Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits which are not associated with any abnormalities seen on routine clinical testing. It is fairly common and makes up 20-50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. The abdominal pain type is usually described in a patient as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterized by two or more of the following: fever, vomiting, acute diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed "post-infectious IBS" (IBS-PI) and is acute onset Rome II criteria positive. This condition is more homogeneous, being mostly IBS-D and is drawing much clinical investigation.

Chronic functional abdominal pain (CFAP) is quite similar to, but less common than IBS. CFAP can be diagnosed if there is no change in bowel habits.
Because of the name, IBS can be confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Read the rest of the irritable bowel syndrome wiki

Health Survey

Finding the right health and supplement protocol can be difficult. We are all unique with our own diets, exercise habits, and health concerns. This can make it be difficult to find the right vitamin program for you.

This health assessment questionnaire can help you to identify your own unique health needs and considerations as well as give you a customized list of recommendations that can help to improve your health. To see for yourself, visit Universal Formulas Cleansing Assessment Questionnaire

IBS Dietary Supplement Protocol

The IBS Protocol is a four pronged attack on treating irritable bowel syndrome from a holistic approach.

The IBS Protocol works on the inflamation and discomfort that is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

The Bifidus probiotic helps to heal the intestines and colon by adding friendly bacteria back to the digestive tract.

CoQ10 is included because the need for CoQ10 appears to be greatest in metabolically-active cells, such as in the heart, gingiva, immune system, and gastric mucosa. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant and appears to recycle vitamin E.

Digestive enzymes are also included to help ease the burden on your pancreas and digestive tract. The enzymes will help to properly digest your foods so that you can absorb your nutrients and the risk of inflammation and discomfort of IBS are reduced with the inclusion of enzymes.

There are many causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The problem is that many studies on IBS are flawed because they only test one factor. For example, for many people eliminating wheat from the diet will clear up symptoms. Unfortunately, there is not a single cause to IBS. What needs to be done to find the cause is to work with each individual to find what their particular triggers are, and then cut those out of the diet.

Candida (yeast) overgrowth and parasites are two commonly overlooked causes of irritable bowel syndrome. One recent study found that 18% of the studies participants had a form of a treatable parasite infection. Dr Leo Galland has found that Giardia was responsible for bringing on the IBS in nearly half of his patients.

CandidaEX is a natural product that has proven effective in killing off Candida and restoring a healthy flora balance in the intestines. ParisitEX is a powerful killer of human parasites. Both of these products are excellent cleansers that can help to relieve IBS symptoms brought on by Candida or parasites.

Some of the most common dietary changes that help to relieve IBS are eating low fat, high fiber diets. It is also recommended to eat small meals and to chew your food very well. The dietary changes do need to be specific to each individuals needs. Foods to avoid or monitor are alcohol, sugar intake, coffee, beans and cruciferous vegetables. After finding out which foods bring on IBS flare-ups you can reintroduce the other foods and only avoid the trigger foods.

MindBody Health Audio Series: Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Gastric Reflux Disease

This audio is designed to assist the listener with IBS, gastric reflux & other gastro-intestinal conditions to release symptoms & produce healing chemicals. Instructions to improve nutrition, manage emotions & thought processes, as well as to directly communicate with the GI tract through Interactive Self-hypnosis are included. Specific imagery for opening deep smooth muscles, as well as altering the production of excess gastric juices is included. Post-hypnotic suggestions for persisting with new Lifestyle Change Behaviors are presented, as well as setting high level goals for the mindbody systems.