Table of Contents
CURE IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Natural Remedies to Cure or Treat IBS
"In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits which are not associated with any abnormalities seen on routine clinical testing. It is fairly common and makes up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. The abdominal pain type is usually described in a patient as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed post-infectious IBS (IBS-PI) and is acute onset Rome II criteria positive. This condition is more homogeneous, being mostly IBS-D and is drawing much clinical investigation." (Wikipedia)
1 YEA
[YEA] 08/04/2008: Annabell from Bakersfield, California writes: "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: I am 33 years old female with a sensitive stomach..Almost everything I consume always result in heavy gas and bloating. A friend recommended to take Charcoal pills..I have tried almost every prescription medications there is and was excited that charcoal is an old asian alternative medications. I take 1-2 capsule 1-2hours prior to eating..I make sure to have water intake at least 8 glasses a day. Within 1wk I felt immediate results, less bloating, irrability and back to having a regular bowel movement.
Happy stomach."
EC: Read more about Activated Charcoal here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/charcoal.html
08/04/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hi Annabelle, if your IBS has been a lifelong problem, try eliminating bleached flour from your foods - go with whole grain cereals and breads & pastas - or least unbleached flour. Eliminating bleached flour got rid of my lifelong digestive complaints - but whole grains also increases fiber in your diet and eliminates the constipation problems. Also when you cook beans (dry) add l/4 tsp. of ground ginger to a pound of beans. You won't taste the ginger but you will also have less gas. If you continue to have the gas/bloating on whole grains, you might need to be checked out for gluten intolerance. Of course you can check that out for yourself by leaving all all wheat products and see if it makes a difference."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/27/2006: Alex from Chicago, IL writes: "I cured myself of IBS with aloe vera juice, I used to have to sleep sitting up every night until I started taking aloe vera juice. Drink this every day for 3 months."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 01/20/2007: Dawn from Ekron, KY writes: "I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for nearly 20 years. My worst symptom is chronic constipation. For a while I was unknowingly on a "natural" stimulant and didn't realize I was dependent on it to stay "regular". After two partial bowel obstructions I realized what had happened and have had trouble getting regular again without the aide of stimulants UNTIL Apple Cider Vinegar! I have been taking it three times each day since before Thanksgiving and have been regular with no other "help" aides for almost two months. To avoid the additional calories that come from taking ACV with honey or juices, I dilute mine with flavored carbonated water and it has become very easy to take."
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[YEA] 11/19/2006: Suzi from Dayton, Ohio writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar cured my Sore throat, sinus infection, loose stools, gas, lack of energy, depression, decreased my appetite, cleared up a dermatologic problem. My sister got me started taking organic ACV 1 tsp in 8 oz spring water 3 times a day. At first I tried it because I had a sore throat that was immediately gone, my sinus infection went away within 24 hours or so. I have IBS and have been battling foul-smelling loose stools for years. Within a couple of days my stools were formed with almost no odor. I feel 100% better. My appetite just dropped and I'm not getting fatty food cravings like I used to and I've lost 22 pounds so far. Also, I have had big painful butt boils off and on for years and my hindquarters cleared up within a couple of days."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/25/2007: denise from naples fl, usa writes: "I have had severe IBS for 6 years. Before that time I could eat anything, never a stomach problem and my health was excellent. Since then I have tried every diet there is with the results that if I eliminated anything acid including citric acid which is in a lot of drinks and foods I could get by but I was still severely affected by IBS. Just one week ago I decided to try only drinking bottled water because I suspected my tap water even though we have a filtration system. I have not felt this good in 6 years. I am able to eat things (chocolate) that I haven't eaten in years. I have not been able to eat any fruits, any juices, most vegetables, in the last 6 years. I have not started to put all of them back in my diet yet as I am taking things slowly but this has been a HUGE improvement. The water I have been drinking is from a natural spring but nothing expensive (64 cents a gallon). Drinking bottled water has also improved my husbands health as he has had a skin irritation for several years that doctors could not diagnose. We both thinks it's the chlorine in the water system. By the way it isn't just the water in Florida causing the problem because we both had our health problems begin in Delaware where we also had a water filter on the tap."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 01/07/2007: Pat from Noblesville, Indiana writes: "coconut oil soft gel capsules. It has been great for my IBS. as I lived with diarrhea, taking 3 pills a day has made a huge difference."
