain or discomfort is continuous or comes and goes for at least 12 weeks (need not be consecutive) during the past year, and two of the three following conditions occur:
- Pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.
- The frequency of bowel movements changes.
- The stools' appearance or form changes.
Bowel movement patterns. In IBS, your pattern of bowel movements varies at least 25 percent of the time. Two or more of the following may happen:
- Bowel movements may occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, such as having more than 3 bowel movements a day or less than 3 per week.
- Bowel movements may differ in size or consistency (may be hard and pellet-like, pencil-thin, or loose and watery).
- The way stools pass changes. You may strain, feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement, or feel that you haven't completely passed a stool.
- You may have bloating or a feeling of gas in the intestines.
The amount of testing that may be done depends on several factors: age, how the symptoms come on and how severe they are, and how the person responds to the initial treatment. For example:
- For a 22-year-old woman who has all the typical symptoms of IBS, sigmoidoscopy may be the only test needed. Irritable bowel syndrome is more common in young women, and so if symptoms are typical of IBS, extensive testing is probably not needed.
- For a 56-year-old man whose symptoms started recently, more extensive testing is probably needed. People over age 50 are less likely than younger people to develop IBS symptoms for the first time, so it is more likely that symptoms may be caused by another problem.
- If you get better after some initial treatment for symptoms the health care provider suspects are caused by IBS, no further tests are needed.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT OF IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term (chronic) but manageable condition. Active involvement in treatment is important to successfully manage the condition. Treatment is adapted to fit individual needs. Medication may be used in addition to changes in diet and lifestyle.
It is important that you work closely with your health care provider to create a treatment plan that will meet your needs. Learn all you can about your condition so you can effectively communicate concerns and questions to your health care provider.
No single type of treatment works best for everyone. Let your health care provider know if parts of your treatment are not helping your symptoms.
You and your health care provider will need to work together to determine what may be triggering your symptoms, such as constipation or diarrhea. For some people who have IBS, certain foods may trigger symptoms. Eliminating certain foods or adding more fiber to your diet may help relieve or prevent your symptoms. See dietary suggestions below.
If stress is a trigger for you, some form of psychological therapy or stress management may help you deal more positively with stress and help prevent or reduce stress-related IBS episodes. See Stress, Relaxation Therapy and Stress Links for more information.
Getting regular, vigorous exercise (such as swimming, jogging, or brisk walking) may help reduce tension and make your bowels more regular.
Medications may be used along with lifestyle changes to manage symptoms of IBS.
MEDICATIONS
The goal of drug treatment is to relieve your symptoms enough to prevent them from interfering with your daily activities, because it may not be possible to eliminate symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, diarrhea, or constipation that does not respond to home treatment.
- Antidepressant medications may improve IBS symptoms even in people who do not have depression, especially the medication class known as tricyclic antidepressants.
- Anti-anxiety medications may help people whose anxiety contributes to their IBS symptoms.
- Tegaserod, a medication that increases movement of the intestines, is now approved to treat IBS in women whose main symptom is constipation. While studies have shown a trend toward symptom improvement in men, the studies were not able statistically to show effectiveness in men.
No single medication has been shown to be effective in relieving IBS over the long term.
SURGERY
Surgery is not done for irritable bowel syndrome.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
A wide range of other therapies has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Treatment methods that help improve responses to stressful situations can be helpful. However, no one treatment works best for everyone. Other treatment choices may include:
Psychological Treatment: The following psychological treatment options may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in some people. Psychological treatment methods are usually more effective if they are used along with other treatment methods, such as diet changes, stress reduction and sometimes medication.
- Stress Reduction. Research and testing have found not only that breathing exercises can control IBS, but that people who practice stress management have fewer and less severe attacks. Stress management also relieves symptoms. See Stress and anxiety disorders for more information.
- Therapy. Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy may be effective if you have pain caused by IBS. Some people who use these treatment methods may have long-term relief.
- Hypnosis. Hypnosis may be an effective way to treat IBS that does not respond to other treatment methods. Hypnosis can help some people relax, which may relieve abdominal pain. Hypnosis has been especially successful in people younger than age 50. See Hypnotherapy for more information.
