Tag Archives: IBS

Don’t Let the IRS Exacerbate Your IBS on Tax Day

Tax day is here, and if you are one of many who haven’t yet completed your forms, stress can attack your bowels with unwelcome enthusiasm. Whether you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or cramps, having irritable bowels is not fun, especially as the most stressful deadline of the year draws near.

The following suggestions won’t help you with your taxes, but they will help you relax during this tough time of year so your digestive system doesn’t go haywire due to stress and anxiety.

Persevere

Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” The time to procrastinate is over. Sit down, be diligent, and get the job done. You will start to feel better after each box and line you fill out, so get to it. However tedious and painful doing taxes feels, keep going. The confidence you will earn knowing that you are getting it done will relax your agitated digestive system. (more…)

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Jill

Introduction to the Specific Carb Diet

Honey: The only sweetener allowed with the Specific Carb Diet

The Specific Carb Diet was originally created by Dr. Sidney V. Haas more than 60 years ago to treat digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is now being used to treat autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. It is not a low-carb diet like Atkins. Many find it very restrictive; however, those who experience the health benefits are committed to strict adherence. It is more restrictive and specific than a gluten-free diet. Because it can be overwhelming, I think it is helpful to present the “allowed” foods first.
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Posted on May 26, 2023 by Brooke Randolph

Diet with Soluble Fiber Helps IBS Sufferers

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine (colon) and comes with symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. While it doesn’t cause permanent damage to the colon, it can be severely uncomfortable.

As many as one in 10 people is estimated to have IBS. Its exact cause is unknown, but treatments are known. Many of those people who rely on dietary adjustments often turn to bran to help improve their symptoms caused by IBS. But a Dutch study of 275 patients shines a not-so-favorable light on that approach. (more…)

Posted on September 2, 2023 by Jason

Fried and Fatty Food May Cause Ulcerative Colitis

We all know about the bad health affects of fried foods and too much red meat. But now those foods may be responsible for developing the serious bowel condition known as ulcerative colitis.

Researchers found a connection between linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in red meat and fried foods, and ulcerative colitis. More specifically, the researchers found that those people they examined who had a diet higher in linoleic acid were nearly two and a half times more likely to develop ulcerative colitis than those who ate the least of it. (more…)

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Jason

Peppermint Comes with Sweet Health Benefits

My pregnant wife has had more than one craving in the last eight months. One of them happens to be ice cream. And when the supermarket is always running a two-for-one special, we’re assured to have a freezer full of the lovely diet-killing dessert.

One of her favorites is a peppermint flavored ice cream. And while this would never be a recommendation for anyone trying to lose weight, peppermint on its own has been shown to have health benefits.

The oil extracted from peppermint contains a number of compounds, including menthol. Studies have shown that peppermint oil can be effective relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. And it may effect up to one in five people. (more…)

Posted on January 6, 2024 by Jason