Monday, September 5, 2016

How to treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). IBS is commonly known to cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. If it left untreated, it could weaken the immune system and would affect our daily life profusely.


How to treat IBS?

Oftentimes, many doctors will not be able to tell you have IBS. I had been suffered with IBS for many years and had gone through many expensive Colonoscopy and Endoscopy procedures and yet doctors would not be able to find anything. Until recently, I finally found a doctor who was able to diagnose my pain and I would like to share my personal experience.

It all started with serve abdominal pain and it felt like gas trapped inside my colon. I went to a few G.I. doctors and was ordered to have the colonoscopy and endoscopy with biopsy taken from stomach and colon. The results were the same. I had mild gastritis (mild inflammation of the stomach limning) and was discharged with the prescription of stomach medicine and probiotics. The medicine and probiotics did not help my pain.. The pain got worsen every time after the meals. I could not sleep and afraid to eat. After few months, I then suffered from insomnia and depression. I thought there would be no hope to my health but I continued to search online and search for doctors in different countries until recently found a doctor who was able to pinpoint my problem was caused by IBS and provided ways to relieve my pains.

The doctor prescribed two medicines (Duspatalin Retard and Shin Biofermin S.). Duspatalin Retard has the effect on smoothing the muscles of thick department of intestines and eliminates a spasm without influence on intestine. Shin Biofermin S is probiotics made from Japan and is the preparation for intestinal regulation. After taking these two medicines for few days, the IBS was gone and the treatment lasted for 2 months.

The doctor also advised me to follow low FODMAP diets for 6-8 weeks. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food, that can be poorly absorbed by some people. For example, kiwi is absorbed better than mango, almond milk is better than milk, bell pepper is better than cauliflower broccoli. You may google the FODMAP diet to check out the list of food.

Last but not least, control your stress level. In today's world, we may easily be stressed out by many different things (Health, Money, or Careers). IBS could be triggered by immune system which is affected by stress. Stress management will play an important role to treat IBS. 

I hope you found this article helpful. There are also many different ways to treat IBS suggested online. You can also discuss this with your doctor.

Don't give up on your hopes.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Easy Weight Loss Tips

Most people are struggling to lose weight. There are just too many different ways to lose weight. Which ways are good? There is no definite answer but the important thing is to keep your mindset focus on why you are trying to lose weight. If you understand your urgency (either for health or trying to get the body you want), you will stick with your plan.

Below are a few easy weight loss tips you can do daily:

  • Count intake of calories from the food vs calories burned by the exercise
  • Don't eat dinner after 6pm
  • Go to sleep no later than 12am
  • Drink half liter (17oz) of water about half an hour before meals
  • Cut back on Sugar
  • Exercise for at least 30 min daily
    • Jogging or even Walking is ok
  • Weight training to build up muscles 3 times a week
    • Muscles eat fat. You actually need to build muscles to lose fat more efficiently
    • Workout for at least 60 seconds a set for 3 sets and rest 45 seconds between sets.
      • Squats, Push-ups and Sit-ups
  • Focus on the end results you are trying reach each and every day. 
  • Make it a habit to follow your plan for at least 90 days. 
  • Don't give up.. 

To keep you motivated, it is better to find a group of people (friends or co-workers) who are also trying as hard as you do to keep the weight down.You will not only be able to share the excitements but also, the pains you have to go through during the long journey of weight loss.