- Relaxation & Meditation. Relaxation training and meditation involves concentrating on a word, image, or phrase for a given length of time to reach a state of deep relaxation. It may be helpful in reducing generalized muscle tension and abdominal pain. Used regularly, these techniques can be helpful in dealing with stressful situations. With practice, you can learn to relax easily in almost any setting. See Relaxation and Meditation for more information.
- Biofeedback. Biofeedback training may help relieve pain from intestinal spasms. It also may help improve bowel movement control in people who have severe diarrhea. See Biofeedback for more information.
HOLISTIC & NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Irritable bowel syndrome is painful, but not serious, and most people who have it can lead active, productive lives if they change their diets, get regular exercise, and replace needed nutrients.
For most people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), home treatment may be the best way to manage the symptoms. It is also helpful to learn all you can about IBS so you can effectively communicate concerns and questions to your health care provider.
Although there is no cure for IBS yet, careful attention to diet and stress management should help keep your symptoms under control and perhaps even prevent them from coming back.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
In many people who have IBS, eating may trigger symptoms. However, for most people, there is not a particular type of food that triggers symptoms. You can take steps to reduce the possibility that certain foods will cause symptoms.
Eat a high-fiber diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus whole grains (especially brown rice) and legumes.
Eating the correct diet, using supplemental fiber, and drinking plenty of water are very important in controlling IBS. Use supplemental fiber such as psyllium powder. This regulates bowel movements and should be used daily. Also use oat bran and ground flaxseeds daily, on an alternating basis. Early recognition of the disease, good nutrition, and a positive outlook help minimize complications.
Herbal Remedies: Whole Psyllium Husks, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 24 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Psyllium Husk Powder (Plantago Asiatica), NOW Foods, 100% Pure, Vegetarian, 12 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Psyllium Husk Powder, NOW Foods, 100% Pure Bulk Fiber, Orange Flavor, Vegetarian, 12 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Oat Bran Extract, Standardized 54% Beta Glucan, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 60 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Forti-Flax, 100% Certified Organic, Ground Flaxseed, Barlean's, 16 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Flax Seed Meal, Cold Pressed, NOW Foods, Certified Organic, 12 oz.
Avoid animal fats, butter, all carbonated beverages, coffee and all other substances containing caffeine, candy, chocolate, all dairy products, fried foods, ice cream, all junk foods, the additives mannitol and sorbitol, margarine, nuts, orange and grapefruit juices, pastries, all processed foods, seeds, spicy foods, sugar, sugar-free chewing gum, wheat bran and wheat products. These foods encourage the secretion of mucus by the membranes and prevent the uptake of nutrients.
Limit gas-producing foods such as beans, broccoli, and cabbage) if they cause any problems.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco; these irritate the linings of the stomach and colon.
Limit or eliminate foods that may make diarrhea worse. These may include caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, gas-producing foods (such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli), and the artificial sweetener sorbitol, often used in sugarless gum and sugarless candy.
When an intestinal upset occurs, switch to a bland diet. Put vegetables and non-acidic fruits through a food processor or blender. Organic baby food is good. If you are on a soft diet, take some type of fiber and a protein supplement.
Herbal Remedies: Ideal Meal Protein Supplement, Orange Creamsicle, Hi-Tech, 3.2 lbs
Herbal Remedies: Whey Protein Supplement Information & Products
To relieve occasional gas and bloating, use charcoal tablets (available in health food stores). Take 5 tablets as soon as this problem arises. Do not use charcoal daily, however, because it also absorbs needed nutrients, and do not take it at the same time as other supplements or medications.
Herbal Remedies: Activated Charcoal Supplement, Nature's Way, 260 mg, 100 Caps
Check to see if you have food allergies; they are important factors in this disorder. Eliminating allergenic foods from the diet relieves symptoms in many cases. See Allergies for more information.
For excessive gas and bloating that lingers, see Enemas and L. Bifidus Retention Enema for details and instructions. This will replace the "friendly" bacteria very quickly and resolve the problem. Exercise, such as stretching exercises, swimming, or walking, is also important.
