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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 10/7/2010 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have been a moderator of different IBS bb's for about 10 years. Every year as the holidays approach I see people posting about stressful situations with the holidays. Usally right at the time of the holidays. How do I reduce stress two days before say Christmas for example. Somethings if you started now before would help you through the holidays. To nip it in the bud so to speak. That is what this thread is all about.
Posted 10/8/2010 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Gut Feelings: The Surprising Link Between Mood and Digestion

http://www.healtharticles.org/mood_digestion_081104.html

The Neurobiology of Stress and Emotions

We often hear the term "stress" associated with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many patients experience a worsening of symptoms during times of severely stressful life events. But what is stress? How often does it occur? How does our body respond to stress? This article explores the mechanisms that link stress and emotions to responses that have evolved to ensure survival and that, in the modern world, affect health—including gastrointestinal function.

http://www.ibs.med.ucla.edu/Articles/PatientArticle003.htm
Posted 10/10/2010 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
I have been thinking about this as well. I hate this time of the year, the cooking, shopping, trying to make sure everyone gets what they want all the while my body is saying "not so fast lady" and sending me to the toilet and reaching for the pepto daily...I hate it
Posted 10/11/2010 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Tinlou

do you do any kind of stress reduction?

Ever heard of clinical hypnotherapy for IBS or CBT?

You can't get rid of all stress and anxiety, but can chance how you deal with it and how it effects you.

something else important to read here, because this is involved.

http://www.thebodysoulconnection.com/EducationCenter/fight.html
Posted 10/12/2010 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Stress: It's Worse Than You Think

Stress affects your brain and body. Too much of it can have a fatal effect. Here's what you can do to relax.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199601/stress-its-worse-you-think
Posted 10/13/2010 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I exercise quite a bit but I don't really find that it helps with the stress all that much. I have heard about how others get a "clear mind" feeling but not me..
Posted 10/13/2010 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
exercise is important. I actually don't get enough myself and am working on that personally.

For some exercise can help with stress reduction and releasing endorphines.

For others to much may cause symptoms like Runners D.

Another part of this is learning relaxation techniques.

Have you been reading the links Tinlou?

Part of this is dampening down psycho-physiological arousal.

Tinlou, what kind of IBS do you have?
Posted 10/14/2010 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I think my IBS is linked to stress and certain foods. The best advice I had ever received was to cut out wheat and see what happens and it helped quite a bit, not perfect but it did help. It also comes and goes with flare ups usually around the holidays. stressful times. I will be fine for months and then boom it comes back with a vengeance. I also suffer from gastritis quite a bit and I am now taking zegerid and Calcium. Magnesium and zinc with D vitamins.

Not sure if this is typical of IBS but after all of the tests that is what I was diagnosed with. How about you? What is your IBS experience?
Posted 10/14/2010 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Tinlou, stress and certain foods and even the "act of eating itself can all be TRIGGERS of IBS but neither are the actual cause of IBS.

The part of the way stress triggers IBS is part of the same way foods do, but people don't usally understand that part, because its more complex.

The best thing I have ever done for my IBS was gut directed hypnotherapy, it made the most long term changes.

Wheat can cause more gas and is also linked to serotonin production which is a problem in IBS.

were you tested for celiac?

Yes IBS can wax and wane like that and be triggered by more stress, especially around the holidays which is the reason for the post. The articles give help in explaining it all and what to do about it, but it requires some work, practice and changes.

Of course eating more and eating more rich foods around the holidays might also be something to watch out for and be aware of through the coming months.
Posted 10/14/2010 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have never heard of "gut hypnotherapy" but it sounds interesting.
I have been tested for celiac and it was negative but it might be possible that I am gluten sensitive since wheat, oats just don't agree with me at all.
Posted 10/14/2010 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Shawn for that information. I will look around my area and see if I can find someone who may offer this type of treatment. And I have to keep reminding myself about the food/IBS connection because I seem to think my IBS is set off from something I ate but apparently it isn't from what you are telling me.
Posted 10/14/2010 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Tinlou

The program I used was the IBS audio program, because for one its hard to find people in this field who actually know about IBS, there are some out there. Another reason is cost effectiveness and I work with that hypnotherapist, he is excellent.

I was the first person really to use his work. But thousands now have with a very good success rate. I will post more info on it all.

certain foods can act as triggers for IBS, but they don't cause IBS. Like food allergies, someone can have both and some foods themselves can trigger IBS, especially high fat foods, but the act of eating can also trigger IBS regardless of the food.

So diet is important as is eating right an small meals and eating at certain times of the day.

foods and IBS

http://aboutibs.org/site/about-ibs/management/ibs-diet/

The second link is my site.

http://www.ibshealth.com/ibsfoods.htm
Posted 10/15/2010 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Great advice, thank you so much. I am going on a road trip tomorrow and my stomach feels nervous already!! UGH...you know the feeling I am sure, wondering where the exits/rest stops are. Oh well wish me luck! Thanks again
Posted 10/15/2010 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I have had that feeling many times. It is that fight or flight responce going off. Which directly effect the gut.

Travel Tips Help IBS Sufferers Enjoy their Vacations

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/news-events/press-releases/2004-0525-ibs-travel-tips

I do wish you luck and have a good trip. Try to relax as much as possible.

 

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