People experience digestive symptoms every day, and sometimes these can be perfectly normal and healthy. Yet some people experience a higher frequency of symptoms which include flatulence, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and altered bowel function.  If this is the case they may be suffering from a gastrointestinal disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Characterised by the above symptoms, many IBS sufferers find the condition affects many areas of their life, including work, home, social and lifestyle.
Suggested causes of IBS include gut movement and psychological disorders, as well as food intolerance, which may be due to abnormal fermentation of food in the colon as a result of disruption to the normal gut flora. Certain diets that remove specific ‘trigger’ foods are beneficial to many people who experience IBS symptoms. Diets that restrict the intake of foods high in fermentable sugars and specific carbohydrates (FODMAPS*) can reduce IBS symptoms in up to 3 out of 4 people.[i]
The therapeutic probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum (299v) has an anti-inflammatory effect and assists in the management of medically diagnosed IBS. In a study Lactobacillus plantarum (299v) has been shown to help restore and maintain the natural balance of the digestive system, improving IBS symptoms and eliminating pain in up to 95% of people.[ii]
Lifestyle Tips to Help Manage IBS
Symptoms from IBS may be controlled by making some lifestyle changes. Some ideas that may help you monitor and control your symptoms include:

• - Keeping a food and fluid diary so you can see the effects certain foods and/or drinks have on your IBS symptoms.
• - Taking note how other factors, such as stress, affect your IBS symptoms and reduce your exposure to these factors.
• - Drinking a minimum of 1.5 litres of fluid daily, preferably water.[iii]
• - Regular light exercise such as yoga or walking, which may help to reduce the symptoms of IBS.[iv]

If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned in this article on a regular basis, it is important to see your healthcare professional to get a diagnosis. If you have been medically diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, contact your Herbalife Independent Distributor (Claudia Gaston) to find out more about the Herbalife products that can assist with the symptoms.
*FODMAPS are Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols.
 
 


[i] Gibson, PR and Shphard, SJ. Evidence-based dietary management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms: The FODMAP approach. J Gastro Hepat 2009; 25:252
[ii] Niedzielin K, et al. A controlled, double-blind, randomised study on the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Eur J Gastro Hepat 2001;13:1
[iii] Watson AR, Bowling TE. Irritable bowel syndrome: diagnosis and symptom management. Br J Community Nurs. 2005 Mar;10(3):118-22. Review. PubMed PMID: 15824698.
[iv] Daley AJ, Grimmett C, Roberts L, Wilson S, Fatek M, Roalfe A, Singh S. The effects of exercise upon symptoms and quality of life in patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Int J Sports Med. 2008 Sep;29(9):778-82. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1038600. Epub 2008 May 6. PubMed PMID: 18461499.