Keep a daily diary of what you eat and whether you experience symptoms after eating.
Chew your food well. Do not overeat or eat in a hurry. Eating slowly, chewing your food well, and having meals in a quiet, relaxing environment without being in a hurry will help your digestion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that does not bind or is tight around the waist or abdomen.
Practice deep breathing exercises. Shallow breathing reduces the oxygen available for proper bowel function.
Do not eat right before going to bed. Wait one or two hours after eating before lying down.
Avoid sugar and other refined carbohydrates. Both bacteria and fungi (yeast) thrive on sugar.
Enteric-coated peppermint capsules are used successfully in Europe for IBS.
Herbal Remedies: Pepogest Peppermint Oil, Enteric-Coated, Nature's Way, 0.2 ml, 60 Softgels
IBS CONSIDERATIONS
Eating the correct diet, using supplemental fiber, and drinking plenty of quality water are very important in controlling IBS. Early recognition of the disease, good nutrition, and a positive outlook help minimize complications.
It takes between 12 and 15 hours for food to be completely processed. Food such as meat can take longer, whereas fresh fruits, raw foods, or lightly steamed foods are processed more quickly.
Certain foods irritate the wall of the intestinal tract. Lactose (milk sugar) is a common irritant and if you are lactose intolerant, all dairy products should be avoided. Avoid grains, nuts, and seeds until symptoms subside. Always chew these types of foods until they are almost liquified in the mouth.
IBS should not be confused with the ore serious bowel disorders, such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. These are also inflammatory bowel diseases but, unlike IBS, they result in lesions in the digestive tract. Crohns disease affects the entire length and thickness of the wall of the large and small intestine; ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the large intestine, the last 5 to 7 feet of the digestive tract.
People with irritable bowel syndrome are also likely to have associated conditions such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), gastroesophageal reflux (see Heartburn for more information about GERD), globus sensation (a feeling of having a ball in the throat), gynecological problems, heartburn, non-cardiac chest pain, and urologic dysfunction.
An imbalance of gut flora is common for those with irritable bowel syndrome. Usually the pathogenic flora outnumber the friendly bacteria.
People with IBS should receive regular physical examinations. This disorder has been linked to a higher than normal incidence of colon cancer and diverticulitis.
If IBS causes chronic diarrhea, electrolyte and trace mineral deficiencies are likely. See Diarrhea for suggested mineral supplementation. Also see Malabsorption Syndrome.
Certain drugs can aggravate the malabsorption problems often present with IBS. These include antibiotics, corticosteriods, cholestyramine (Questran), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), among others. These drugs increase the need for nutritional supplements.
Antispasmodic drugs (Di-Spaz, Lomotil) and antidiarrheal drugs (Imodium) slow the function of the gastrointestinal tract and are regularly prescribed for IBS. However, they have serious side effects and can induce dependency. Some health care providers have also prescribed highly addictive tranquilizers and antidepressants.
Many people with IBS have experienced improvements in symptoms after using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM/TCM).
Research and testing have found not only that breathing exercises can control IBS, but that people who practice stress management have fewer and less severe attacks. Stress management also relieves symptoms. See Stress and breathing exercises under Pain Control.
Significant acidosis may occur with IBS. See Acidosis for more information and take the self-test.
The symptoms of IBS are similar to those of many other disorders, including cancer. If dietary modification and natural remedies yield no relief, it is wise to consult with a health care provider to rule out some other underlying problem. We recommend this only after natural remedies and nutritional changes have been tried, however.
HERBS
If you have IBS, it is wise to treat your liver as well as your digestive tract, preferably with Silymarin ( Milk Thistle Extract). Licorice can also be used. Other beneficial herbs are Burdock Root and Red Clover, which are good for cleansing the bloodstream, and thereby the liver. Caution: If overused, licorice can elevate blood pressure. Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than 7 days in a row. Avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure.
