Sunday November 8, 2009
My first experience with biofeedback was when I took a training class at a convention many years ago. They asked for a volunteer from the audience, and being the good nerd that I can be (my husband calls me a Mousekeeter), I raised my hand. At the time, I was extremely pregnant, so I lumbered to the front of the room to get hooked up. For a person who can have a touch of social anxiety, I couldn't have possibly drew more attention to myself! Anyway, I told the instructor that I had a bit of a tension headache so he placed the monitor at various points around my head and face. The visual display on the monitor was so cool! As I watched I could see what I needed to do to release my muscle tension and, lo and behold, my pain eased.
Among the variety of health problems that biofeedback has been used for is severe constipation that results from a problem with the pelvic floor known as dyssynergic defecation. If you have severe problems with constipation or have been diagnosed with dyssynergic defecation, biofeedback may be an option for you. My new article provides an overview:
Have you tried biofeedback? Please share your experience by leaving a comment below or on the IBS discussion forum.
Friday November 6, 2009
Lactose intolerance may not be as prevalent as was once thought, suggests a study published in the September/October 2009 issue of the journal Nutrition Today. According to the study abstract, telephone interviews were conducted with over one thousand adults from the following ethnic groups: European American (EA), African American (AA), and Hispanic American (HA). The study found prevalence rates of 12 to 13 percent, much different from the approximately 25 percent figure normally stated.
Keeping in mind that this is only one study, it does suggest that you should not jump to a quick conclusion that you are lactose-intolerant. The downside of a misdiagnosis is that you might be avoiding certain nutritious foods needlessly. On the other hand, there is often an overlap between lactose intolerance and IBS. So confusing! The bottom line is that if you suspect you are lactose intolerant, have a discussion with your doctor. They may suggest diagnostic tests for the presence of lactose intolerance, the use of a food diary, and/or an elimination diet.
For more information:
Source:
Niklas, T., et.al. "Prevalence of Self-reported Lactose Intolerance in a Multiethnic Sample of Adults" Nutrition Today 2009 44:222-227.
Wednesday November 4, 2009
In my mind, the real IBS experts are all of you! You are the ones who deal with the pain, the disruption, the worries about food, and the bathroom issues on a daily basis. I have such a strong belief in the power of your experiences that your words were the basis of my second book. Here at About.com, I am so happy that we have the opportunity to let you share your experience with other readers as well through our recently added "Share Your Tips" articles. Over the past several months, I have been adding new "Share Your Tips" articles, and many of you have generously shared your time, your stories, and your solutions. Because these articles are so helpful, I have pulled them all together into one place so that you can easily find them. Look at the Topic list on the left side of my home page:
Spend a few moments browsing through these articles - who knows what you might learn! And, if a subject strikes you, share your thoughts. Again, who knows what positive effect you might have on another person who is walking in your same IBS shoes.
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Considering the high prevalence of diarrhea-predominant IBS, it seems like an absolute crime that conventional medicine has so little to offer in the way of treatment. The only medication that currently has FDA approval for the treatment of IBS-D is Lotronex. Unfortunately, like many things IBS, the Lotronex path has been a bumpy one. My newest article takes a comprehensive look at Lotronex:
As you may recall, last week I told you that the manufacturers of Lotronex are offering financial assistance for Lotronex users:
