Naturally Overcoming IBS & Constipation 

 

 Dr. David Blyweiss, M.D.

It might begin with a little gas or bloating. Or perhaps your favorite foods suddenly start disagreeing with you. Sometimes eating anything at all can cause cramping and heartburn. Over time, you might even develop chronic unexplained diarrhea or constipation.

 

So what’s going on?

 

For answers, you might head to the doctor to help you figure out this litany of mysterious symptoms. Unfortunately, some physicians might not have an immediate answer or solution.

There's usually two approaches:

• you'll get tested for every gastrointestinal problem under the sun (to rule out other disorders such as IBD, Cancer, Colitis, Diversticular Disease, etc)

• or you may be persuaded to think that your problems are all in your head!

 

If your tummy troubles seem to worsen when you’re under stress—and medical tests haven’t uncovered a specific problem—it’s a good bet you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

IBS is a condition that affects the large intestines. What causes it? No one really knows. The good news is, since IBS isn’t an inflammatory disorder,it doesn’t cause any permanent damage to your digestive tract. The bad news is that IBS can make your life miserable. Things seem even bleaker when you realize there’s no cure. And no drug that can safely and effectively treat the wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms…in spite of the pharmaceutical industry’s best efforts.

 

But that’s not to say you don’t have any options. Eating an IBS-smart diet, adding a few proven supplements, and learning to tame stress can help to keep symptoms under control.

 

Here’s a checklist for anyone suffering with IBS:

 

1. Keep a food journal to help you pinpoint which foods trigger symptoms.

Cut out caffeine. Not only does caffeine shock the intestines, it’s also a central nervous system stimulant that increases your susceptibility to stress.

 

2. Be careful with dairy. Milk, cheese and other dairy products are notorious for aggravating IBS symptoms. This may be due to lactose-intolerance or it may be a reaction to cow’s-milk proteins. If you can’t avoid dairy completely, take a digestive enzyme designed to digest both lactose and milk proteins.

 

3. Boost your fiber intake—especially if you are prone to constipation. Slowly add foods like oatmeal, barley, brown rice, beans, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.

 

4. Add beneficial bugs. Studies show that probiotics can be especially helpful for controlling symptoms. In one study, volunteers received 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) of Lactobacillus salivarius or Bifidobacterium infantis, or a placebo, in a malted drink once daily. Those who took the B. infantis probiotic experienced a significant improvement in abdominal pain, bloating and bowel movement difficulty or urgency.

 

5. Try supplemental peppermint oil. Clinical trials show that peppermint helps relieve abdominal pain in 58% of IBS sufferers.2 Just be sure to take enteric-coated capsules to ensure that the peppermint actually reaches the colon where it’s needed most. Take a total of three to six capsules every day between meals.

 

6. Get a handle on stress. Though stress is no longer considered a direct cause of IBS, there’s no doubt it adds fuel to the fire. When left unmanaged, it can cause increased sensitivity and interfere with normal gut function. Breathing slowly from the abdomen instead of the chest helps relax the body and mind. Other good stress-busting activities include meditation, yoga, massage, or exercise. Another benefit of working out, especially aerobically, is that it can help with constipation and other intestinal discomforts.

 

7. Opt for Colon Hydrotherapy. 

 

Try Colon Hydrotherapy as part of your natural wellness protocol for constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux, & other Digestive System concerns.

 

Many of our clients have responded well to the following regimen with "strict adherence":

 

•   Colon Hydrotherapy sessions once every two weeks 

•   Mag07 Colon Cleanser daily (or as needed)

•   50 Billion Microorganism (or higher) Probiotic Supplements

•   Digestive Enzymes taken 30 minutes prior to each meal 

•   OilMax Omega 3-6-9 Oils

•   Triple Fiber Max fiber supplements

•   Sensible diet that includes foods that do not trigger IBS episodes

 

If you suffer from IBS, it can seem like the condition is in total control of your life. But making the changes I’ve outlined here can put you back in charge and put IBS in its place.