Herbal Remedies: Thisilyn, Milk Thistle Extract, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 175 mg, 100 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Silymarin, NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 150 mg, 60 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Licorice Root / Glycyrrhiza Glabra / Yastimadhu Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Burdock / Arctium Lappa Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Red Clover / Trifolium Pratense Supplements & Products
Aloe Vera is healing to the digestive tract. Used in combination with Aerobic Bulk Cleanse (ABC) from Aerobic Life Industries, it helps to keep the colon walls clean of excess mucus and slow down food reactions. Take 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice 3 times daily, on an empty stomach.
Herbal Remedies: Aloe Vera Supplements & Products
Alfalfa contains vitamin K, needed to build intestinal flora for proper digestion, and chlorophyll for healing and cleansing of the bloodstream. It can be taken in liquid or tablet form.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa / Medicago Sativa Supplements & Products
Peppermint aids in healing and digestion, and also relieves upset stomach and gas or that "too-full" feeling. It must be taken in enteric-coated capsule form to prevent the oil from being released before it reaches the colon. Do not take any other form, or heartburn may result.
Herbal Remedies: Pepogest Peppermint Oil, Enteric-Coated, Nature's Way, 0.2 ml, 60 Softgels
Herbal Remedies: Mint / Menthol / Peppermint / Mentha Piperita Supplements & Products
Skullcap and Valerian Root are helpful for the nerves that regulate intestinal muscle function. These are good taken at bedtime or when an upset occurs.
Other herbs that can be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome include Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Fenugreek, Ginger, Goldenseal, Lobelia, Marshmallow, Pau D'Arco, Rose Hips, and Slippery Elm. Caution: Do not use Chamomile or Lobelia on an ongoing basis. Avoid Chamomile completely if your allergic to ragweed. Do not take Goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, do not use it in large quantities during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
Choose the herbal product best for you. For an assortment of available products and supplements found in powders, tinctures, extracts, capsules, teas and other forms, see these herbal links:
Herbal Remedies: Lemon Balm Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Chamomile Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Fenugreek Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Ginger Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Goldenseal Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Lobelia Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Marshmallow Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Rose Hips Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Slippery Elm Supplements & Products
The Indian herb Myrobalan (Terminalia Chebula), also known as Haritaki or Harada, alleviates diarrhea, dysentery, and many other digestive complaints.
Herbal Remedies: Haritaki Fruit Powder, Certified Organic, Banyan Botanicals, 1/2 lb.
Certified Organic Haritaki Fruit Powder (Terminalia Chebula) is a traditional rejuvenative used to cleanse and nourish the bodily tissues. Balancing for all doshas, especially Vata.
Herbal Remedies: Haritaki Detoxification & Rejuvenation, Banyan Botanicals, 90 Tabs
As a natural laxative and purgative, Haritaki removes undigested food and accumulated toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. It strengthens and nourishes the tissues and supports proper function of the colon, lungs, liver and spleen.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose.
IRRITABLE BOWEL (IBS) SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Supplements and products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Spastic Colon, an illness characterized by intermittent abdominal cramps and constipation with alternating periods of diarrhea. IBS is the most common digestive disorder in the U.S.
Acidophilus Supplement Powder, Non-Dairy, 3 oz. Bulk
Alternative Health & Herbs Acidophilus supplement powder aids digestion and helps to replace the friendly intestinal flora.Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa-Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10X extract of fresh green alfalfa leaves.Bible Cure For Irritable Bowel Syndrome, By Don Colbert, M.D.
This easy-to-read booklet will put you on the road to better health as you discover pertinent information about your digestive process and more. Learn how to sidestep gastrointestinal disturbances and implement ideas that your health care provider may never have told you!Bowel Balance Wellness Oil, Bowel Herbs, 2 fl. oz.
Nature's Inventory bowel Balance Wellness Oil, Bowel Herbs, work wonderfully for constipation and also for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is a special liquid chlorophyll complex, derived from premium alfalfa leaves.Colostrum, 480 mg, 120 Caps
Colostrum known for its powerful healing factors offers optimal health. Colostrum research proves a wide spectrum of immunoglobulins, antibodies, and accessory immune factors.Comfrey Leaf Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
One of the most well-known healing plants, especially for its ability to heal tissue and bone.Complete Cleansing & AntiToxin System, 2 Part System
Cleanse your body and start feeling more healthy with this body cleansing system.Diarrhea Stop Formula Tincture, 100% Organic 2 fl. oz.
