What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (otherwise called I.B.S.), is commonly characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function, such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two. Some people have mild symptoms, while others have chronic symptoms that can be disabling.

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)?

While no one knows the exact cause of I.B.S., there is significant evidence that food sensitivities and allergies may play a causative role in I.B.S., as they are found in up to 1/3 of those afflicted. The most common allergens are dairy and grains (especially wheat and corn).

Other trigger foods include;

• Coffee
• Tea
• Citrus
• Chocolate
• High sulphur foods (garlic, onions, leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts)

  

Lack of fibre can also play a causative roll in I.B.S. as fibre is required to keep food moving through the digestive tract. When food sits in the colon for long periods, it can begin to ferment, which produces gas, thereby triggering I.B.S. symptoms.

There is also recent research showing a link between an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestines and I.B.S.

What are the signs and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)?

The symptoms of I.B.S. can vary from person to person and may include:

• Diarrhea and/or constipation (chronic or alternating)
• Abdominal pain or spasm
• Mucus in stool
• Bowel urgency / incontinence
• Abdominal pain relieved by defecation
• Bloating
• Sensation of bowel not emptying completely
• Depression
• Anxiety

How common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)?

Over six million Canadians suffer from I.B.S. Currently, its symptoms are second only to the common cold as the most frequent cause of absenteeism from work and school.

(Canadian Society of Intestinal Research, 2005).

What health problems are caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)?

The physical symptoms of I.B.S. (cramps and spasms) can be debilitating, but I.B.S. can also be debilitating psychologically and socially.

Many people with I.B.S. avoid social situations as they are not sure if they will be able to eat the foods served without ending up with IBS symptoms. Others are not sure whether they will be able to ‘make it to the bathroom’ on time if the urge occurs.

This can cause people to avoid trips and even have difficulty being able to commute to work without having to plan out bathroom breaks along the way. There is also some concern that IBS may eventually lead to more chronic and serious conditions like Crohn’s or colitis.

What can be done to help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)?

Renew Life has many different products that can greatly relieve the symtoms of I.B.S. and even help keep it under control. First, it is important to get I.B.S. under control. Once that has been achieved, then it is important to heal and maintain.

Control Products

• Irritable Bowel Support -Helps to heal and support the intestinal tract lining, as well as help to relieve I.B.S. symptoms such as  cramping, spasms, and irritation of colon.
• Ultimate Flora Critical Care or FloraSMART Extra Strength - to replace good bacteria. Use Ultimate Flora Critical Care when your sysmtoms are not under control and FloraSMART Extra Strength for when they are.

• FibreSMART or Organic Clear Fibre- Fibre is vital to helping control I.B.S.  The type and amount required is dependant on what type of IBS you have:

If you have I.B.S.-C (I.B.S. with the prominent symptom of Constipation) - you should take FibreSMART daily.

If you have I.B.S.-D (I.B.S. with the prominent symptom of Diarrhea) - you should take Organic Clear Fibre.

If you have I.B.S.-A (I.B.S. that Alternates between diarrhea and constipation) - you will need to test how much FibreSMART is right for you. Fibre is a vital part of good digestive health, but with this type of I.B.S., too much fibre may cause I.B.S. symptoms to flare up. You will need to find the correct dosage of FibreSMART to suit your body’s tolerance.

Maintenance Support

Once your symptoms of I.B.S. have subsided and are under control, we suggest moving from our I.B.S. Support Kit to the following maintainence products.

• IntestiNEW -  a therapeutic strength product that works to soothe and heal damage to the intesinal tract lining. This is important for long term control of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

• Intestinal Bowel Soother - is for acute flair ups of I.B.S. symptoms. This product reduces cramps and spasms.

Elimination Support

There are 2 main bowel conditions that usually accompany I.B.S. - constipation or diarrhea. When you have constipation, CleanseMORE can be taken if needed to assist in elimination.

• CleanseMORE - works to hydrate the colon and stimulate peristalsis. It is beneficial for those with constipation.