irritable bowel syndrome

Antibiotics may heighten the risk of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease in children. Scientists believe the drugs may encourage harmful bugs and other organisms to grow in the gut, triggering the conditions.

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If you have frequent diarrhea from eating meals, the truth is that it is just a label and in no way addressed the real cause. The most common cause of people experiencing frequent diarrhea that is not caused by a virus or temporary bacterial infection is a yeast known as candida. This yeast exists in approximately 90% of the population, although a smaller proportion experience symptoms as a result of it. These symptoms almost exclusively occur after something destroys the normal balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.

Reuters Health reports that people with irritable bowel syndrome may be able to find some relief by getting regular exercise, a small clinical trial suggests. The study, of 102 adults with the disorder, found that those who were told to get some more exercise had better odds of seeing improvements in problems like cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Probiotic formulation VSL#3 appears promising in relieving abdominal bloating in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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In a preliminary, randomized, sham/placebo-controlled trial involving 29 men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, twice a week for a period of 4 weeks, was found to significantly improve symptoms of abdominal pain/discomfort, intestinal gas, bloating, and stool consiste

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects as much as 20% of the population and remains one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints that cause people to seek advice from a health care provider. Although the condition does not lead to more serious problems it can be an embarrassing and very frustrating problem to manage. The good news is that it need not be. The common pattern of bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and constipation can be controlled with some simple measures and consistency in diet and lifestyle.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional bowel disorder diagnosed by primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. It is hard to estimate the exact prevalence of IBS because up to 70% of people with IBS symptoms do not go for medical treatment.

The ratio of female-to-male sufferers is approximately 2:1.

IBS affects up to one in five Americans and is second only to the common cold as a leading cause of missing work in the U.S.

IBS costs the U.S. healthcare system is estimates as $20 to 25 billion annually in direct and indirect costs.

Q: I've been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My doctor has prescribed anti-depressants, but I would prefer not to take drugs. What holistic treatments do you recommend for IBS?

John Neustadt, ND replies:

A: Many natural treatments can help IBS.