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We strongly encourage visitors to our website to always seek professional medical advice in matters of health. We do not encourage the self-diagnosis of IBS.

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Blog is a mini-journal about IBS-Life.com and the people who run it. The Blog is updated whenever we add new pages to the website or add any personal entries.

A Description of Irritable Bowel Syndrome written by people who actually suffer from the condition and have to live with it on a daily basis.

Spastic Colon
Spastic colon is an old fashioned way to describe the condition now known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It relates to the fact that the Intestinal muscles spasm during an attack of IBS

Symptoms of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms can range from very mild to very severe, with any and all degrees of variation in-between. It can affect anyone of any age.

Rectal Bleeding
Rectal bleeding is always extremely worrying, and can have various causes, many of which should not lead us to to assume the worse...

Causes of IBS
What causes irritable bowel syndrome? The precise causes of IBS are not fully understood, however, there are some basics that doctors and scientists do agree on.

Stress and IBS
Stress and IBS are two conditions that are very closely linked . After any kind of upset or shock, I can count down the time to when an attack of IBS would hit me.

FREE: Stress and Anxiety (E-Book)
If you have anxiety symptoms, we have made available for FREE! this e-book (worth $9.99) on how to Eliminate Stress and Anxiety in your life.

Social Phobia
Social phobia is very common and affects up to 15 million people in the US alone. The stress and anxiety caused by it can by one of the major causes of IBS in some people.

IBS in children
Is it just a 'Tummy ache' or can you have IBS in Children? Can the pressure today's society puts on our kids, lead to triggering IBS at a young age?

Flatulence and IBS
A lot of IBS sufferers live with the constant issue of excessive flatulence and trapped wind. Here Sian, our top-trump researcher, looks in to the implications of what excess gas means for many!

Doctors and IBS
Seeing your Doctor about Irritable Bowel Syndrome for the first time can be awkward for some people due to feeling embarrassed, afraid or both.

The commonality of Bowel Problems
Bowel problems seem to be increasingly common in this modern and fast-paced society. Perhaps it can only be expected given our lifestyles.

What is Diverticulitis
There are many bowel disorders who's symptoms are similar to those of IBS. Today we ask the question - What is Diverticulitis (or Diverticulosis.)

Diet Sheet for Diverticulitis
By downloading our diet sheet for diverticulitis you will be able to stay on the right track and keep the flare-ups to a minimum.

Diverticulitis-Symptoms
Diverticulitis Symptoms can be very similar to other conditions like IBS and includes pain in the lower left adbdomen, cramping and constipation...

Living with IBS can be awkward and stressful, if we let it be that way. However a few simple changes to your lifestyle can make a world of difference.

Nausea and IBS
Nausea and the cramps, diarrhea or constipation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be one of the most miserable experiences.

Loneliness and IBS
The loneliness of some-one suffering from IBS can be both mental and physical, as we limit our social activities and withdraw from social engagements that most people take for granted.

Depression and IBS
IBS can cause depression in many sufferers. You may have suffered from it before your IBS, or the pain, limitations and embarrassment may be the cause.

Coping with Long-term IBS symptoms
Many people with IBS symptoms have been recommended or prescribed certain medications, drugs, and changes in diet etc, and yet despite all this, they are still suffering.

Working with IBS
If you work with IBS, you may find yourelf getting on the wrong side of your bosses. Well, you are not alone.

Period Pains and IBS
Many women who suffer period pain liken the pain of Irritable Bowel Syndrome to period cramps. Diarrhea and heavy periods are very common.

Clothes and IBS
Trying to find comfortable clothes to wear for the IBS sufferer can be really awkward, especially if you have to wear a uniform or tight and smart outfits.

This is a growing list of IBS tips and ideas that will help IBS sufferers cope and deal with normal everyday issues that can sometimes seem debilitating.

The IBS Emergency Home Bathroom
Living with IBS and only one bathroom can mean increased anxiety. This simple emergency toilet idea will maintain your dignity and lower your anxiety levels.

There is no one treatment for IBS, although medications are available to treat it. Dietary changes and psychological exercises can also be of help in alleviating IBS.

IBS Medication
A practical and helpful look at IBS medication that can be purchased off the shelf, through a pharmacy or prescribed by your doctor.

Relief for Constipation - Could Water be the answer?
There is an endless array of pills, potions and remedies to provide relief for Constipation, but could the answer be something as simple as drinking more water?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been successful for many people in reducing the symptoms of IBS and lowering stress levels that can contribute to IBS symptoms.

Aromatherapy
Can Aromatherapy help alleviate the symptoms of IBS? Some essential oils are said to be helpful to the symptoms of IBS, having a relaxing and antispasmodic affect.

Enemas and Colonics for IBS C
If you suffer from IBS C then enemas may be of use for you. Enemas are a great way to flush your system out if your primary symptom is constipation.

