Cure For Diarrhea - How To Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast and Easy?

Just imagine, you are on your way to a large presentation that you have to give to 50 of your co-workers and all of a sudden due to the stress of the moment you feel a sudden surge of extreme diarrhea come over you. I know this is not something that many of us like to admit, but it happens to everyone. Diarrhea literally effects billions of people every year, some people much more than others.

It's a very serious bowel and stomach problem that people just have gotten used to being a part of their life. Much of diarrhea has to do with your daily activities and diet. If you're experiencing diarrhea on a regular basis, then plain and simple there is something wrong in your lifestyle. In this article I will go over various ways to get rid of your diarrhea for good. As always, consult with your doctor or health professional before making any serious changes to your health.

Diarrhea refers to the frequent discharge and passage of loose or watery unformed stools.

Let's go over some home remedies you can use at home to avoid diarrhea:

• Diarrhea treatment can be achieved by using Ginger. In cases of diarrhea that were caused by indigestion, fresh or dry ginger has shown to be very useful. Use a piece of dry ginger along with a small crystal of rock salt, for treating diarrhea. A qtr. tsp. of this powder should be taken with a small piece of jaggery.

• Diarrhea treatment can be achieved by using Pomegranate. Pomegranate has shown to be very effective in treating diarrhea because of its astringent properties. If a patient becomes weak due to diarrhea, he or she should by given 50ml of Pomegranate juice to drink. This will help to control the diarrhea.

• Diarrhea treatment can be achieved by using Bottle Gourd. The juice of bottle gourd is a very valuable medicine that is used to treat excessive thirst caused by diarrhea. Take a glass of the juice with a pinch of salt to help treat diarrhea.

• Diarrhea treatment can be achieved by using Mango Seeds. Mango seeds are very valuable in treating diarrhea. Take a dose of one to two grams with or without honey. Use twice daily.

• Diarrhea treatment can be achieved by using Rice. Rice has shown to very useful in treating diarrhea within children. Take a teaspoon of the powder of charred parboiled rice, mixed with buttermilk. Give doses of 30 grams every half hour. Follow the above home remedies along with the tips below to help treat and deter diarrhea:

1. Drink plenty of juices rich in essential vitamins.

2. Eat plenty of vegetables and whole rice.

3. Eat plenty of fiber items to help harden your stools.

4. Try fasting for two days to help clear out your gastrointestinal tract.

Cures for diarrhea are out there, but just remember, most of your constant problems from diarrhea are stemming from your lifestyle.

As always, consult with your doctor or health professional before making any changes to your health or diet.

* Article Source: Kim Grace, http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Grace_I

Constipation Remedies - Get Rid of Constipation Quickly and Easily!

Constipation is an absolutely horrible ordeal to encounter. It's one of the most annoying and disturbing occurrences that can happen to the human body. It's unhealthy and extremely uncomfortable. The main culprit of constipation is said to be the food you are consuming on a daily basis.

Constipation is best known as a disturbance of the digestive tract. People experiencing this condition commonly report their bowels are not moving in their usual motion. In addition, the bowels are not completely emptied when release occurs. This condition is known to be the top cause for many other diseases due to the toxins left in the body. Arthritis, appendicitis, rheumatism, cataract, high blood pressure, and more can be caused by constipation.

Let's go over some home remedies to relieve constipation:

• Constipation home remedy treatment by using Spinach has proven to be effective in relieving constipation. Use raw spinach for cleansing, regeneration, and reconstruction of the bowel tract. Mix raw spinach juice (100ml) with the same amount of water for best results.

• Constipation home remedy treatment by using Grapes has proven to be very effective in overcoming constipation. The combination of the various nutrients within the grapes make them a food that helps to move the bowels.

• Constipation home remedy treatment by using Bael Fruit has proven to be beneficial in treating constipation. Bael fruit is known to be the best of any laxative for treating constipation. Take it in its original form right before dinner. Sixty grams of the fruit is the best dosage for an adult.

• Constipation home remedy treatment by using Orange has shown to be a beneficial treatment for treating constipation. Consume 1-2 oranges before bedtime and again when waking up for the best stimulation of your bowel's.

