Stress Could Be Culprit in Your Tummy Woes

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Stress Could Be Culprit in Your Tummy Woes

Posted On : Aug-25-2011 | seen (1066) times | Article Word Count : 713 |

While a number of factors contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stress is on the list, as it is for many serious disorders and diseases. An estimated 10% to 15% of the world’s population is affected by IBS, and more women than men seem to develop it.
While diet, allergies and infections can play a large role in this disease, people may still suffer symptoms of IBS even when they take their medication and change their eating habits. Symptoms such as stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramping and constipation can still reappear, and the condition is debilitating, because sufferers can experience all of these symptoms in a 24-hour period. As it’s thought that anxiety is the culprit behind many of these symptoms, it is also important to reduce your stress levels.
Stress a Significant Factor
The journal Gut recently published the results of a New Zealand study on 620 people who had “gastroenteritis,” a stomach disorder caused by bacterial infection. None of these people had IBS before. Each person completed a detailed questionnaire about stress levels, perfectionism and illness, beliefs and other thought processes, since the way situations are negatively or positively perceived can lead to stress. The large group was monitored three and six months later to determine whether or not they had developed IBS. Forty-nine people reported IBS symptoms, all of whom also reported a great deal of stress. Their data sheets indicated “Type A” personalities, which points to a tendency towards tenseness, impatience and aggressiveness. More than twice as many women than men had IBS in this group.
Even a recent study not solely focused on stress noted its importance in the outcome of IBS. Researchers examined 417 young adults to determine if hereditary factors had played a role in their developing IBS and if psychological stress had contributed to the results. After the researchers had screened this large group, they had diagnosed 56 subjects with IBS. They also completed inventory scales that dealt with quality of life, gastrointestinal symptoms and depression. About 27% of this group had IBS symptoms, and 22% of them had consulted a doctor about the symptoms during the study. About 33% of this group reported that their parents had a history of stomach ailments associated with the symptoms of IBS. The study also indicated that these patients had family histories that indicated more psychological distress compared to the remaining group.6
Anxiety can create knots in your stomach, which creates excess acid and discomfort. As the medical community has recognized this factor, it has been administering drugs, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam, which can help untie those knots. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and do have several side effects.
Drug-free Ways to Get Some IBS Relief
Interested in a drug-free way to treat your IBS or complement your current traditional therapies? Let’s take a look at some decent alternatives.
Psyllium: This is a seed that is extremely high in soluble fiber, and is one that you will find in many laxatives. It helps relieve constipation and provides the fiber needed to support a healthy stomach and colon. Psyllium also does not irritate the stomach like bran can in some people who are sensitive to it. Psyllium expands when water is added to it, and it becomes a gel, which provides a cushioning for the stomach lining.
Aloe Vera: This famous herb can improve bowel functioning by helping to eliminate the harmful effects of bacteria and germs that enter your body through foods. It helps improve digestion, although it may not reduce any abdominal pain that is present. Aloe vera can be purchased in a juice form, and is easy to take.
Peppermint: In a tea, as an oil or in enteric-coated pills, peppermint will help relieve symptoms like muscle spasms, gas and cramping. The oil helps coat your entire digestive tract, which is why it is quite effective.
Flaxseed: This can lessen the symptoms of IBS, including constipation, stomach pain, and bloating. It is a very good option.
Chinese medicine: IBS is one condition where Chinese herbs have been found to be fairly effective. If you are getting no answers, try visiting a traditional Chinese practitioner.
Probiotics: These supplements are well-tested for IBS. The type of friendly bacteria that works best for this is L. plantarum.

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<h1>Stress Could Be Culprit in Your Tummy Woes</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_doctorshealthpress.aspx'>doctorshealthpress</a> While a number of factors contribute to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stress is on the list, as it is for many serious disorders and diseases. An estimated 10% to 15% of the world’s population is affected by IBS, and more women than men seem to develop it.
While diet, allergies and infections can play a large role in this disease, people may still suffer symptoms of IBS even when they take their medication and change their eating habits. Symptoms such as stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramping and constipation can still reappear, and the condition is debilitating, because sufferers can experience all of these symptoms in a 24-hour period. As it’s thought that anxiety is the culprit behind many of these symptoms, it is also important to reduce your stress levels.
Stress a Significant Factor
The journal Gut recently published the results of a New Zealand study on 620 people who had “gastroenteritis,” a stomach disorder caused by bacterial infection. None of these people had IBS before. Each person completed a detailed questionnaire about stress levels, perfectionism and illness, beliefs and other thought processes, since the way situations are negatively or positively perceived can lead to stress. The large group was monitored three and six months later to determine whether or not they had developed IBS. Forty-nine people reported IBS symptoms, all of whom also reported a great deal of stress. Their data sheets indicated “Type A” personalities, which points to a tendency towards tenseness, impatience and aggressiveness. More than twice as many women than men had IBS in this group.
Even a recent study not solely focused on stress noted its importance in the outcome of IBS. Researchers examined 417 young adults to determine if hereditary factors had played a role in their developing IBS and if psychological stress had contributed to the results. After the researchers had screened this large group, they had diagnosed 56 subjects with IBS. They also completed inventory scales that dealt with quality of life, gastrointestinal symptoms and depression. About 27% of this group had IBS symptoms, and 22% of them had consulted a doctor about the symptoms during the study. About 33% of this group reported that their parents had a history of stomach ailments associated with the symptoms of IBS. The study also indicated that these patients had family histories that indicated more psychological distress compared to the remaining group.6
Anxiety can create knots in your stomach, which creates excess acid and discomfort. As the medical community has recognized this factor, it has been administering drugs, such as benzodiazepines like diazepam, which can help untie those knots. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and do have several side effects.
Drug-free Ways to Get Some IBS Relief
Interested in a drug-free way to treat your IBS or complement your current traditional therapies? Let’s take a look at some decent alternatives.
Psyllium: This is a seed that is extremely high in soluble fiber, and is one that you will find in many laxatives. It helps relieve constipation and provides the fiber needed to support a healthy stomach and colon. Psyllium also does not irritate the stomach like bran can in some people who are sensitive to it. Psyllium expands when water is added to it, and it becomes a gel, which provides a cushioning for the stomach lining.
Aloe Vera: This famous herb can improve bowel functioning by helping to eliminate the harmful effects of bacteria and germs that enter your body through foods. It helps improve digestion, although it may not reduce any abdominal pain that is present. Aloe vera can be purchased in a juice form, and is easy to take.
Peppermint: In a tea, as an oil or in enteric-coated pills, peppermint will help relieve symptoms like muscle spasms, gas and cramping. The oil helps coat your entire digestive tract, which is why it is quite effective.
Flaxseed: This can lessen the symptoms of IBS, including constipation, stomach pain, and bloating. It is a very good option.
Chinese medicine: IBS is one condition where Chinese herbs have been found to be fairly effective. If you are getting no answers, try visiting a traditional Chinese practitioner.
Probiotics: These supplements are well-tested for IBS. The type of friendly bacteria that works best for this is L. plantarum.About the Author: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/subscribe/bb/index.php?sb=DHPART&affid=wd147&subid=lc1">SIGN UP FOR THE DOCTORS HEALTH PRESS E-BULLETIN AND RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF TOP 12 BRAIN BOOSTING SUPER FOODS!</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Stress-Could-Be-Culprit-in-Your-Tummy-Woes_76539.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Stress Could Be Culprit in Your Tummy Woes_76539.aspx</a>

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