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Irritable Bowel Syndrome solutions
I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and so am really worried about surviving Christmas as a guest of my boyfriend’s parents. Is there anything I can start taking now that would help prevent the symptoms, at least until I get home again?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is probably the second most common digestive disorder after constipation, which in any event, is one of the symptoms of this embarrassing condition. It affects more than a fifth of the adult population and twice as many women as men.
Lots of sufferers rely on over-the-counter antacids to temporarily relieve the symptoms of IBS, especially over difficult periods such as Christmas and holidays away from home, but these drugs can block the absorption of iron and calcium in the body, are often high in sodium and, even worse at this time of the year, can increase the absorption of alcohol.
I.D.S. (Intestinal Digestive Support) is a natural solution with no unwanted side-effects. A combination formula, it includes prebiotics to selectively feed up the good gut bacteria that help with healthy digestion plus Folic acid which pregnant women take to help prevent spinal tube defects but which is also crucial for the replication and division of the cells that line intestinal tract. The formula also includes several herbs, one of which is Boswellia which will not only help alleviate the cramping pains that are typical of IBS, especially after eating, but which can also reduce the risk of diarrhoea which is another common symptom.
Other simple steps you can take to try and maintain a healthier digestive system start with making sure you chew your food slowly and thoroughly before swallowing. Drink plenty of filtered water and avoid smoking (including second-hand smoke), fried foods and coffee. I know it’s hard but try too to cut back on chocolate and alcohol.
*I.D.S. is made by the US company, Nutrition Now. It costs £15.95 for 60 capsules and is only available in the UK from Victoria Health on 0800-413596.