April is IBS Awareness Month…and if you are among the 60 million or so people (40 million of which are women) that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), I know you are very well aware of IBS and the misery it can cause.

IBS is sometimes minimized because it’s not a true “disease” and is not linked to an increased risk of intestinal cancer.  But there’s nothing “minimal” about it because it can literally control your life.

Unfortunately, IBS is a mystery to much of the mainstream medical community, so their suggestions are of limited benefit. 

Sure, you’ll get the tired old “avoid trigger foods” advice, but that’s worthless because many IBS attacks are not tied to any specific foods.

Of course, there will be a plethora of drugs available.  But all they do is cover up your symptoms (and not very well at that), and expose you to dangerous side effects!

So if you have finally had enough and want to break free of the prison of IBS…

If you want to be able to socialize without worrying about running to the toilet…

If you want to have a BM that is something other than constipation or diarrhea…

And if you want to stop having to unbutton your pants because you’re so bloated…

Then let me help you.

Because there are safer ways you can beat IBS and feel a whole lot better!

Trust me, I know.  I’ve been IBS-free for 25 years now…and YOU can be too. 

Here’s how:

Fix the problem—not the symptoms!

IBS has been labeled a “functional disorder” meaning there is no actual disease present.

Well, what IS present with IBS is chronic and often debilitating abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating—all signs that YOUR DIGESTIVE FUNCTION IS ANYTHING-BUT-NORMAL!

So it only makes sense that if you support your body and help it carry out digestion the way it’s supposed to, you can feel tremendous relief!

Here are the most common underlying causes of impaired digestion and how you can counteract them:

The Standard American Diet (SAD—an appropriate acronym)

People who have a typical modern diet are most assuredly eating very little fiber, truckloads of processed foods and meals that are next-to-impossible for their bodies to break down efficiently…all of which spell digestive disaster.

Help your digestion along by eating simpler meals.  Pair meats OR starches (not both together) with vegetables and a green salad, while avoiding the protein-starch combination in your meals.  Proteins and starches require opposing digestive enzymes and when eaten together these catalysts can weaken each other in the stomach and impair your digestion.

Also, probiotics and digestive enzyme supplements have been shown to be a big help in smoothing out digestion.

Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula can provide a helpful, therapeutic dose of friendly gut bacteria which supports thorough digestion, helps with nutrient absorption, reduces gas and bloating, and eases constipation.

And Digestizol Max digestive enzyme formula can pinch hit where your body may be lacking in enzyme resources.  Enzyme shortages are very common among the elderly, people using acid reducers, people who have had stomach, weight loss or gallbladder surgery and fast food fanatics, and without adequate enzymes, digestive issues are a given.

Food allergies and sensitivities

Many people have food allergies or sensitivities and don’t even know it...all they know is that they’re suffering from very frequent pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea (typical IBS symptoms).

True food allergies are easier to detect because you usually get symptoms quickly after eating the offending food, and oftentimes get a rash or other reaction.

But food sensitivities are sneakier.  You won’t necessary get symptoms right away—it might take you up to 72 hours to feel the effects, and at that point, you’re clueless as to what may have triggered your attack.

Be sure to get appropriate testing for both allergies and sensitivities if you suspect these may be affecting you.

Stress

Stress can definitely deep-six your digestion.  Your mind and GI tract are connected through a series of impulse pathways called the "brain-gut axis" and what affects one affects the other. 

Do what you need to do to relieve stress.  Getting regular exercise (with your doctor’s OK) is a great place to start.

Medications

Many medications can ruin your digestion including:

• Acid reducers and antacids
• Pain relievers/NSAIDs
• Antidepressants
• High blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol medications

If you are on any medications that ruin your digestion, it’s time to talk to your doctor about alternatives.  For example, fish oil is helpful with high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, and vitamin B12 helps with depression.

SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when some of the bacteria from your large intestine "slide up" and get into the small intestine.

When this happens, the fiber that you eat (which is normally broken down in the large intestine) can begin to be broken down too soon in the small intestine.  Since the small intestine is not equipped to handle fiber, severe bloating and excessive gas can result. 

Super Shield can be extremely helpful here too by helping to restore and maintain a healthy flora balance in both your small and large intestines.

Come on over!

I speak with expert authority about IBS…because I suffered from it for 15 years, and it has been a primary focus of my nutrition practice.

But I have been completely symptom- and medication-free for the last 25 years solely due to my diet, improved digestion and probiotic supplementation. 

I will never forget all of the tremendous sufferings I endured with IBS, as well as the drug side effects to boot, and trust me, life is very sweet indeed when you can finally close the door on it.

Come on over to your new IBS-free world and see how great you can feel.