The Diarrhea Stop Formula can be used as a natural remedy for diarrhea and to use for colitis and as an herbal treatment for dysentery.Digestion Essentials, Ultimate Digestion Formula, Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality, 120 Tabs
Digestion Essentials is a superior formulation of digestive enzymes along with digestive acids. Digestion is a vital process necessary for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients needed for basic health.Dr. Atkins' Health Revolution
Powerful and forthright, Dr. Atkins' Health Revolution calls for dramatic changes in the way medicine is practiced in America.Easy Move & Colon Clean, TCM Formula, Maren Runchang, 100% Natural, 400 mg, 60 Caps
Easy Move & Colon Clean is made of hemp seed, bitter apricot seed, medicinal rhubarb, costus root, tangerine peel and common peony root, colon cleanse herbs.Eating For IBS: 175 Delicious, Nutritious, Low-Fat, Low-Residue Recipes To Stabilize The Touchiest Tummy, By Heather Van Vorous
Eating for IBS confirms what every IBS sufferer instinctively knows: that diet plays a direct role in gut function, and that the abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating from bowel disorders can be directly controlled through diet. This is true not just for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but also for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis, plus diverticulosis and diverticulitis. The Eating for IBS diet can make the difference between living a normal, happy, outgoing life versus spending every day stuck in the bathroom enduring pain, bowel dysfunction, and misery.5-HTP Hydroxy Tryptophan, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 120 VCaps
5-HTP also known as Hydroxy Tryptophan is an Amino Acid and precursor to serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for regulating mood, appetite, behavior, and sleep. 5HTP may help elevate mood, control appetite, and promote better sleep.5-HTP Supplement / Hydroxy Tryptophan, Natural Serotonin With Vitamin B-6 & C, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 60 Tabs
Nature's Way 5 HTP Supplement is available in an easy to swallow enteric coated tablet.Flax Seed, Whole, Certified Organic, 1 lb. Bulk
Flax Seeds are an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, plus Magnesium, Zinc and dietary fiber. Flax oil from flax seeds is the richest known source of linolenic acid.Golden Flax Seeds, Whole Bulk, NOW Foods, 16 oz.
Flax Seeds are an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, plus Magnesium, Zinc and dietary fiber. Flax oil from flax seeds is the richest known source of linolenic acid. It contains protein, mucilage, phytosterols and lignans, which are naturally included at 100 times the level of the next best source, wheat bran.Haritaki, Detoxification & Rejuvenation, Banyan Botanicals, 90 Tabs
As a natural laxative and purgative, Haritaki removes undigested food and accumulated toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. It strengthens and nourishes the tissues and supports proper function of the colon, lungs, liver and spleen.Heather Cooks! IBS Cooking Show DVD
Heather Cooks!, television's only cooking show with fabulous food for good digestive health. Everything cooked is low fat, high soluble fiber, and avoids all red meat, dairy products, and egg yolks. Insoluble fiber foods are carefully incorporated for good nutrition. Most importantly, everything is fast, easy, and absolutely delicious. Each of the five full-length shows offers step-by-step instructions, and is aimed at people who have little experience cooking, or who are unsure about how to modify their traditional cooking methods to meet the dietary needs of IBS.Heather's Tummy Fiber, Organic Acacia Powder, Heather's Tummy Care, 1 lb.
