IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is one of the modern world's most commonly diagnosed conditions, as 1 in 5 people suffer from this syndrome over the course of their lifetime. It is usually understood as a group of symptoms which manifest differently in people and severely disrupt the function of the colon.

The common symptoms of the condition include: severe abdominal pain, abdominal muscle cramping, stomach bloating, chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation. When the condition reaches an acute stage of colon inflammation a person may experience severe abdominal pain and/or uncontrollable diarrhea immediately after eating. Chronic constipation, nausea, headaches and severe abdominal pain also indicate the syndrome it in an acute stage.

Once IBS becomes a chronic health issue for someone, it may interfere with their ability to perform work and interact socially. This creates a cycle that adds stress to the person, who is already probably experiencing high levels of stress, which in-turn exacerbates the syndrome.

Recent studies indicate 70% of the people diagnosed with this syndrome are women and more and more children under 16 years of age are experiencing IBS symptoms on a regular daily basis. Kids who are over-achievers or kids in multiple activities combined with education pressures to academically succeed are falling victim to this debilitating illness in large numbers.

Although it can become a chronic aliment it is considered a benign illness, effectively treated by making lifestyle changes that include:

diet changes (eat less sugar and drink less carbonated beverages)
sleeping habit changes
reduction of stress in the work place, home, school
checking the medications you use, that might irritate the colon
drinking more water daily (at least 8 glasses or bottles)
eating 5 small meals per day instead of 3 large meals
regular daily exercise, such as 30 minute walks or deep breathing exercises

NATURAL REMEDIES for IBS

1. 15 minute tummy rubs or massages will relax the muscles and usually ease the pain and bloating. A good tonic to rub on your stomach is teaspoon of lobelia oil added to 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the oil over your stomach in a clockwise motion while taking deep relaxing breaths.

2. Every morning and night drink a cup of slippery elm tea. You can use loose tea or slippery elm powder (much faster acting).

3. Practice deep breathing exercises, which will reduce stress, release

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