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[YEA] 12/20/2006: Irene from Bayville, NJ writes: "Coconut Oil cured my IBS and Bowel Distention' It was a little tough getting used to the taste tried all sorts of ways to get used to it but I actually don't mind it in my morning coffee. It has also made my skin very soft and my nails are growing like crazy. I will keep this one in my diet I feel so much more energy and it has only been a week!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/14/2008: Zvonko Spasic (w ww.zvonko.spasic /@/yahoo. com) from Belgrade, Serbia writes: "Cold showers helped me to become stronger. When I was little, stomack problems often troubled me. Diarea, for example. Whenewer it was cold you could se me running home or to the nearest bathroom. Sometimes I would not eat anything for houres, so I would not have the need to go. Also, I had a few embarassing moments because of my problem, but nothing to seiouse. Then, one day I came across the idea of a cold shower, because I saw the Russians runing in to the frozen lake after being in a sauna for 15 minutes, as a tradition. There were children, little boys and girls among them. I remember thinking:"Those must be some strong people.". Then it also came to me that we, in Serbia, have a simillar tradition, but without the sauna and as a part of oure religiouse heredity. Those are definitly strong people, because most of them are members of serbians ellite police force. That made me step up. I wanted to become stronger... And i did. I have been taking relatively cold showers for a year and a half now. I have stomack problems very rarrely now and they are more under my controle. I rarely get a cold now, although i hade a few ones only because I took a cold shower and went in to a, not so warm, room. So be carefull. Don't make the same mistake. That would be stupid,as was I. Also, my whole body functions much smoother... I can't explane it, but it feels good. Then I made another step. I joined the Serbian tradition and jumped in to the lake in the middle of winter, alongside the members of the police force and some more people like me. It was freezing. Despite the air themperature, wich was 12 degreas (Celsius), the water was 3-4 degreas (Celsius, don't know how much is that in Farenheits). It felt like my mind separated it self from my body and alowed it to run on authomatic for a few seconds. When I came out off the wather I expected to get a flew or something, but I was just fine, and had a simbolic lunch with the other guys who jumped. Anyway, cold showers helped me plenty. With my body and mentally. The coldnes takes youre thoughts from the things that are on youre mind and leave you in a peacefull state. Try it... If you like it, continue, and begin with babysteps. Sorry for the gramar mistakes and for writing this much. Greatings..."
EC: Read much more about cold showers here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/showers.html
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/02/2008: Jessica Nicholson from Toronto, Canada writes: "I suffered from chronic IBS along with acne mostly in my T zone and fluctuating weight gain/loss for a number of years. after much toying with medications birth control pills and numerous skin creams which all had horrible side effects like rashes, yeast infections, bladder infections Candida, massive mood swings, depression, bad breath etc... I decided to find my own cure by following my bodies urges. I did a ton of research about digestion and the causes a poor diet has on digestion and eventually the skin after all our bodies organs are all connected to one another I then kept a food journal recording how I felt before and after everything I ate I eventually discovered that wheat was the culprit I was eating the stuff daily pasta, bread, and cereal.who'da thunk it wheat supposibly the miracle food giver of life was poisoning my body. After this discovery I eliminated wheat completely from my diet went on a regime of detox and colon cleanses all with natural products such as olive oil and lemon juice mixture for getting rid of gall stones, Dr Natura for a gentle natural non intrusive colon cleanse regime. and the master cleanse along with a juice fast for 10 days. and I eventually switched over to a vegitarian diet very high in live green foods, fruit and soy. This totally cleared up my skin, cutting out the wheat cleared up my IBS almost immediately and I have been IBS free now for almost 10 years. Another neat side effect of wheat elimination was I had suffered from a series of learning disabilities while I was a child and young adult after cutting out the wheat the brain fog cleared up and I was finally able to focus for the first time in my life. The cleansing cleared up my skin and the dietary changes dropped my weight to a my optimum weight I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 140 pounds with a very athletic build and have had no fluctuation since the change.
I am now 9 months pregnant and have never been so healthy in my life.I have put on the appropriate amount of weight needed for a health pregnancy. I have experienced no discomfort and had a totally normal exceptionally healthy pregnancy on this diet.
Follow your body's intuition and you will never go wrong. health is in your hands and diet!
best of luck Jessica xo"
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DIETARY SUGGESTIONS, ALOE VERA, MULTI VITAMINS
[YEA] 01/04/2008: Asy Metrix from Manchester, UK writes: "I had stomach problam that could have been IBS.
It felt as if i had dead bowels / colon' with no food passing to excretion - no movement in colon.
Even if it is not IBS my success may help.
