Belly Blues

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common intestinal disorder in North America, and is now being diagnosed in children as young as six years old. The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research estimates that anywhere from 13-20% of Canadians suffer from this disorder, and interestingly of those affected only about 10% seek professional help. Symptoms of this painful syndrome include: gas, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, cramps, headache and nausea. Although the causes of IBS are unknown, many experts believe that poor diet and lifestyle choices are to blame.
Risk factors of IBS include:

• stress

• anxiety

• diet high in processed foods

• food allergies

• food sensitivities

• poor sleeping patterns

• parasites

Symptoms vary greatly, and because there is currently no test used to determine the presence of IBS, doctors typically use other diagnostic procedures to rule out other intestinal diseases. Some physicians believe that IBS can lead to more serious intestinal pathologies such as Chron’s disease or colitis. A dietary approach will help sufferers deal with symptoms associated with IBS, and help them to avoid more serious disorders in the future.

Adrianne’s Tips for IBS

• Food allergies should be eliminated especially dairy and wheat.

• Processed and fried foods should be eliminated. This includes cookies, margarine, processed cheese, processed deli meats, fast food and so on.

• A whole foods diet consisting of plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds and legumes should be introduced. If an IBS flare up occurs, one may wish to steam or cook vegetables for easier digestion.

• Drink no less than 2 liters of fresh filtered water daily.

• Take appropriate measures to cope with stress. Until stress is under control, IBS will continue to wreak havoc on the intestines.

• Get plenty of sleep! Lack of sleep encourages stress within the body.

• Avoid coffee and other stimulating substances such as refined white sugar and overly spicy foods

• Avoid ice cold beverages which can cause the digestive system to spasm.

• Peppermint tea is very calming to the body and aids in digestion.

• Digestive enzymes 15 minutes before meals will encourage proper digestion of foods .

• Chew your food! This will lower workload of both the stomach and intestines.

Top Foods For Intestinal Health:

1. Miso Soup

2. Ginger Root

3. Mint

4. Un-Sweetened Organic Yogurt

5. Apples


by Adrianne Smith