Pepto Bismol
Pepto Bismol is helpful in easing the discomfort of IBS. With its protective coating action it gently soothes your insides to take away the pain

Bach Flower Remedy
Bach Flower Remedy often called Bach Rescue Remedy can help Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers by reducing anxiety and stress symptoms in some people.

Imodium
Do you suffer from IBS D? Imodium is a great treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome if you suffer from the Diarrhea dominant variety of IBS.

Metamucil
Metamucil is often used by people suffering constipation prevalent IBS (IBS-C). It's a natural fiber (psyllium) that absorbs liquid and swells, and makes the stools softer.

Librax
Librax is a medication that GP's sometimes prescribed to treat stress-related IBS.

Buscopan
Buscopan is one of the older medications on the market which is used to help with IBS Cramps.

Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria to balance the micro flora of the gut. Here we look into whether Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers can benefit from them.

Ginger Root
Ginger Root is used as a natural remedy for anything from mild indigestion to severe nausea and cramping which makes it ideal to try for some sufferers of IBS.

Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil used as a treatment for ibs can be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms and help soothe the stomach and intestines.

Hypnotherapy Audio CD course
We've been hearing some amazing things about The IBS Audio Program 100® which is a essentially set of hypnotherapy CDs, or downloads aimed directly at IBS sufferers.

Hypnotherapy - Description
Hypnosis and Clinical Hypnotherapy Explained - How hypnosis, hypnotherapy and guided imagery can actually benefit you and help you to improve various medical or emotional conditions.

IBS Audio Program 100 Testimonials
The IBS Audio Program 100, program has been successfully used by thousands of IBS sufferers in over 40 countries.

Ricks review of the IBS Audio Program 100
Rick returns to IBS-Life.com after completing the IBS Audio Program 100 and lets you know exactly how he got on with the course, and what he thinks of it.

Bowtrol
I've started using Bowtrol as an experiment to see if it helps my IBS symptoms.

IBS Self Help is possible and can be achieved by changing your diet and many other ways.

IBS and Exercise
For many sufferers of IBS; light and regular exercise can help relieve their symptoms by improving their mood and digestion.

Diaphragmatic Breathing
Learn to breathe properly! Diaphragmatic breathing may be useful for anyone that suffers from IBS related symptoms related to anxiety and worry.

Self Help programs
Self help programs can be beneficial for sufferers of IBS with symptoms caused by anxiety and worry. By learning how to deal better with stressful situations, some people can lessen the chance of an attack.

Symptoms of Panic Attack
Symptoms of Panic Attack, are extremely unpleasant when they occur, I know, I've had my fair share of them. They are certainly not uncommon among sufferers of IBS.

Tips for Panic Attacks
Some helpful Tips for Panic Attacks from the point of view of a long term sufferer of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and anxiety.

Meditation To Help With IBS
Meditation has been proven to help some IBS sufferers deal with their symptoms. Regular practise of relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and improve well-being.

The best kind of Diet for IBS are things that are light on your digestive system, avoid those Chillies.

Foods to avoid with IBS
Excluding certain foods for your diet will usually lessen your IBS symptoms. Here are our recommended foods to avoid with IBS.

Diet Sheets For IBS? - Very Useful!
Diet sheets for ibs are extremely useful, so here is a printable one you can download. Keep it on your fridge door and save your brain from trying to remember all the time!

Does eating low calorie foods help IBS?
Eating a diet containing low calorie foods may be helpful in some cases where people find more fatty foods exacerbate their stomach problems.

Does a bland diet help with IBS?
An article discussing whether a bland diet will help with irritable bowel syndrome and other bowel problems.

Wheat Free Diet
Among the many cause of IBS a Wheat Allergy or wheat intolerance may be a major factor. By following a Wheat Free diet it may help by reducing IBS symptoms in some people.

Gluten Free Diet
The causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are very varied but it may help going on a gluten free diet if you believe you have a gluten intolerance.

The GERD Diet For IBS?
The GERD diet is for people with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), but is this diet any good for IBS? - Yes! is the short answer.

Slippery Elm Food
Slippery elm food can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of IBS. Its soothing properties coat the gut and banish inflammation, thereby reducing the pain.

Cranberry Juice - Helpful for IBS as well as UTI's?
Cranberry Juice an effective preventative, and possible cure for Urinary Tract Infections, it seems also to be highly digestible for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is a very natural and wholesome diet with plenty of fresh ingredients to help with digestion. It can very helpful for some sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

ACAI berries
With 10 times the antioxidants of red grapes and big digestive-health-benefit claims, I ask the question; is the Acai berry any good for IBS?

In my search to find cures for IBS, I tried this simple experiment for one month, and it worked! This is my IBS Cure.

My Story - Rick
My name is Rick, and I'm one of the administrators of the IBS-Life.com website. This is my story.

Psychological effects of IBS
IBS psychology is a side of living with IBS that seems to attract the least discussion, yet for many, it can be a major aspect of the condition.