Follow the above home remedies in combination with the tips below to help relieve constipation symptoms:

1. Indulge in a simple and natural diet that consists of unrefined foods. Consume foods such as bran, wholegrain cereals, honey, lentils, green veggies, fresh fruits, and milk products.

2. Chew food properly in a timely manner. Do not hurry your meals. Do not eat meals at an odd time of the day.

3. Avoid sugary foods

4. Avoid foods made of white flour, cakes, pastries, cheese, biscuits, and preserves.

* Article Source: Kim Grace, http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Grace_I

Diet For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder with a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be related to diet. Poor eating habits such as skipping meals, low intake of fibre and fluid, excessive fatty food intake, sensitivity to milk and other dairy products (see lactose intolerance) and excessive caffeine and alcohol need to be addressed as a first step in helping relieve symptoms in IBS.

General dietary advice in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)

The most common dietary treatment for irritable bowel syndrome - IBS has been, and still is, a high fibre diet. While this is still a positive recommendation for many patients, especially those who suffer from constipation, some patients will not benefit from an increase in dietary fibre, and in some the symptoms may even worsen. As with any change in diet the increase in fibre should be gradual, involve a variety of fibres and an adequate fluid intake of at least 1.5 litres per day. The major sources of fluid should be water, but dilute tea or juices may be suitable in some patients. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, and carbonated soft drinks can aggravate symptoms and should be limited, especially in the initial stages of dietary modification.

IBS symptoms tend to be increased following large meals, particularly if the meal is high in fat, and if the meal is eaten quickly. It can be helpful to spread the food over 3 meals and 3 snacks per day. Avoid eating quickly and try to relax after a meal. Regular light exercise can also help reduce symptoms.

Excessive flatulence

If excessive wind is a problem then exclusion of the 'windy vegetables' including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and legumes including baked beans may be helpful. These may be reintroduced once the symptoms have settled. Carbonated soft drinks can also exacerbate symptoms. Like food, fluid should be spread across the day.

Some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome - IBS may find a trial of lactose exclusion helpful. Lactose is found principally in dairy products such as milk and ice creams (see lactose free diet). Remember that these foods supply important nutrients, and reduced consumption can affect calcium intakes.

Food sensitivities for IBS sufferers

Recent studies have highlighted the possible role of food sensitivities in some irritable bowel syndrome - IBS sufferers. This can involve the exclusion of obvious trigger foods. In complex cases an elimination diet may be necessary. This involves the exclusion of a wide range of food, followed by 'challenges' to identify the problem foods. Elimination diets are for short-term use only as they are nutritionally unbalanced. They should be supervised by a dietitian who has experience in this field. The RPAH guide 'Friendly Food' is a general guide to the elimination diet and associated recipes.

* by Caroline Salisbury, www.gastro.net.au/diets/irritablebowel.html

Sensible Eating For Irritable Bowel Syndrome Sufferers

In order to determine the role of your diet in your irritable bowel syndrome it is advised to keep a diary. Keep a food, fluid and symptoms diary to help observe the role of diet and other factors such as stress in symptoms. Check your diet against the general guidelines for a healthy diet (see other sections of this website). Maintain a high fibre diet, provided this is tolerated. Start with the basics of 3 low fat, high fibre meals and 2 -3 snacks per day. Maintain an adequate fluid intake, avoiding excessive intake of fizzy drinks and caffeine. Eat slowly and make meal times as relaxing as possible. If you are excluding foods, eliminate one food at a time, and record the results. Once symptoms have settled reintroduce the foods to maintain variety. Consider consulting a dietitian for individual advice regarding your diet and any modifications.

A typical meal plan for IBS sufferers

This meal plan provides 25 - 30 g of fibre from a variety of sources and 30 - 35 g of fat depending on the quantity of added margarine, oil and fat content of dairy foods.

Breakfast - a bowl of high fibre cereal such as untoasted muesli, weetbix or porridge with fresh or tinned fruit and reduced fat milk or a calcium fortified soy milk and/ or wholemeal or grain toast with minimal margarine and honey or vegemite. Tea.

Lunch - sandwiches made with wholemeal bread with low fat cheese, lean beef, tinned fish and salad. Tinned or fresh fruit with low fat yoghurt. Water, tea or diluted juice.

Main Meal - water, lean grilled chicken with lemon juice and pepper. Served with salad, boiled new potatoes and wholemeal bread.