1) NO spices in diet eg curry
2) NO fatty or greesy foods like fries
3) 5 TBL Aloevera conc 3 times a day
4) Multivitimin supplement + minerals daily
5) stress related issues effect colon so I took a smoke of 3 spliffs a day for just over a week. yes i mean cannabis.
6) alternative to spliff is chinese herbs for headaches - they work by removing stress (Zheng Tian Wan) - 2 weeks supply.
7) eat greens, lentils, fruit especially apples and eggs.
hope this will help someone as it helped me, no matter how drastic the solution."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/21/2008: Clyde from Chesapeake, VA writes: "Fresh Ginger Root also helps Acid reflux and IBS. peel off a small teaspoon size chunk of the root (after peeling and rinsing) chew it well. NOTE: the root is very spicy (hot) but not too bad."
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09/26/2008: MKS from Abu Dhabi, UAE writes: "I tried to eat porridge with soy and rice milk for three weeks. This remedy helped me in the following ways:
Before: Go to toilet 5+ times a day.
Now: 2 times a day.
Before: Can't empty my stomach in the first time I go to toilet.
Now: I can!
Before: I always worry how I will be able to empty my stomach in public toilets.
Now: I go without thinking.
Before: I suffer from diarrhea and dehydration.
Now: Diarrhea is under control.
Before: I suffer from bloating.
Now: no pain, no bloating, can wear tight dresses.
Before: suffer from gas.
Now: no gas!
Direction:
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I used Heron Foods product its name 'Organic Gluten Free Porridge'
I mix 4 spoons of it with a glass of soya or rice milk and bring to the boil for 3-4 minutes.
Tip: You can add a slice of ginger while it is boiling to make it taste good."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/14/2007: Lucy from Racine, WI writes: "Thanks so much for the suggestions. Me and my husband use 3% h2o2in the ear whenever we feel the onset of a cold or flu. We have not had a cold in two years since using this method. Before my husband would get a flu that would keep him from work for 2-3 days in a week but no more. I had intestinal issues (loose stools). Went to Dr. diagnosed with IBS. Next went to homeopath. took saliva test, had sensitivity to wheat change eating habits improved but still loose stools frequently. This transpired over a year. After finding this site and reading about h2o2 had the courage to try h20s internally. I started with 5 drops in distilled water, the goal was three times a day I usually hit twice a day. By the tenth day my stools were consistently solid and well formed. It has now been over a month since the big improvement for me. Even when I eat wheat I do not get bloated or have the loose stools hardly ever. I still try to stay away from a lot of wheat but I now am the proud producer of solid log like stools!"
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IBS LINKED TO HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS
[YEA] 01/30/2008: Missy from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: "For those of you suffering from IBS and find no relief and only to find your pocket book a lot lighter, I thought that you might gain some hope from my story. I, like you, have tried everything. Going from doctor to doctor. From diet changed to feeding the existing friendly bacteria and everything holistic and spiritual in between. I suffered so much that I could not work for many years. Finally, I saw young doctor, in the summer of 2007 and he sadly told me that they have no answers let alone a cure as yet. I literally had tears streaming down my face at the notion that I will suffer and have no quality of life for the rest of my life. The young doctor, seeing that I was very informed about IBS, tired and in poor health asked me if I would like to participate in a IBS new drug study by a very large drug company. (I am not sure if I am allowed to mention their name on this site.
He explained to me that I would be given placebo and medication over a 15 week period. I would basically be a guinea pig, testing new drugs. But that I would not know when I was getting the actual drug. He explained that the study and drugs were based on the theory that the stomach has it's own brain. This intrigued me as I knew from experience and lots of research that friendly bacteria ingested by mouth, IF they could survive the stomach acids, would NOT have anywhere to establish territory on the intestinal walls. That they would be flushed out within a few days. And feeding the existing friendly bacteria also did not work. So, perhaps this theory about the stomach having its own brain was something to consider. I actually want to get up and scream when I hear a doctor blame everything on stress. And that is exactly what this study was all about. Stress.
I almost refused the study, but the doctor quickly explained that the fight or flight syndrome stimulates a hormone called cortisol. And under prolonged stress, this hormone is over produced by the brain in the stomach, and the cortisol remains over active in the stomach, according to their theory. Well, this finally made sense to me. Prolonged stress and being an achiever, a top producer in sales, yes, I guess I was always in a perpetual stress mode. It's dangerous being a guinea pig, but I was so tired of being sick with no life and if this study would end up helping not only me, but all the millions of IBS victims.....well, I finally agreed to it.
I had to go through a psychiatric screening to determine whether I qualify and sign documents the size of a phone book. I adhered to all the protocol to the letter as I wanted their study to be as accurate as possible. I was monitored on a daily basis. I never knew when I was getting the placebo or the real drug. I can only guess because of my symptoms. But the last 3 weeks of the 15 week study must have been the right drug. Because it worked. It will take another 5 years for the drug to be on the market. It has to go through more testing. They are very thorough. It was the first time in 5 yrs. that I felt normal. No more unexpected bouts of diarreah and I can eat anything that I want, within reason. And I am actually sleeping more than the usual 2-3 hours.
After the study was over, I introduced new foods into my diet (I wasn't allowed to on the study and I was going through hell till the last 3 weeks of it.) Now, I only use virgin coconut oil in all my cooking/frying. As before, I take a tbsp. of black strap molasses & unpasterized or raw honey every second day. Kelp, vitamins, calmag, goat milk, almond milk, freshly ground flax seeds and heritage or heirloom raw garlic etc. I eat organic as much as possible, but I still cannot digest to much raw food. It has to be slightly sautéed or stir fried. The stomach has a brain theory with the cortisol fight or flight hormone being stuck in the stomach must be accurate, because I have been IBS free now for 5 mths., with normal bowel movements. I still experience a pang now and then in my intestine. But nothing like it use to be. I hope that this sheds some light and hope to all that suffer from this nasty disposition. The brain in the stomach has literally gotten stuck in the fight or flight mode."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/31/2008: Irene from La Habra Heights, CA writes: "I have suffered intestinal problems for years finally diagnosed by a 'functional' doctor as dairy intolerance. A friend finally convinced me to try taking straight lemon juice from two smaller, greener lemons from Mexico and it has cured my problem almost immediately. Apparently I also cannot handle soy as I had a bad reaction to Chinese food. I have been treated by normal MDs and none have ever diagnosed this dairy intolerance, they only treated the symptoms and never identified the cause."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 03/12/2007: Amanda (audaciousma@aol.com) from Lynnwood, Washington writes: "I have had IBS for over a year now and after trying everything that the doctors and friends and family told me to try, nothing worked. Until I finally tried Lemon water. I squeeze Half of a lemon into a 8oz glass of water and drink it over an hour hour or two. If you drink it too fast you are likely to get heart burn. But after two days of drinking this once a day I was regular and no longer felt bloated or constipated all the time. Good luck and I hope it works for you."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/23/2007: Joan from Elkton, VA writes: "After viewing reader comments on your web site, I tried magnesium oxide to relieve IBS with constipation. My doctor had prescribed Zelnorm twice a day, and I had used it for three years. It worked quite well, but I was having to live my life around scheduling my medication and meals so the Zelnorm would be effective. If I didn't allow one hour after taking it before I ate a meal, the constipation along with bloating and nausea would return. I just couldn't see living the rest of my life like that. Not to mention the expense of taking a one-of-a-kind drug. Then while researching IBS with constipation, I noticed your web site. I began taking 250 mg magnesium oxide on an empty stomach first thing when I awaken each morning. By the time I'm ready for breakfast, it has had its desired effect. Thanks so much! I am so appreciative of the help I found."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/03/2008: Irene from Brisbane, Australia writes: "My husband and I have had wonderful success for over 6 years taking MSM orally and using MSM topically. We each take a teaspoon daily - about 4 grams. It has stopped irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis and been fantastic help in gum problems (gargle).The gel has reduced scars, insect bites, sunburn and creams are anti-ageing. We are passionate about MSM and will always take and apply it. Results have been so dramatic we started a skin care company."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/13/2007: Robert from Orlando, FL writes: "The intestinal problems I'm referring to are caused by too much acid reaching the intestines. I've found that some packaged juices such as grape juice, tomato juice and apple juice, contain a lot of acid and can eventually cause intestinal pain when overdone. I attribute that to the acid eating away at the lining of the GI tract and causing irritation and ulcers. The obvious thing that's called for in those cases is to cut out these beverages. However, even though I used to suffer from such GI tract irritation to where I had to cut out my favorite beverages, I found a way to get around that problem and drink all the fruit juices I wanted without any problems at all and have been doing so for many years now. What I found is that if non-alcoholic "beer" or brew (I prefer Miller or Coors) is drunk at the same time as these juices (I mix them together for a good fizzy drink) I can, and do, drink as much juice as I want without any of the normal problems I used to get. Plus I find it to be a healthy and tasty alternative to soda drinks. I don't know what it is about beer that neutralizes the effects of acid in the GI tract, but it works every time."
