Health ShortsIrritable Bowel Syndrome
Curry for Irritable Bowels?
Many Americans blame spicy foods for causing their stomach upsets. Now an ingredient found in curry-turmeric-is being studied for its ability to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A study conducted at the University of Reading in England found that 66 percent of persons who took a supplement containing 72 milligrams of dried turmeric extract reported definite or some improvement in IBS symptoms. The dose is large enough that you won't be able to get a therapeutic dose from a bowl of curry.
Allergy," OB GYN News, October 15, 2004] Drink Tea To Keep Stomach Healthy
Antioxidants in green tea may protect the stomach against chronic gastritis and stomach cancer, according to a recent population study in China. Subjects who drank green tea regularly had a risk of gastritis and stomach cancer about half that of those who did not drink tea. Chronic gastritis, or upset stomach, frequently leads to stomach cancer.
[SOURCE: "Drinking Green Tea May Protect against Chronic Gastritis and Stomach Cancer," Environmental Nutrition, July, 2001] FDA Approves New IBS Drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication for the short-term treatment of a form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affecting women and characterized by constipation. Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate) does not offer a cure for IBS, but studies have shown it to be effective in relieving constipation, bloating and abdominal comfort.
[SOURCE: U.S. Approves Drug for Irritable Bowel Syndrome," Reuters Health, July 25, 2002] IBS and Surgery Risk
Undiagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with its abdominal pain and discomfort, often results in unnecessary surgery, especially in women. According to data from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, hysterectomy and ovarian surgery have been reported in 47 to 55 percent of female patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a much higher rate than would be expected in the general female population.
[SOURCE: "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Overview," NWHRC Health Center, March 10, 2004] Peppermint Calms Irritable Bowels
About four million American children suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, with symptoms such as nausea, gas and abdominal pain. There's no known cure, but a recent small study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that peppermint oil provided relief from pain. Of 42 subjects, half were given peppermint oil capsules and the others a placebo. Seventy-five percent of those taking the peppermint oil reported less severe symptoms; 50 percent said they felt "much better." Peppermint oil is considered safe but is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for such use.
[SOURCE: Becky Mollenkamp, "Peppermint Eases Upset Stomach," Better Homes and Gardens, August, 2001] Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common reasons for a visit to a primary care physician. It's also the reason for one third to one half of all referrals to a gastroenterologist. Nevertheless, the majority of persons with IBS suffer in silence, perhaps because they're too embarrassed to discuss the problem or believe there's no effective treatment.
[SOURCE: Christine Frissosa, "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Symptoms-Based Approach to Diagnosis," Consultant, November, 2004] When You Must Squelch a Belch
Belching is caused by swallowing too much air. Some remedies: · Remind yourself to eat and drink more slowly. · Avoid chewing gum, carbonated drinks and other triggers. · Use controlled breathing to deal with anxiety and hyperventilation. There is no strong evidence that simethicone, the active ingredient in most over-the-counter remedies is effective in relieving excessive gas associated with belching. Drinking baking soda diluted in water can relieve the pain associated with not being able to belch.
[SOURCE: "Cases of the Gut," Harvard Health Letter," August, 2002] | ArchiveAIDS & HIV |
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