IBS affecting 1 in 5 people
This is more common than most people realize.
Most people with IBS do not even realize they have IBS.
So chances are, if you do not have IBS, then you know a number of people who do.
Spotting the signs of IBS
1 Pain or cramps in the abdomen, relief may be gained after passing a stool
2 Changeable bowel patterns, constipated then diarrhea for no apparent reason
3 Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
4 More flatulence than average
5 Feeling you have more to pass after being to the toilet
6 Finding mucus (a white or yellowish, jelly like texture) in your stools
So, many people will identify with the above warning signs but there is no need to panic. IBS is a general name for a number of common conditions that affect our digestion tract.
Having said that, our digestion is very significant and we need to not only ensure we are eating and drinking optimal foods for optimal health but that our digestion is working at it's most optimal level.
My experience
My gut/bowel movements used to be very good until I went to a developing country (Indonesia) and my western tummy (Australian) became unstable with the change in foods and bacterias etc.
I was there on business for an extended period of time and I experienced a number of changes in my bowel movements. From serious diarrhea to constipated diarrhea (soft stools incredible hard to get out) to black stools (blood in the stool from the upper part of the digestion, it turns from red to black as it passes through the intestine - I recommend you see a doctor if you get to this stage because it could be something more serious).
Upon returning home, I researched gut health and I have found a few very simple things that give relief.
Treating IBS - Much easier than you think!
First and foremost, vitamin D. This is linked to many more health conditions than IBS but it also relieves IBS symptoms. Here is an article posted by the reputable Vitamin D Council explaining trial they did with IBS patients. One group had a placebo and the other vitamin D over a 6 month period. You will be amazed by the results but if you don't have time to read it, trust me, it works.
Secondly, L Glutamine. You may not have heard about this unless you are into body building but this relatively unknown amino acid is an amazing restorer to the gut.
This is particularly helpful for those with diarrhea but it help any form of bowel disease because it helps repair the tissue lining the gut wall.
Here is a forum where people with IBS share their experiences of using L-Glutamine.. This is not just 1 person but a number of people candidly speaking.
Seriously there is nothing to lose but so much to gain by trying these simply and natural supplements.
The best source and the best prices!
I have taken different brands and types of vitamin D and not all are equal.
I take and recommend the following 2 brands of vitamin D and encourage you to try these also;
MRM is a great brand and they have a potent vitamin D (5,000 IU) in a very very small capsule!
In addition, the contents are vegan, so it is suitable to all diets and people of all faiths.
You can get it now on sale. 1 bottle (60 capsules) for only USD 10.76 (rrp usd 25.99).. At 18 cents a day, what do you have to lose?
This will last you up to 2 months if you take just 1 capsule a day.
The other brand I love is Garden of Life.
Garden of Life is the purest and best sources of vitamins that I know. They use raw ingredients and you should just look at their ingredients (full of botanicals - just natural as!).
Again, 60 capsules in a bottle and it will last you up to 2 months if taking 1 day.
Also on sale but a little more expensive (but trust me you get what you pay for - it also has a gentle probiotic content which is good for IBS sufferers) and priced at USD 18.89.
For the L-Glutamine, I personally use Jarrows Formula.
There are 2 sizes available, I suggest you start with the 500gram container which, if you use 2 grams, 3 times a day, taken 30 minutes in water before eating, then this will last you more than 5 months!
Also on sale right now at iHerb for only USD 22.63.
OR the larger 1KG size container., which is less than 22 cents a day... you can't get cheaper help than that!!!
You can buy your vitamin D and L Glutamine from wherever you like but I find iHerb to be the best value for money and if you use the links above, you will also get an additional 5% discount (for new or previous customers) off your purchase!
But at approximately 40 cents a day (for both the Vitamin D and L-Glutamine), I doubt you will find better products at better value.
I would love to hear your feedback. I know I have had good results and I see others also having good results too, so if you or someone you knows, falls into the IBS category, then please try this!
Remember, 1 in 5 people suffer, so please RESTEEM this to help someone.
Credit
Image above sourced from Pixabay
Disclaimer: Anything in this post must not be construed as medical advice. I simply share my experiences and research with readers like yourself. Results may vary from person to person for many reasons. If unsure, then please consult your doctor.
Disclosure: By purchasing anything from the above links may give me a credit and/or recognition of your purchase. You will also gain a discount in using the above links. What I recommend is what I use personally and I stand by my recommendations.
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STOPNice and helpfull post :-)
Thank You
I hope it helps someone, even if it only helps 1 person, I would consider my time writing this a success.
Hey, thanks for this I will read it in full tomorrow as I hate having this blooming bloating nasty disgusting IBS and cannot wait to see the back of it so to speak! :) thanks for sharing all your knowledge, I will get some of the amino acid you wrote about and vid D, although I am currently getting heaps of that from my skin absorbing it, thanks to a bit of decent weather. x
G'day humblebee, I just want to tell you that I personally have great relief from IBS. My stools are well formed and easy to pass (sorry too much info - but an IBS suffer may appreciate it). I have has some bad days in the past. But really enjoying this protocol. I have also done something else which I forgot to mention which may or may not help, I skip meals. some days I have 1 meal a day... usually weekdays and also I try to stay vegan during the weekdays. Weekends I am vegetarian but I will eat junk vegetarian :) and this weekly pattern works well for me with the above supplements.
SO... MY THEORY
So why did I tell you all that?
Well, my theory is pretty simple and pretty logical.
We IBS sufferers have damaged guts. and constantly pumping through, 3 or 4 or 5 meals a day (we keep being told to eat more often but smaller - I don't buy it) constantly irritating our gut? Does not make sense right?
I mean you cut yourself and you take off the band aid and go play in the mud every hour.. wash it and put a band aid back on.. then an hour later... the same.. .nah... it does not make sense.
So, eat less often (this has other health benefits which I will blog about later for everyone) and with the supplements, give the gut some healing space.
If you really struggle with reducing meals... try a smoothie (vegan if you can)
Finally, vitamin D, everyone absorbs differently. Your body weight (over or under), your skin colour (light or dark), your kidney conditions (yeah - who would have thought right?) and the season we are in (Summer is best!) all contribute to your vitamin D absorption rate.
I really really really recommend blood testing and usually supplementation.
But please give it a go. Use my supplements or your own and please share your results.
And if you really love people, resteem this blog :)
Thanks for listening
Hey thanks for the great reply blog there, personally I barely eat anything as my intestinse are so fickle, can't tell if it'll cause bloating and have a low tummy area that feels like a bruise when you press lightly or will I have a great day, tried all sorts of combinations, I often do a fast day and don't eat meat, like fish though :) and I only ever eat in small quantities as I'm only a little person :) I will resteem as soon as I have gained some power as I used a lot of votes and need to build the value of them back up a bit, I will do it though in 2 days time. Great to chat so feel free to anytime. from me the Bee.
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