Snacks spread throughout the day - fresh fruit, low fat yoghurt, crackers with cheese, or wholemeal crumpets with honey. Water, tea or diluted juice.

Cookbooks which are suitable for IBS sufferers

'Find out about fibre' by Rosemary Stanton, Allen and Unwin.

'Good Gut Cookbook' by Rosemary Stanton, 2nd ed Harper Health

'Friendly Foods' by Swain, A, Soutter and Loblay, R.H, Murdoch Books.

* by Caroline Salisbury, www.gastro.net.au/diets/irritablebowel.html

Smoking Vs. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Etc.

* by Susan Reynolds

Just as all stimulants seem to affect irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers harder than those without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tobacco is one of the most extreme. Whether you smoke or chew, tobacco is a powerful gastro-intestinal stimulant, irritant and carcinogen. Because people with IBS have extremely sensitive intestinal tracts anyway, tobacco should be avoided at all costs. But even if you don’t have IBS, the effect tobacco has on your GI tract is severe.

Tobacco has shown to be harmful to the entire digestive system. Two of the most common ailments caused by smoking is heartburn and acid reflux, which are conditions that people with irritable bowel syndrome are already more likely to suffer from. Tobacco weakens the sphincter in the oesophagus, therefore allowing stomach acid to flow upward into the oesophagus. Tobacco has also been known to double your chance of developing a peptic ulcer and chemicals in tobacco also hinder the healing of ulcers and make sufferers more likely to develop additional ulcers later in life. The exact increase is unknown but it’s thought to be as high as 10 times as likely. Doctors also believe that there is a link between the development of Crohn’s disease and the possible development of gallstones in tobacco users.

The addictive and poisonous part of tobacco, nicotine, can cause many health problems on its own. But nicotine isn’t the only problem with tobacco. There are over 400 toxins and at least 43 known carcinogens in tobacco, all of which will hit someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) harder than they would hit a healthy person. A seldom considered side effect of smoking is increased air consumption, which can lead to bloating and flatulence.

And of course, the most common result in long-term cigarette smoking or tobacco chewing is the development of cancer, including cancer of the digestive tract, such as colon, bladder, pancreas, kidney and stomach cancer. It’s not known if irritable bowel syndrome sufferers are at a higher risk to develop cancer of the digestive tract, but the additional irritation and stimuli to the body tends to not be favourable for IBS patients.

Tobacco irritates the lining of the intestines, which can cause diarrhea, intestinal cramping, pain, bloating and gas in irritable bowel syndrome - IBS patients. Nicotine has been reported to highly increase the frequency of stomach cramps in IBS sufferers. Tobacco use also decreases the efficiency of food digestion and it can also dramatically slow down the metabolism of those with IBS. This can alter bowel movements, which are already a huge problem for those with IBS, and cause bloating. Withdrawal from nicotine can cause both constipation and diarrhea, again, already a big problem for those with IBS.

So for those people with irritable bowel syndrome - IBS, sometimes just a small amount of stimuli to the digestive tract can be too much. The effects of tobacco use are universally negative for an average person and can be dramatic for those with IBS. There is no known cure for IBS and treatment options are not widely agreed upon, even by experts. But one treatment everyone can agree on is to reduce or eliminate tobacco use, even if you don’t have IBS!

What To Eat If You Suffer From Gas & Bloating

* by Jane Clark from Daily Mail

Every Tuesday, Britain's leading nutritionist explains how to eat your way to health. This week, Jane offers advice on what foods to eat if you suffer from wind (gas, bloating).

Over the past year I have been affected by terrible wind, which is embarrassing. I have a healthy diet, eat no fat at all, no spicy foods and live mostly on salad with a little ham, chicken or egg. I am 81 and weigh 7st 7lb. Do you have any advice?

Poor you. Bloating, gas and wind can be so uncomfortable and, as you say, embarrassing. You've eliminated some of the obvious triggers of bloating and gas, which are fatty foods and spices - although protein-rich foods such as red meat, and carbohydrates such as bread and pasta, may also be a cause of gas and bloating, because they're pretty hard to digest.

Maybe eggs upset you as they contain sulphur. Other sulphur-containing foods, such as onions and garlic, can be tricky, too.

