Digestive problems are among the most common conditions affecting Americans today. There are many different types of digestive problems, from gastrointestinal infections that make a person miserable but pass quickly to long-term illnesses like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Up to 45 million Americans suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. IBS is a condition that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. No one really knows what causes IBS. The condition may get worse if you are stressed or do not follow a proper diet. April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, so check the Web sites below and learn more about this condition and how to manage it..

IBS usually begins around age 20 and is more common in women. IBS is also called functional bowel syndrome, irritable colon, spastic bowel and spastic colon. It's not the same as inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.

What Is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Common symptoms of IBS?

• Bloating and gas
• Mucus in the stool
• Constipation
• Diarrhea, especially after eating or first thing in the morning
• Feeling like you still need to have a bowel movement after you've already had one
• Feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement
• Abdominal pain and cramping that may go away after having a bowel movement.

The symptoms may get worse when you're under stress, such as when you travel, attend social events or change your daily routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if you don't eat enough healthy foods or after you've eaten a big meal. Some people are bothered by certain foods. Women who have IBS may notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods.

How is IBS treated?
The best way to handle IBS is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse and find ways to handle your stress.

Why may fiber be helpful?
Fiber can be helpful because it improves how the intestines work. There are 2 types of fiber:

• Soluble fiber helps both diarrhea and constipation. It dissolves in water and forms a gel-like material. Many foods contain soluble fiber such as apples, beans and citrus fruits. Psyllium, a natural vegetable fiber, is a also a soluble fiber. You can buy psyllium supplements (some brand names: Fiberall, Metamucil, Perdiem) to drink and you can add it to other foods.
• Insoluble fiber helps constipation by moving material through your digestive system and adding bulk to your stool. Insoluble fiber is in whole grain breads, wheat bran and many vegetables.

Increase the fiber in your diet slowly. Some people feel bloated and have gas if they increase their fiber intake too quickly. Gas and bloating usually improve as you get used to eating more fiber. The best way to increase your fiber intake is eat a wide variety of high fiber foods.

Will IBS get worse over time?
No. While IBS will probably recur throughout your life, it won't get worse. It doesn't cause cancer or require surgery, and it won't shorten your life.

What if IBS interferes with my daily activities?
IBS may have caused you to avoid doing certain things, like going out or going to work or school. While it may take some time for your efforts to pay off, you may find new freedom by following a plan that includes a healthy diet, learning new ways to deal with your stress and avoiding foods that may make your symptoms worse.

How can stress affect IBS?
Stress may trigger symptoms in people with IBS. Talk to your family doctor about ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, relaxation training or meditation. He or she may have some suggestions or may refer you to someone who can give you some ideas. Your doctor may also suggest that you talk to a counselor about things that are bothering you.

Can my doctor prescribe medicine for IBS?
There is no cure for IBS. However, if you're having bad symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you manage or lessen your symptoms.

For example, antispasmodic medicines may be prescribed to reduce cramping if your main symptom is pain. Hyoscyamine (some brand names: Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin) and dicyclomine (some brand names: Bentyl, Di-Spaz) help relax the spasms in the colon. Heating pads and hot baths can also be comforting.

When diarrhea is a frequent problem, medicine such as loperamide (brand name: Imodium) may help.

Your doctor may give you tranquilizers or sedatives for short periods to treat anxiety that may be making your symptoms worse. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant for you if your symptoms are severe and you are feeling depressed.

Nutritional Therapy
It is important for people with IBS to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost through diarrhea. People with IBS should work with a doctor or a dietitian to come up with an eating plan that is best for their individual situation and symptoms.

Digestinol....Do you suffer from a digestive disorder like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, Divertiulosis, GERD, or Acid Reflux? If so, our 100% all natural AMP capsules can help.

IBS, Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis hit four years ago. I went through several doctors and a multitude of prescriptions until I went on Digestinol. Symptoms went away completely in two months. IBS was always a problem but it is kept in check with a maintenance dose of Digestinol. I watch my diet carefully but on those days when I may not eat right, a Digestinol increase of a few tablets will take the symptoms away.

After nearly two weeks of taking the Digestinol I noticed a significant relief of the normal symptoms I would have. Since I had seen an improvement I decided to continue using your product and over the next several months the IBS symptoms had become non-existent, it was just gone. Your product is wonderful and I can assure you that whenever I come across someone that mentions that they have any type of digestive disorder I tell them my story and give them your website information so they can see for themselves. Thank You

P. Chiarelli - Saint Marys, GA. 12/28/06

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.