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Choose natural aids for irritable bowel syndrome |
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 04 April 2008 |
As drug maker Novartis announced in early April a voluntary restriction on its irritable bowel syndrome medication, other reports on the condition underscored the benefits of choosing natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
Novartis’ drug, Zelnorm, is now available only to hospitalized patients or to those that have life-threatening illnesses, according to a Reuters story. Although Novartis did not give a reason for the voluntary restriction, clinical trials in 2007 linked Zelnorm to heart attack and stroke risk.
Zelnorm is for IBS patients who suffer from constipation as their main symptom, Reuters reports.
In the April issue of alive, a Canadian health and wellness magazine, a feature on irritable bowel syndrome explains symptoms of the condition affect 20 percent of North American adults. The story claims an increased consumption of fiber, as well as probiotic bacteria, can help relieve constipation symptoms of IBS.
To get more fiber into the diet, be sure to ask your health care practitioner about BioSET™ Colon Fiber.™ Indicated for chronic constipation, Colon Fiber™ contains oat fiber, flaxseed and prune fiber.
The story in alive magazine reports the American Dietetic Association recommends 20 grams to 35 grams of fiber daily for adults.
In addition, Colon Fiber™ provides apple pectin, which might help protect against colon cancer, according to a late March story at nutraingredients.com.
In consumer and professional lines, Enzymes, Inc., provides probiotic products that help restore flora balance in the colon and inhibit potentially harmful tissue changes. WellZymes™ Colon Health contains a blend of more than 3 billion viable probiotic organisms.
Another natural way to relieve symptoms of IBS might be through brain
reprogramming, according to alive magazine and a March 31 report from
KING 5 News in Seattle.
Alive reports European researchers found IBS patients were 60 percent
more likely to have migraines, fibromyalgia and depression. Scientists
observed a reduction in IBS symptoms when anxiety, depression and
physical symptoms were addressed together.
And according to KING 5, doctors have found that training the brain to
be less sensitive to IBS symptoms can provide some relief.
Still, relief often comes from addressing a variety of issues,
including diet, stress and physical activity.
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 April 2008 )
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