Travelling with IBS – Ricks Van
As a sufferer, travelling with IBS was an extremely stressful thing. For every journey I would have to map out the entire route with military precision.

Panic attacks and IBS
How a Panic attack, long term stress and anxiety may have contributed to my many years of severe IBS. All of these seem to be linked and I have noticed a pattern.

My first attack of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
I’ve suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome since I was a little girl. By the time I was sixteen I was shutting myself in the downstairs bathroom, thinking I was going to be sick.

Loneliness From The Point of View of an IBS Sufferer.
The loneliness of some-one suffering from IBS can be both mental and physical, as we limit our social activities and withdraw from social engagements that most people take for granted.

Agoraphobia Is One of the main causes of My IBS
I attribute Agoraphobia as one of the main causes of my IBS symptoms. Panic attacks in crowded areas often cause me to feel like I have knots in my stomach.

Happy IBS Birthday to me
Its my Birthday today but IBS has such a stranglehold over my life at the moment that I struggle to enjoy my day.

My First Christmas with an IBS Sufferer
Christmas is the time of the year when it's traditional to go visiting friends and family but for an IBS sufferer it can prove to be a very stressful time.

Every sufferer of IBS has their own personal stories of how the condition has impacted on their lives. This is our constantly growing collection of IBS stories submitted by visitors to this website.

Panic Disorder and IBS : Lori's Story
IBS and panic disorder took hold of my life when I was 15 years old. I am 48 now, so I have been struggling with this for over 30 years.

Marilyn's Journey - How She Beat IBS
Marilyn from the US tells of her IBS journey, and how she went from being virtually housebound, to getting her life back again.

IBS for Life : Olives Story
Olive from the UK talks about how her work ultimately led to her getting IBS due to the stress of working long days and managing a family.

Could Habba Syndrome be causing your IBS-D?
If your IBS-D is severe, then it's possible it's not IBS a all, but could be Habba Syndrome. Lori tells of an amazing discovery which COMPLETELY cured her.

Coping with IBS in School - LD's Story
A 16 year old girl, tells her sad story of trying to cope with IBS in school, and how IBS has affected her life since being bullied in the 8th grade.

Sues School Bus Trip
Sue from USA shares with us her first experience of IBS while on a School trip with her son

IBS Gets Me Bullied At School
I was told I had IBS by my doctor last year. He gave me some medicine (Imodium) and said that there wasn't a lot more he could do. My mum did some research ...

Listen to our IBS Podcasts all about living with the condition. We also have videos and relaxation music for you to download.

IBS-Life.com Podcasts
The IBSLife team (Kev, Sian and Rick) have created an on-going series of high quality IBS podcast recordings, discussing all aspects of daily living with IBS

Podcast 1 : Introductions - You are not alone!
This IBS podcast is an introduction to the team, and is a discussion about why we built the website and what we hope to achieve and bring to our audience.

Podcast 3 : The treatments we have tried for IBS
In this IBS podcast we discuss the various treatments we have personally tried, as well as touching on some other available treatments and medications.

podcast 4 : Working and Travelling with IBS
In this IBS podcast, we touch on working with IBS and travelling with IBS. We recall some personal accounts and offer tidbits of advice based upon the things we have learned.

podcast 5 : Were back! catching up with the latest News
In Today's IBS podcast, we discuss our recent absence and announce some new and exciting IBS community-building additions to this website. If you are new to IBS or have lived with IBS for a long time, this new and improved interractive website is the place to be!

podcast 6 : How I eliminated IBS for one month
In Today's IBS podcast, Rick reveals how he managed to completely eliminate his IBS symptoms for one full month during a simple experiment he did in early 2010.

IBS podcast 7 : Taking a Camping Holiday with IBS
In Today's IBS podcast, Rick and Kev are broadcasting from a camping field in Dorset whilst on a weekend camping trip. The discussion touches on the issues faced by IBS sufferers whilst trying to holiday in new places

IBS Videos
This is a collection of IBS videos made both by the IBS-Life.com team and others who have good advice or information about IBS and related issues.

The IBS-Life.com team do a video interview with Tim Phelan, author of the award winning book Romance, Riches and Restrooms.

We are building a library of free e-books that will provide the irritable bowel syndrome sufferer with a wealth of information and knowledge to help them keep IBS under control.

Meet the team behind the IBS-Life.com website, Sian, Kev and Rick, who are all living with IBS, and update the website regularly with useful resources.

Sian
Sian is an avid reader and writer, and both can be done at home -- which is fortunate for some-one who suffers severe anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Rick
Meet Rick, who is genuinely proud to be one of the team members here at IBS-Life.com

Kev
Meet Kev, the only member of the team who write articles for the website but doesn’t actually suffer from IBS.

May-2009-Update
We've been really busy on other projects recently so here is an update on some of the things we've been doing.

The IBS Shop is our one-stop shop for everything and anything that will help you deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.