Are you one of 5 million Canadians who lives with Pain in the Gut? CDHF wants to help you mange IBS

OAKVILLE, Ontario - June 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects how digested food moves through the digestive tract and how the brain interprets signals from nerves in the intestines. It is one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism in Canada. IBS affects more than 5 million people in this country, costs the Canadian healthcare system over $6.5 billion a year, not including the cost of over-the-counter remedies and prescription drugs, and causes approximately $8 billion in lost productivity.

Embarrassed to discuss your bodily functions?

20 million people suffer from digestive ailments every year. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation understands that most people shy away from talking about bowel movements, constipation and gas, but they want you to know you’re not alone. There are ways to manage IBS symptoms so that the impact on your work, life and level of embarrassment is minimized.

What causes IBS?

IBS can often be debilitating and disruptive but currently, there is no known cause of IBS. Some physicians believe that IBS may be caused by a past infection, food poisoning, traveller’s diarrhea, surgery or the use of a medication. For others, it may be due to an imbalance in gut bacteria, hormones or brain chemicals that may alter bowel function. IBS can affect people of all ages and gender. Those with a first-degree relative are at greater risk of developing the disorder.

Symptom Management and Relief
Simple changes in diet and life-style may provide symptom relief, although strategies that might work for one individual may not work for another. Speak openly to your physician about implementing these 7 tips:

1.       Keep track of symptoms, foods, medicines -  Use a journal or Gi BodyGuard (free mobile app for iphone or android) that tracks everything digestive

2.    Make beneficial lifestyle choices including plan to exercise regularly, get enough rest, minimize stress, and go when you gotta go!

3.       Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, fatty foods, insoluable fibre

4.       Reduce FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates)

5.       Limit suspected trigger foods for 2 to 4 weeks and monitor your symptoms

6.       Try a PROVEN probiotic

7.       Use medication prescribed by your doctor when necessary

The CDHF has many resources and tools on their website including videos, education seminars, and briefs. For more information on protecting digestive health visit: www.CDHF.ca.  To book the CDHF for a conversation on the simple ways you can enhance and protect your digestive health please contact:

Rania Walker

www.sparqstreet.com

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About the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation:

Over 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive disorders. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation (CDHF) believes this is unnecessary and unacceptable. We provide expert advice and compassionate support to the millions of Canadians who suffer from digestive ailments.  We help individuals recognize symptoms that could be related to digestive disorders, understand specific digestive diseases, connect with others who have similar experiences, and find effective ways to manage digestive health.  We are the Foundation of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology. Because we are directly connected to Canada's leading digestive health experts, physicians, scientists and other health care professionals, we are trusted to provide practical, science-based information that is up to date and unbiased.  We exist to reduce suffering and improve quality of life by empowering all Canadians to manage their digestive health with confidence and optimism. For more information, please visit: www (http://www.cdhf.ca). (http://www.cdhf.ca)CDHF (http://www.cdhf.ca). (http://www.cdhf.ca)ca (http://www.cdhf.ca).