LOOKING AT THE WHOLE PERSON

Although there is clearly still much research to be done on IBS, the most recent findings suggest that IBS sufferers have colons that are too easily stimulated. Stimulated by what? Food sensitivities, stress, lack of sleep and many other factors. Everyone is unique. Studies show that there is an interaction between the gut, the brain and the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary reactions of internal organs.

This over stimulation and hypersensitivity cause the standard symptoms of IBS: lower abdominal pain, extreme cramping, vomiting in association with the pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating. Constipation may follow an attack as the colon may shut down in response to the earlier spasms. Controlling the symptoms may help eliminate the problem. IBS is like having sensitive skin, except on the inside.

Seek the help of a licensed physician so he can eliminate the possibility of the following: food allergies, gluten intolerance disorders such as celiac sprue, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, colon cancer, endometriosis, and even ovarian cancer. These can all mimic the symptoms of IBS and must be conclusively ruled out. Removal of the gallbladder or ileum (the last portion of the small intestine) can also result in chronic diarrhea that may be mistaken for IBS. Please note that a diagnosis of IBS is acceptable only if the person has the hallmark symptoms in combination with a lack of physical abnormalities as determined by diagnostic tests done by a doctor.

The basic way of eating with IBS is to avoid foods that over-stimulate the colon, and eat foods that soothe and regulate it. This means strictly limiting the amounts of fat; eating soluble fiber consistently with every snack and meal; eliminating coffee, carbonated beverages, and alcohol; being very careful with insoluble fiber; and avoiding overeating by having frequent small meals; eliminating tobacco. Stress management is also a big help: meditation, yoga, light exercises, visualization and many more.

If it is any consolation, by eating to relieve IBS symptoms you are actually lowering your risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact Charlotte at charlotteleb@rogers.com or www.wellness-healthworks.com




Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness. These recommendations are for supporting the body nutritionally, to help it normalize itself regardless of any disease that may or may not be present. Consult a licensed physician for the diagnosis or treatment of any ailment or disease.


CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7,
tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644, e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com

Many foods that were off-limits have graduated to the approved list, thanks to new research findings.

Foods that should be avoided are saturated fats (full-fat milk and dairy products, fatty cuts of meat, tropical oils) and trans fats (margarine, commercially baked goods, cookies, crackers and fast fried foods).

Enjoy the healthy fats and oils, limiting them only in terms of total calories to maintain your weight. Those include extra virgin olive oil and canola oil (bought in dark bottles to protect from light deterioration), nuts of all sorts (unsalted), avocados, olives and foods made with natural oils rather than hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats.

Have at least two servings of fish per week. Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, herring, mackerel, and other fish actually protect against heart disease.

Have plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Fresh or frozen provide optimum nutrients and fiber.

Choose whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas. Limit empty-calorie carbs from anything that is white (flour, rice, sugar, pasta etc.)

If you are going to eat red meat choose lean cuts with the word loin or round in their names.

Think fiber – especially the ones found in oats, beans, barley, prunes, psyllium, ground flaxseeds. Studies show that fiber actually helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream.

Get plenty of fluids. Drink PURE WATER..., juices, lemon, blueberry, grape, pomegranate, cherry, non-fat or low-fat milk, rice or soya or nut milk or herbal teas liberally throughout the day.

Really enjoy your foods. Take the time to taste each and every bite. Don’t rush meals or gobble foods while doing other things. Smell and taste your food eating slowly, swallowing before you take another bite. Your digestion and nutrient absorption will be optimized.

If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. One or two drinks once or twice a week. Quality red wine is a good choice.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness. These recommendations are for supporting the body nutritionally, to help it normalize itself regardless of any disease that may or may not be present. Consult a licensed physician for the diagnosis or treatment of any ailment or disease.


CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7,
Tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644, e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com

When nature calls, don’t put her on hold. Bad enough that you get put on hold everywhere you call today. Being in a hurry and holding back is exactly that. When people eat three to five meals a day and only go two or three time a week, where does it all go?

No one can be truly healthy with a stagnant colon. Toxins keep getting reabsorbed into the body contributing to many illnesses. Check with your children and find out if they have a regular cycle. Children don’t know what regular means. All they understand is that they are tired, irritable and have tummy aches.

How do you know if you are constipated? Eat beets or blueberries. If it comes out within 24 hours (red or blue), your plumbing is fine. If not, well you know the rest.

The colon works best when it is full of water and fiber. What happened to good old fashion prunes, apples, oranges, other fruits, vegetables and whole grains. We do not have to revert to fancy powders and medicine to get our colon in shape unless it has been neglected so long that it needs fixing.

The biggest culprit of constipation today is de-natured foods such as sugar, white everything and all processed foods.

By going back to nature with your choices of foods and incorporating fun activities in the outdoors you will help your body normalize itself.

Gotta go…

CJM LeBlanc HealthWorks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7, tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644,
e-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com

The mind-body connection is a powerful force. Studies found that people who tended to be loving, optimistic and happy had longer life expectancies than those who tended to be angry, pessimistic and depressed. Each emotion triggers a distinct physiological reaction, the body's program for dealing with different situations.

Sadness slows down the body's metabolism and causes us to cry. Cardiologists have also found that crying can reduce stress. Anger floods the brain with hormones that prime the body for action. Stress and anxiety set off the nervous system's 'fight or flight' response. In chronic cases, these reactions can lead to several imbalances and disorders.

A decade-long study tracked both men and women who had been diagnosed with depression. Forty-six per cent of the men eventually died from heart disease, compared to only 16 per cent of the women. The researchers theorized that the male tendency to bury one's feelings and to avoid examining or expressing them might have led to the difference in mortality rates. Interesting...

Reducing stress, playing more, re-invigorating the child within, meditating, praying, deep breathing, taking a midday nap, engaging in regular sexual activity and thinking young are some means to being young. The quality of life is not nearly as dependent on external events as it is on internal responses.

Disclaimer: The author, publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by individuals as a result of following advice in this article.

CJM LeBlanc Healthworks, Centreville Mall, 121-342 Main Street, Shediac, N.B. E4P 2E7, tel: (506)533-8885, fax: 532-8644,
E-mail: charlotteleb@rogers.com, web site: www.wellness-healthworks.com