Heather's Tummy Fiber Supplement Acacia is a natural, pure, certified organic, soluble dietary fiber produced from the gum of the Acacia tree (also known as gum arabic). Acacia is a natural plant water-soluble fiber that has been harvested for millenia in Africa; its recorded dietary use dates back to the Egyptian pharaohs.Heather's Tummy Tamers, Peppermint Oil, Heather's Tummy Care, 90 Caps
Peppermint oil capsules, as part of the diet, have been clinically proven to help IBS symptoms, even in children. A recent survey of clinical trials declared peppermint oil capsules the drug of first choice for IBS patients with constipation or diarrhea, to alleviate general symptoms, and to improve quality of life.Heather's Tummy Tea, Organic Fennel, Heather's Tummy Care, 45 Tea Bags
Fennel assists in the dietary management of IBS symptoms, and is exceptional for IBS bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Fennel is also a traditional digestive aid for colic, heartburn, indigestion, and stomachaches.Heather's Tummy Tea, Organic Peppermint, Heather's Tummy Care, 36 Tea Bags
Peppermint is a cooling, calming herb that, through dietary management, helps relieve the symptoms of IBS. Clinical studies have shown that peppermint is exceptionally beneficial for IBS abdominal pain and spasms, diarrhea, and urgency (it will not cause or worsen constipation).IntestinEase, TCM Intestines & Colon Formula, Zhushao Anchang, 100% Natural, 400 mg, 60 Caps
This famous IntestinEase, TCM Intestines and Colon Formula is made of extracts from atractylodes, common peony root, siler, cimicifuge and tangerine peel.Marshmallow Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
The primary use of Marshmallow root is to relieve digestive and respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, sore throats and asthma.Multi-Fiber, Natural Laxative For Internal Cleansing, Nature's Secret, 275 Tabs
Multi-Fiber supports the body's own natural detoxification processes, helping to promote 2 to 3 good bowel movements per day.Multi-Herb With 29 Internal Cleansing Herbs, Nature's Secret, 275 Tabs
Multi-Herb combines 29 powerful cleansing herbs chosen to stimulate and facilitate the release of toxins in one easy-to-take tablet.Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement, Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality, 8 oz.
What makes Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement so special over other forms of magnesium supplements is that it is water soluble and assimilates instantly and thoroughly, and works even in cases of highly impaired digestion.Natural Fiber Supplement, Truman's, 12 oz.
Truman's Natural Fiber Supplement formula helps to give bulk to the stool and to check diarrhea; thus, creating balance in the bowel movements.Omega 3 Fish Oil, Lemon Flavored, NOW Foods, All Natural, 7 oz.
Omega 3 Fish Oil is important for mental and cardiac development.Pepogest Peppermint Oil, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 0.2 ml, 60 Softgels
Pepogest peppermint oil is a targeted release peppermint oil supplement that provides natural gastrointestinal comfort. Pepogest peppermint oil is a targeted release peppermint oil supplement that provides natural gastrointestinal comfort.Peppermint Tea With Black Cumin Seed, 20 Tea Bags
A unique new way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of Black Cumin Seed in refreshing herbal Peppermint tea.Pipli, 100% Natural, 360 mg, 50 Caps
Pipli, an Ayurvedic, is good for digestion, inflammations of the nose, throat, larynx. Helpful in constipation, diarrhea, as well as toothaches.Rhubarb Root (Turkey Rhubarb, Rheum Palmatum) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum) is an essential ingredient in many old homemade ciders, wines and root beers. A strong decoction of Rhubarb root has a purgative action for use in the treatment of constipation, but also has an astringent effect following this. It therefore has a cleansing action upon the gut, removing debris and then astringing with antiseptic properties as well.Rhubarb Root (Turkey Rhubarb, Rheum Palmatum) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Rhubarb is used as a natural laxative, also helps with diarrhea. Acts as a blood builder and cleanser. Helps disorders of the colon and liver.SeaGest Intestinal Care, 60 Caps
SeaGest Is No Ordinary Digestive Aid! SeaGest is an extraordinary nutritional breakthrough for intestinal health made from pure white fish found in the depths of the North Pacific Ocean.Scullcap Herb, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps
Scullcap herb is one of the most powerful herbs to help you get a better night's sleep. It calms the nervous system, relaxes the muscles, and helps balance blood pressure.Slippery Elm Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Slippery Elm is used as a cough lozenge and is widely available in pharmacies.Stomach Fortifier, Balanceuticals, TCM Formula, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
Chinese medicine uses it to strengthen the spleen and stomach, normalize peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, promote absorption of water and chlorine ion, improve metabolism, nurture the lung, balance bowel movement and increase energy.Super Cleanse For Your Colon, Economy Size, Nature's Secret, 200 Tabs
Super Cleanse is an extra-strength bowel formula colon cleansing product composed of 13 powerful cleansing and nutritive herbs.Swedish Bitters Herbal Elixir, NatureWorks, 8.45 fl. oz.