Since you weigh so little, it's important not to cut something as nutritious as eggs out of your diet without an adequate replacement, and since you should be able to tell within, say, 72 hours whether cutting out eggs will make a difference, stick to the ham or chicken for those three days and see if your gut improves.

It's also possible you may be having too much raw vegetable/salad food. Although nutritious, it can be gas-producing because it's fibrous and gets your gut moving, so you might find cooked vegetables suit you better.

However, don't eat them too hot, as food that's too hot or too cold can make us swallow more air in an attempt to make its temperature more acceptable, causing gas and bloating.

Cooked fruit could work well, too, as could fruit tinned in its natural juice, which is the healthiest option (although in your case, a little tinned fruit in syrup could be a good way of increasing your calorie intake and putting on a little weight if you need to).

Tinned fruit can also be easier to eat for people with dentures. Readers with dentures need to make sure they are well fitted, as sometimes ill-fitting teeth can mean your eating action is out of sync, so you can end up swallowing too much air, leading to gas and wind.

Our bodies are unique, so it's worth swopping foods around, keeping a note of what you're eating and how windy you are, to spot any patterns.

It could be that the classic gas-producing foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, lentils, artichokes and asparagus may have been creeping into your diet more often than you thought. These belong to the cruciferous family of vegetables, which are traditionally known for their gas/wind-producing properties.

There is the traditional remedy of mint, fennel or camomile tea, all of which soothe the gut. Fennel is particularly good at combating gas, which is why gripe water - made with fennel - was traditionally used to soothe colic. You can also chew on fennel seeds, which you can buy at health food shops.

Cutting out fizzy drinks may help against gas and bloating, too, as can eating slowly and not lying down straight after eating. Sometimes medication such as laxatives can cause bad wind, so discuss this with your doctor.

Finally, so-called "bad" bacteria in the bowels can lead to excess gas. However, probiotic bacteria - the friendly bacteria found in the bowels - enable your body to get rid of the bad.

You have two options. First, get into the habit of having a small pot of natural yoghurt containing probiotic bacteria (lactobacillus bifidus) every day. Mix it with cooked fruit (such as apple purÈe or cooked pear) if you want a sweet taste, or a little honey.

Second, you could try a probiotic supplement. The dose can vary depending on the strain of bacteria, but with lactobacillus I recommend one with 10 billion per day which, astonishingly, are contained in one small capsule.

What Is A "Normal" Bowel Movement (Stool Color & Shape)?

“How many bowel movements do you have each day? Do you see any mucous, blood, diarrhea or constipation?”

Feces, crap, stools, shit, poop, manure, BM, #2, dung, droppings, and bowel contents are all the same thing. I use all these terms as sometimes my clients don’t know what feces or stool is. If I can’t communicate with my clients, I can’t help them.

Feces contains water, indigestible fiber, undigested food, sloughed off intestinal cells, living and dead bacteria, bile, and worn out red blood cells. A normal stool should be brown to light brown, formed but not hard or too soft, cylindrical but not flattened on any side, fairly bulky and full bodied but not compact, easy to pass, and it shouldn’t have an extremely foul smell. Each bowel movement should be in one piece, about the size and shape of a banana being tapered at the end. Sometimes this will not be discernable if the feces breaks up in the toilet. Some people feel that if the body is absorbing all the minerals from the food that the stool will float. Others believe that the stool should sink. I think the important thing is that there are no air bubbles in the stool and that it doesn’t drop like a brick in the toilet. The stool should be somewhere in between.

An occasional deviation from this pattern of stool is acceptable. Any chronic deviation from the above pattern of stool is not healthy and should be dealt with.

It’s amazing how many people don’t even look at their stools in the toilet. It’s so important. Stools can reveal a lot about your health if you learn to read them. For instance:

• Air or bubbles in the stool can mean that we have a gut or flora imbalance and that gas producing bacteria are overgrown and competing with the healthier flora.

• Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation can be cause by irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, red meat, spices, sugar, alcohol, stress, lack of fiber, irregular bowel habits.

• Color: Stools are usually the color of the food.

• Constipation can occur leading to impaction--the presence in the rectum of a mass of feces too large to pass. Fecal impaction is usually the result of poor bowel habits, a diet with too little liquid and roughage, too much protein and inadequate physical activity.