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3 YEA
[YEA] 03/01/2008: germanygirl from hamburg, germany writes: "i suffered from BV for almost six months after taking just one round of powerful antibiotics! the smell was awful, and my self esteem really began to suffer. i just went to work and came straight home! i knew i had to restore my good flora, and it does take time, so i had to be patient. i kept going to my gynecologist, and thankfully, she encouraged my attempts to find a natural cure, and respected my desire to refrain from taking any more antibiotics. after finding out about probiotics, i started with just regular acidophilus, which did nothing! then, i found out that they need to contain more than acidophilus, specifically L. Rahmnosus and bifidobacterium longum. This combination worked magic!! it is sold in the United States...i was living in Atlanta at the time, and found it easily at co-ops and health food stores. also widely available online. just make sure those two are in there along with the acidophilus. i should also mention that i was suffering from IBS at the time, which also cleared up. i still take probiotics (one a day) to maintain intestinal health, and they are great. (this was three years ago.) generally only get sick once a year, and a bad cold doesn't turn into bronchitis anymore. good luck!"
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[YEA] 03/01/2008: germanygirl from hamburg, germany writes: "i forgot to mention: i tried a lot of the other products mentioned here, to no avail. suppositories, tea tree oil, etc... i strongly believe BV is an internal imbalance, and thus, needs to be treated internally. so, putting things "down there" might help temporarily, but you really need to attack it from the inside. also, if you feel like you want to treat your husband/boyfriend/lover, they can take probiotics too! they'll be better for it anyway. again, good luck!"
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[YEA] 12/10/2006: B from Attica, IN writes: "After being diagnosed with IBS and perioral dermatitis I knew I had to make a change. I did my research and talked to a few people at the health food stores and then added probiotic acidophilus to my diet. The first week I took 2 times the recommended amount, the second week I cut it down the recommended amount and then have stayed on that amount rather well the past 10 years. It has fixed all the problems with my skin as well as my digestional tract. All the diseases of the body start in the stomach and colon, the acidophilus either in capsule form or yogurt help correct this imbalance. By fixing the imbalance, everything else falls in line. My skin is beautiful now. I would recommend this to any one suffering from any skin lesions and digestive problems."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/27/2007: gillian from DF, Mexico writes: "have the indian spice turmeric on hand for emergencies. Usually IBS has a lot to do with our emotional well-being and suggests something is or many things are stressing us and we need to make changes in ourselves. However becoming perfect can take more than a life time so i recomend turmeric, i swallow half a teaspoonfull when I have a bad case of IBS and in half an hour I am much better. Only thing is as with lots of cures natural and pharmaceutecal, if the IBS keeps coming back eventually the effect of the turmeric or other cure is lessened. what it gives us is a chance to feel better while we try to solve the underlying problems."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/15/2007: Amanda from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin writes: "I had suffered from IBS for years and years since I was about 11. It got to be so bad that my lower intestine enlarged to a point where it was pushing up against my stomach and causing severe pain. What really seemed to help me is to take a capsule of flax seed oil with a meal along with a glass of water. It made it so that I was regular. In recent years, I've been doing research on just how many illnesses are related to the consumption of animals and their byproducts such as cheese and the like. In an effort to become a healthier and more compassionate person, I became a vegan and it has done so much for me!! Not only has it completely cleared up the IBS, but numerous other things such as hypoglycemia, acne, made my skin more healthy and radient, made my nails harder, I get a more restful night's sleep, I have a TON more energy, etc. I cannot say enough about how much becoming a vegan has helped my health but the most drastic of a chsnge that I have found is the IBS. Within literally two days I was regular without the help of anything. I didn't have to watch what I ate to make sure that everything would be okay either. It was and is awesome! About an hour after I eat I have to go and it is the biggest relief! I hope those of you with IBS take my advice seriously and just think about cutting at least some of the animal products out of your diet."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/20/2008: TAN KOON PENG (tankoonpeng@hotmail.com) from SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE writes: "Wheatgrass Powder for IBS! John suffers from irritable bowel syndrome , and sometimes he get shocking stomach cramps and diarrheah. After years of suffering, he have finally found something that works. Buy some wheatgrass powder from the health food store and mix up a double or triple dose of it with water and drink, followed by a glass of plain water. The taste may be awful, but the instant relief makes it soooo worth it!!!!!!"
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