NatureWorks Swedish Bitters Herbal Elixir cleanses and soothes the system, promotes regularity, improves digestion, tones the liver and increases energy.Swedish Bitters NatureWorks, 50 Caps
NatureWorks Swedish Bitters cleanses and soothes the system, promotes regularity, improves digestion, tones the liver and increases energy.The First Year: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - An Essential Guide For The Newly Diagnosed, By Heather Van Vorous
The First Year: IBS offers a comprehensive and sympathetic approach to managing irritable bowel syndrome (whether you're newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years), by an author who has dealt with the disorder since childhood and prevailed. Whether you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, alternating bowel dysfunction, pain, bloating, gas, or nausea, this essential guide gives you the information you need to take control of your symptoms today.Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Contemporary clinical studies have demonstrated that Valerian root significantly improves sleep quality without morning grogginess. Regular, moderate use of Valerian root produces neither dependency nor health risks.Valerian Root Extract, Standardized, 510 mg, 90 Caps
Valerian root nourishes the nervous system and has soothing properties. Valerian is a safe and natural sleeping aid. It helps soothe rattled nerves and assists the body in relieving insomnia.Vitamin B-100 Complex, With Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
A complete Vitamin B complex of 8 essential vitamins. B Vitamins are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.
HerbalRemedies: Irritable Bowel Syndrome / IBS / Spastic Colitis Information
HerbalRemedies: Irritable Bowel Syndrome / IBS / Spastic Colitis Supplements & Products
AMAZON.COM IBS PRODUCTS
Here are a select group of products available from Amazon.com for the treatment of IBS and relief of symptoms. For more products not listed here, use the Amazon.com Search Box further down on this page.
NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Call your health professional if:
- You have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and your symptoms become worse, begin to disrupt your activities, or do not respond as usual to your home treatment.
- You are becoming more tired than usual.
- Your symptoms wake you from sleep.
- You have unexplained weight loss.
- You have decreased appetite.
- You have abdominal pain that is not associated with changes in bowel function or that is not relieved when you pass gas or a stool.
- You have abdominal pain that is now in one area (localized) more than any other area. You see blood in your stool.
If none of the symptoms listed above is present, try to rule out other causes of abdominal problems (such as eating a new food; eating sugar-rich foods, especially milk products; eating foods containing sorbitol, an artificial sweetener; nervousness; or stomach flu). Try home treatment for 1 or 2 weeks. If your symptoms don't get better or if they get worse, call your health care provider.
An occasional case of upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation is common, especially during stressful times. Symptoms of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that come on quickly and that go away on their own are more likely to be caused by stomach flu or food poisoning, especially if other people around you are also sick.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: ORGANIZATIONS
American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 3099
Alexandria, VA 22302
Web Address: www.acg.gi.org
This is an organization of digestive disease specialists. At the Web site, you can view information about common gastrointestinal problems.
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001
Fax: (414) 964-7176
E-mail: iffgd@iffgd.org
Web Address: www.iffgd.org
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders is a nonprofit educational and research organization that provides information and support to physicians and people who have gastrointestinal disorders. It provides information about irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Phone: (301) 654-3810
1-800-891-5389
Fax: (301) 907-8906
E-mail: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Web Address: digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm
This clearinghouse is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The clearinghouse answers questions; develops, reviews, and sends out publications; and coordinates information resources about digestive diseases. Publications produced by the clearinghouse are reviewed carefully for scientific accuracy, content, and readability.
Track your Symptoms of IBS at Symptom Log.
SymptomLog.com is a secure and private way for patients to track their symptoms in a log - for printing and sharing with their health care provider. Their content is both URAC and HON accredited.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons.
Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
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