• Diarrhea, whether acute or chronic, can disrupt the bowel's normal rhythm and lead to irregularity. It can mean that your large intestine is not functioning properly. The large intestine is in charge of removing excess water from the feces. Rule outs can include food poisoning, lactose intolerance, anxiety, stress, too many antacids, antibiotics, parasites like Giardia or Coccidia, Balantidia, Coccidoidiomycosis or other parasites, viruses, bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. A healthy bowel will take about a quart and a half and condense it down to 1 cup of stool. That’s pretty amazing.

• Frank red blood (obvious bright red bleeding) can be a sign of hemorrhoids, colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer or be caused from impacted stools passing through the rectum telling us we need to drink more water.

• Horrible smelling stools—too much protein, flora imbalance.

• If the stools are black, tarry and sticky (called melena), this can mean that there is bleeding from the small intestine. These types of stools usually have a distinctive bad odor. If you’ve ever smelled a dog with Parvo, corona or rotavirus, you know what I mean.

• Light green stools—Too much sugar, fruits or vegetables and not enough grains or salt (or in the case of animals, too much grass)Mucous can reveal diverticulitis and gut inflammation due to allergies or parasites.

• Oily or greasy looking stools that usually float and can be large can mean that your pancreas or small intestine are not functioning well enough and not releasing enough digestive enzymes. Normal stools are about 1% fat. When this percentage increases to about 7%, the stool will look oily and greasy. This is called steatorrhea. High fat meals can cause this to happen but should be temporary.

• Pale or clay colored stools can mean that your gallbladder or liver is not working correctly.

• Pencil thin or ribbon-like stools can mean you have a polyp or growth on the inside of the colon or rectum.

• Presence of food: If the stool breaks up easily and you can see bits and pieces of the food you ate, maybe you are not chewing your food thoroughly enough. This can cause GERD, acid reflux, abdominal bloating and diarrhea.

• Red or magenta stools-- ingestion of beets.

• Very dark stools: Too much red wine, too much salt in the diet, not enough vegetables. Blueberries, Pepto Bismol (the bismuth in it) and iron pills can also be responsible for dark stools.

Normal bowel habits not only improve the quality of life, they help prevent several common diseases--for example, diverticulitis and fecal impaction. Gall stones, appendicitis, colon cancer, hiatal hernia, diabetes, and heart disease have also been related to the quality of bowel movements and the foods that affect them.

Number of bowel movements: Healthy bowel activity is considered one or two movements of moderate size every day. Every other day or once or twice a week bowel movements can harm you because the bowel contents release toxins back into the body through the mucous membranes. You’ve got to keep that waste moving!

Fecal incontinence (uncontrollable diarrhea) should be dealt with by a professional. Often with this particular symptom (and irritable bowel syndrome) I will pick up a bowel parasite. A bottle or two of Bowel Pathogen Nosode drops does an awesome job most of the time in clearing up these cases.

* Article Source: Denice Moffat, http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denice_Moffat

Healthy Bowel Habits and Natural Laxatives

Healthy bowel habits:

There is usually a time of day when bowel movements are more likely to occur. In anticipation of this time, the patient should participate in activities that stimulate a normal bowel movement. It is also important for the patient to recognize the urge to defecate and to respond right away to that urge. The longer stool sits in the rectum, the more water the rectum will absorb from it, making it harder and more difficult to pass.

The urge to defecate is often strongest in the morning: Just getting up triggers the movement of the large intestine. The stomach also sends a signal when it expands after a meal. This gastrocolic reflex is the reason many people, and especially children, need to go to the bathroom soon after eating. The reflex gets weaker with age, which is one source of constipation problems and the reason why good and consistent bowel habits are helpful.

Laxatives: Some patients are so convinced they need daily laxatives that they are afraid to do without them. It takes time for a changed diet to affect the bowels and for the bowel to regain its normal rhythm. Be patient. Enemas are a better solution.

Healthy bowel movements require ingestion of a large amount of liquids and bulk foods. The patient should drink two to three quarts of liquids every day. Bulk comes from unrefined foods. Oat bran, wheat bran, brown rice, green vegetables, apples, and pears are a few examples of high residue, high fiber foods.

