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What Is It Like to Follow an Elimination Diet for IBS?
How many of you have actually followed an elimination diet for IBS? I am sure that lots of you have certain foods that you suspect might be problematic for you, but have you been scientific about it? An elimination diet is a more formal way to identify whether a food sensitivity is contributing to your IBS symptoms. The process is not difficult and the end result is that you will have a better handle on what foods you should be avoiding, without running the risk of dietary deficiencies because you are afraid of the wrong foods.
...A Perfect Pain Reliever?
Researchers at Columbia University are working on a ground-breaking treatment for chronic pain. According to the press release, these scientists have come up with an innovative medication that doesn't carry the risk for tolerance or addiction. The medication is currently labeled as "N60" and the Columbia team is hoping for financial backing to conduct clinical trials.
...Study Shows Brain Differences in IBS Patients
Hot off the presses - a study published in the July 2010 issue of Gastroenterology has found identifiable brain differences when comparing IBS patients to healthy individuals.
According to the study abstract...
What Did It Take to Get an IBS Diagnosis?
When it comes to IBS, its seems as if nothing is ever easy. Unlike most disorders, it isn't even a clear-cut process to get a diagnosis. Although doctors are supposed to follow the Rome III criteria, there is much variability as to how each individual doctor reaches an IBS conclusion. My newest "Readers Share" article provides you with a place to share your own experience and find out what it was like for others to get an IBS diagnosis:
...IBS Over the Long Term
Have your IBS symptoms changed over time or are they all pretty much the same? A new study, conducted in Iceland, took a scientific look at that question.
...What's Wrong with My Stomach?
Marcia Purse, About.com Guide to Bipolar Disorder recently brought to my attention a blog she had written a couple of years ago that has to date received over 350 comments: "What Is Wrong with Me?". Judging by the blog comments, this is a common question for people trying to come to terms with the up and down mood swings inherent in bipolar disorder.
...Differences Between IBS and IBD
It seems that people still have a hard time differentiating between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The sharp eyes of Amber J Tresca, About.com Guide to IBD picked up on an article filled with inaccuracies and confused diagnoses. She wrote an excellent blog about it, setting the record straight: "Site Confuses IBS and IBD". Luckily, someone appears to have caught the error and the misinformed article has been removed.
...How To Keep a Symptom Diary
A couple of months ago, I shared with you the results of a study in which IBS patients received rapid relief from cognitive behavioral therapy ("The CBT Rapid Response for IBS Study"). The researchers theorized that one possible factor contributing to this amazing result was that study participants actively monitored their own symptoms.
...Book Review: You Bet Your Life
I just finished reading a book that serves as an eye-opener regarding what is going on in health care today. "You Bet Your Life: The 10 Mistakes Every Patient Makes" by Trisha Torrey, About.com Guide to Patient Empowerment discusses what you need to know about the business of health care so that you can best advocate for yourself as you navigate through the system. Filled with real-life stories and practical tips, "Your Bet Your Life" serves as an essential guidebook for all patients. For my full review:
...Survey Shows Many Digestive Misconceptions
GfK Roper, a market research company, has recently published the results of an online survey sponsored by the manufacturers of the probiotic Align. The survey revealed found that many people are poorly educated regarding how their digestive system works. Researchers conducted 1002 interviews, and found that 254 subjects experienced "occasional digestive upsets". Here are some of the misconceptions uncovered by the researchers:
...Study: PEG Superior to Lactulose
Researchers have conducted a head-to-head review of the effectiveness of two types of laxatives, lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (Miralax). These products are both osmotic laxatives, which work by increasing the amount of water secreted by the intestines. Both products have research support in terms of their effectiveness and safety. PEG is available over the counter, while lactulose requires a prescription.
...Best of About: Overlapping and Look-Alike Disorders
I conclude my "Best of About" series, in which I introduce you to articles written about IBS by other About.com guides, with a look at a some health conditions that share a possible relationship with IBS. The first article discusses the similarities and differences between IBS and celiac disease. This information is important to ensure that you have received the proper diagnosis:
...Best of About: Natural Remedies for IBS
My series on the best IBS articles from other About.com guides continues with an article from Cathy Wong, About.com Guide to Alternative Medicine:
This overview of IBS is basic, but interesting in that it comes from the point of view of a natural medicine expert. In the article, Cathy covers some natural remedies for IBS and includes links to more intensive discussions of common IBS supplements.
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Best of About: IBS and Panic Disorder
As I continue on my series of IBS from the perspective of other guides here at About.com, today I offer you an article that provides an overview of IBS written to an audience of panic disorder patients. The article discusses the overlap, or comorbidity, of IBS and panic disorder:
...Best of About: IBS and Food Allergies
To kick off the lazy days of summer, I have decided to introduce you to some articles written about IBS from my fellow guides here at About.com. To start off, I have chosen an article written about IBS by Daniel More, MD, About.com Guide to Allergies:
This article is interesting in that it offers a perspective on IBS from an expert on allergies. Dr. More discusses the science and research regarding the overlap of food allergies and IBS, as well as a discussion of why there might be such an overlap. If you have ever wondered whether some or all of your symptoms are the result of a food allergy, then this article is for you.
Related Reading:
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Buscopan For IBS
As your guide, I see it as my job to find answers to questions regarding all things IBS. However, my newest article, an overview on the antispasmodic Buscopan has left me with a question of my own. As you can see when you read my report, Buscopan seems like a decent medication option:
...IBS Summer Comfort
School's out and summer is officially here. Summer offers so many wonderful opportunities to be be outside and do fun things, but it also brings unique challenges for dealing with IBS. As I wish you all a safe and healthy summer, I point you in the direction of some helpful tips for enjoying summer and keeping your digestive system quiet.
...Eating with IBS
Eating with IBS can be a challenging and sometimes terrifying prospect. Sign up for my new eCourse and learn all that you need to know about the relationship between food and IBS. Over the course of five days you will receive emails filled with information regarding safe foods, trigger foods, and food allergies and intolerance, to help you to figure out an IBS diet that works for you.
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IBS: Beyond the Basics
Are you interested in the science behind IBS? Are you tired of hearing people tell you that IBS is all in your head? Sign up for my new eCourse and learn all about IBS research, including possible causes, the role of bacteria, and gender issues. Over the course of four days you will receive emails containing overviews of research findings in regard to the most important aspects of this puzzling disorder.
...Study: Childhood Constipation Into Adulthood
For some, constipation appears to be a life-long problem. A study recently published in Pediatrics followed a group of children for approximately 11 years to assess their long-term prognosis.
According to the study abstract, study participants were approximately 400 children, ages 5 to 18, who had a diagnosis of functional constipation. The children received six weeks of treatment and then were assessed at six months, twelve months, and every year following. A "good clinical outcome" was defined as having three or more bowel movements per week for four or more weeks, with two or less incontinence episondes per month. Use of laxatives was not considered relevant.
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