Natural Health Care Blog

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or short for IBS is a more common than we think. It makes up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Most IBS sufferers do not like to talk about their condition. Many feel that they are alone in their suffering. Some of the common symptoms include constant abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and water retention. Some even suffer from more severe symptoms such as vomiting, fever and headache. No one enjoys this condition. Frequent trips to the bathroom, often at inconvenient times, and the pain that is associated with IBS hurt the quality of life.

Colon health is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, the colon is often ignored, and that is a shame because the colon is one of the most important organs in the body, and one of the most complicated. Witness the fact that the colon contains more nerves than any other organ in the body other than the central nervous system itself, the brain and spinal column. The colon serves as a focal point for all food that enters the body to provide nutrients, and is the area where this food leaves the body in the form of waste or fecal matter.

A problem with fecal matter is that it can become backed up in the colon, so keeping the colon cleansed is a major part of keeping it healthy, and gaining the benefits of a healthy colon for the rest of the body. Imagine if you will, the walls of the colon lined with aging and deteriorating fecal matter. Not a pleasant thought, but a necessary one. This fecal matter contains bacteria which multiply. They in turn release toxins into the body. These toxins are poisons that can make you sick. This results in a condition called spastic colon, or irritable bowel syndrome.

These symptoms can be alleviated through proper cleansing of the colon. Proper cleansing is done through a healthy diet, high in fiber, low in fact, containing healthy foods like whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, brown rice, green leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce, and legumes, like black beans, pinto beans, green beans and even peanuts. IBS foods to avoid or minimize include red meat, oily or fatty and fried products, milk products (even when there is no lactose intolerance), solid chocolate, coffee (regular and decaffeinated), alcohol, carbonated beverages, especially those containing sorbitol or other artificial sweeteners. An active lifestyle is equally important too.

Conventional treatments include stool softeners and laxatives in constipation-predominant IBS, and antidiarrheals or Codeine in diarrhea-predominant IBS for mild symptoms. However, some of these drugs may bring about side effects our body. Alternatively, one can increase their probiotics daily intake. However, if your condition is more than just mild, you might need more than just probiotics. Bowtrol and Digestrol are two of the premium natural treatments for IBS. Read reviews and feedback on these two products.