Some patients will benefit from adding bulk preparations of psyllium, but others find that psyllium will cause extreme amounts of gas. For these people, the addition of WHOLE flax seeds (eat without chewing them) and bran will help. And one single 8-ounce cup of coffee in the morning often helps people get a regular bowel movement.

Natural Laxatives include:

•Anti-Constipation Paste

•Coffee

•DSS (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate)

•Glycerine suppositories

•Nature’s Sunshine LBS II (excellent)

•Oil enemas

•Prune juice

•Saline purges

Fleet enemas are used only for people and dogs. They are very toxic to cats and can kill them. These are OK to use occasionally, but the other enemas we are talking about are better for healing purposes.

Soap suds enemas can be a little harsh to the intestine. Use these only occasionally if necessary

Some Notes on Intestinal Bacteria Replacement: Inside a healthy lower intestine are billions of beneficial intestinal bacteria or microflora. These bacteria are of the Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus strains and were transferred by breast-feeding into our intestines as newborn infants. The body uses L. acidophilus and L. bifidus in the final stages of digestion reproducing themselves as necessary to keep in total harmony with the body.

When the good bacteria can’t keep up, bad bacteria overpopulate the gut to give a gut flora imbalance resulting in lower bowel diseases, gas, diarrhea, IBS, and Crohn’s. The devitalizing effect caused by harmful bacteria in the intestine is rarely diagnosed near the beginning of this imbalance. Headaches, skin infections, weakness and constipation can also be symptoms of depleted intestinal bacteria.

* Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denice_Moffat

What Causes A Gut Flora Imbalance?

• Toxins, especially drugs such as antibiotics and narcotics.

• Severe diarrhea can damage or destroy these beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to take over producing by-products like ammonia, purines and ethionine, which can eventually cause colon cancer.

• Fasting can also deplete the beneficial bacteria because large quantities of toxins are dumped from the lymph glands into the colon at the time of the fast. Also during a fast, with certain diets and with eating disorders, there is an absence of foods that the good bacteria thrive on.

• Using enemas also depletes the beneficial bacteria, especially if chlorinated water is used.

To reestablish intestinal bacteria, do a couple enemas with liquid acidophilus or live acidophilus. These products should be stored and purchased refrigerated. Off-the-shelf products are not so effective for replacing gut flora. You can also mix a couple tablespoons of active plain yogurt to your enema mix along with a tablespoon of the liquid acidophilus. Add some warm water, but do not heat the mixture or use chlorinated water. After blending the mixture, pour it into the enema bag. Use less water for these types of enemas (only 1-2 cups) and try to retain the liquid within the colon for ten minutes to allow the beneficial bacteria to pass up through the intestine. This procedure will ensure that a healthy culture will propagate within the intestines.

You can also start adding L. acidophilus and L. bifidus to your foods a day or two before you break a fast. Use repeat dosages as per bottle instructions once a week for about 5 weeks.

FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) are also good for reestablishing gut flora. These are long-chain sugars that feed friendly flora. You can purchase this in concentrated pill form or eat lots of apples, Jerusalem artichokes, or pears. These foods have high amounts of FOS in them.

Well . . .That's the scoop on poop. (Some people take things so seriously.)

BLOATING (GAS) - Foods That Cause Bloating

Bloating is a very common symptom that people often experience after eating a meal. The bloating is usually felt in the lower part of the abdomen and sometimes in the upper section. Bloating usually feels as if there is pressure being applied from the inside and people often report that they can look up to six months pregnant. Bloating after eating is often different to the bloating experienced with menopause, pregnancy and PMS. Bloating after eating feels gassy and is usually relieved after passing wind or burping. This kind of bloating can be caused by certain foods. However, if it happens frequently, it can also indicate a digestive problem such as leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (ibs), candida overgrowth, intestinal parasites, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and general food allergies and intolerances. Apart from bloating after eating, a common symptom of all of these conditions is chronic tiredness. This is because your digestive system is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the food you eat. If there is a digestive problem, its easy to become nutrient deficient and this commonly causes chronic tiredness.

So, how do you know if you are bloating because of foods that you are eating, or because you have a digestive problem? A person with a healthy digestive system will experience far less bloating, even with foods that commonly cause bloating. However, the list of foods below commonly causes bloating in many people.

1. Raffinose - a sugar found in beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables and whole grains. Eaten raw, these foods cause more bloating than when they are cooked.

2. Lactose - a natural sugar found mainly in milk and milk products, such as cheese, cream, yoghurt and ice cream. Lactose levels are much higher in milk and non-fat milk than in cheese and yogurt. Lactose is commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Fructose - a sugar found in fruits and honey. It’s also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks, fruit drinks and processed foods. Fructose is also considered to be an important contributing factor to irritable bowel syndrome for many people.

4. Sorbitol - a sugar found naturally in fruits, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes, and is also used as an artificial sweetener in many dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gums.

5. Starches - most starches, including potatoes, corn, rice, bread, noodles and any products made from flour produce gas as they are broken down in the large intestine.

6. Wheat – in particular, wheat appears to be a major source of bloating and gas. Most people find that if they eliminate wheat and flour products, their bloating nearly always improves.

7. Soluble fibre – this type of fibre dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. It’s found in oat bran, beans, peas and most fruits.

8. Insoluble fiber – this type of fibre doesn’t dissolve in water and passes unchanged through the intestines and therefore produces less gas than soluble fibre. It is found in wheat bran and most fruit and vegetable skins.

9. Legumes commonly cause bloating and gas due to their complex structure of starch and protein. Soaking and cooking legumes well helps to reduce bloating.

Please note: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of a personal relationship with a qualified health practitioner nor is it intended as medical advice.

* Article Source: by Alison Cassar http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cassar

Bloating - Easy Cures To A Disturbing Ailment

People who complain about flabby middles may have stomach bloating problems without even realizing it.

Stomach exercises won't do a thing for your bloating, so it's important to determine how much of your problem stems from this common occurrence.

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if the bulge in your stomach is caused more by fat, bloating or both.

Generally, if you are obese because of a bad diet then it's probably safe to assume that you are experiencing both... especially since a common cause of bloating is indigestion from eating the wrong foods.

Another way to tell if your problem may be bloating is if you experience lots of discomfort after a meal. Gas or abdominal pains may indicate your food is not digesting properly. This can cause some serious amounts of bloating too.

Also, if the size of your "gut" (particularly your lower abdominal region) seems to drastically change in size throughout the day then a big part of your problem may be from bloating as well.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) It sounds ugly, but it really is a very common disorder among people. You may have it and not even know it.
A lot of folks just write off their discomfort and bloating as gas or indigestion when they are really experiencing irritable bowel syndrome.

Water Rids The Bloating Effect If you're not drinking enough water throughout the day, this can cause unnecessary bloating. Avoid carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Chewing Gum & Bloating I just learned this recently, but chewing gum can actually cause your stomach to swell. This is because when you chew you're swallowing large amounts of air that goes right to the tummy. Avoid chewing gum or eating hard candy.
Also, if you chew sugarless gum that contains artificial sweetener, this can also cause bloating because your body cannot break down the artificial substitutes as easily, thus causing gas.

Fatty Foods Not only do fatty foods cause the formation of fat cells all over your body, but they also contribute to bloating because they can delay the process of emptying your stomach.
That's why so many people have that uncomfortable feeling after a big Thanksgiving meal. All that fat and grease is just marinating in your stomach trying to find a way to digest.

Foods to Avoid Avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and bran. The amount of gas that different foods cause varies from person to person.

Dairy Products Dairy products can be a big culprit for bloating - especially those of you who are lactose intolerant.
If you have stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea and bloating after consuming ice cream, milk or other kinds of dairy products then these are all signs of someone who is lactose intolerant.
Even if you are not suffering from that condition you still may find that dairy products can cause your stomach to bloat more than other foods.
Again, drinking water after consuming dairy foods can help with the bloating effect.

Fennel Tea Helps Bloating Fennel tea is an organic tea that is very effective for eliminating gas and bloating by relaxing the gut and relieving spasms in the GI tract. It's especially good for IBS sufferers.

Some other important tips that may help prevent bloating are:

• • • Avoid swallowing air. Swallowing air may increase your symptoms.
    • Eat slowly. Avoid gulping food or beverages. When you rush through meals or eat on the run, you are more likely to swallow air.
    • Chew your food thoroughly before you swallow.
    • Avoid drinking through a straw.
    • Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.
    • If you wear dentures, check with a dentist to make sure they fit properly.
    • Keep calm. Tension and anxiety can cause you to swallow air.

Sources of Article:
* "Stomach and Abdominal Bloating Causes" from Flat-Stomach-Exercises.com.
* "Gas,Bloating,and Burping - Home Treatment" from WebMD.

Probiotics - A Solution for Bloating, Gas, IBS, Diarrhea

If you experience bloating, gas, irritable bowl syndrome (ibs), skin infections, vaginal infections or diarrhea, you will want to read more about probiotics and the benefits of taking a probiotic supplement every day.

Probiotics are live microorganisms - bacteria in most cases - that are similar to beneficial microorganisms in your stomach. They are also referred to as "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria". Probiotic bacterial cultures assist your body's naturally occurring gut flora to reestablish themselves.

Ideally, the microflora colony in the digestive tract should be made up of 85 percent friendly bacteria to 15 percent harmful bacteria. This balance is affected by the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, steroids, exposure to radiation (X-rays and radiation therapies), consumption of chlorinated water, refined sugars and other refined foods, and by poor digestion, poor elimination of waste, stress and an unhealthy diet.

When the balance of good and bad bacteria is adversely altered, your body becomes overloaded with toxins, which causes chronic diseases and illnesses. Taking a probiotic supplement and eating foods that include probiotics will help buffer your stomach acid and intestinal bile, increasing the chance of good bacteria surviving.

Benefits of probiotics:

• Improve digestion of food
• Enhance absorption of vitamins
• Produce enzymes
• Increase availability of vitamins and nutrients, especially Vitamin B, Vitamin K, lactase, fatty acids and calcium
• Help kill viruses and parasites
• Increase resistance to infection
• Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria
• Regulate pH value by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide. Increase the acidity of intestine (lower pH value) and inhibit reproduction of many harmful bacteria and yeasts

Probiotics treat the following:

• Infectious diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)
  
• Vaginal infections
• Skin infections
• Tooth decay
• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that causes most ulcers and chronic stomach inflammation
• Reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Reduce cholesterol levels when high

Foods containing probiotics:

• Yogurt*
• Fermented and unfermented milk
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Sauerkraut
• Some juices and soy beverages

*Not all yogurt contains active bacterial culture. L acidophilus, L bulgaricus and S thermophilus are the most common bacterial strains added in yogurt. These bacteria are on the ingredient list. More labels are stating "live cultures" or "active cultures", which you want to look for. Avoid yogurt that is heat treated after culturing. This means the added bacteria was pasteurized, which can destroy live cultures.

Why you need probiotics:

• Drinking chlorinated water destroys your intestinal flora
• Farm animals are fed antibiotics to keep diseases down. When you eat meat, you take in these antibiotics
• When the ratio of good bacteria to bad is lowered, problems begin to arise such as excessive gas, bloating, constipation, intestinal toxicity and poor absorption of nutrients
• Alcoholic beverages kill probiotics, encouraging harmful bacteria and yeast overgrowth
• The use of antibiotics directly kills all bacteria in your intestinal tract. That is why probiotics is recommended while taking antibiotics
• Birth control pills and many other drugs cause damage to the intestinal flora and to the tissue in the intestinal wall

How to choose probiotics:

You do not need a prescription to take probiotics, as they are available in grocery stores and health food stores. Taking probiotics when your body does not actually need them won't cause you any harm.

Consider the following when looking for a probiotic:

• The type of bacteria, including the genus and species
• The potency or number of bacteria per dose
• The purity
• Natrol BioBeads is one of the most effective probiotic acidophilus on the market. It doesn't have to be refrigerated and only needs to be taken once a day

Start by taking at least 1-10 billion viable L. acidophilus or B. bifidum cells daily divided into 3 or 4 doses. Take them on an empty stomach or at least 30-60 minutes before eating. Take 15-20 billion viable organisms daily to prevent diarrhea from antibiotics.

Maintaining proper pH balance within the gastrointestinal tract is critical to probiotic growth and health. The pH inside the small intestine should be slightly alkaline (7.5-8.0) and the colon should be slightly acidic (6.0-6.8). Without the correct pH, probiotics won't function properly. In order to achieve and maintain pH balance, it is important to eat the appropriate foods.

* Article Source: Logan McKnight, http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Logan_McKnight