Don Colbert - The Bible Cure for Irrritable Bowel Syndrome: Ancient Truths, Natural Remedies and the Latest Findings for Your Health Today

M ost of our lives are too full of cares, hurts, obstacles and disappointments. All of these emotions can release themselves right into our gut, resulting in IBS that becomes increasingly chronic. The prophet Jeremiah described his emotional distress and disappointment and how it affected his GI tract: Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled (Lam. 2:11, KJV).

Throughout the Bible, Gods people express their need to be revived and restored emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. We read, Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation (Ps. 85:67, KJV).

Chances are that you may need reviving, renewing and restoring just as much, if not more, than do these great men of the Bible. Your restoration will begin as you understand Gods deep desire to see you well, healed, whole and joyful, not just spiritually, but physically, mentally and emotionally, too.

To begin the healing process and physical renewal that God desires for you, you must target one of the places where stress can create the most havocyour GI tract. You can do this with the help of powerful supplements that will go right to work to soothe and heal the damage.

Supplements for IBS

Lets look at some supplements that are vital for your recovery.

Good bacteria

When you suffer with IBS, supplementing your bodys own good bacteria is essential. It may be hard to believe that more than four hundred different kinds of bacteria are living in your colon right now. These friendly bacteria are necessary to health.

The most important friendly bacteria are the lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium. To increase their presence in your digestive tract, you can take them as supplements.

I recommend about 3 billion colony-forming units of L-acidophilus and bifidobacterium once or twice a day. Biodophilus from Biotics is an excellent supplement that contains beneficial bacteria. To order this product call 800-874-7318.

FOS

FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) are sugars that promote the growth of good bacteria. I usually recommend about 2000 milligrams of FOS daily. Occasionally some patients with IBS do not tolerate this supplement. Biodophilus also contains FOS.

Homeostatic soil organisms

This supplement is a form of Probiotics under the name Primal Defense. Primal Defense contains fifteen strains of good bacteria including lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidis, lactobacillus plantarum and so forth. This is the best Probiotics supplement that I have used.

I recommend two tablets of Primal Defense twice a day on an empty stomach. To order Primal Defense call 800-580-PLUS.

Digestive enzymes

IBS sufferers usually need to take a digestive enzyme that supplies adequate amounts of the following enzymes: protease, lipase, amylase. Choose a tablet instead of a capsule because some IBS patients are sensitive to capsules.

Bio-6-Plus from Biotics or Divine Health Vegetarian Enzyme are good digestive enzyme supplements. I recommend one to two tablets with each meal. Call Biotics at 800-874-7318 to order Bio-6-Plus and 407-331-7007 to order the latter.

Moducare

Moducare is a phytonutrient of plant sterols and sterolins (plant oils) that has helped many patients with IBS. Symptoms caused by food triggers can be reduced or eliminated. Elevated cortisol levels caused by excessive stress will also be balanced. I recommend two tablets (veggie caps) three times a day for the first week one hour before meals, and one tablet three times a day thereafter. To order this product call 407-331-7007.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil may be effective for decreasing colon spasms, diarrhea and other IBS symptoms. However, peppermint oil must be taken in enteric-coated tablets. Otherwise, the volatile compounds in the peppermint oil will be absorbed before they can reach the lower GI tract.

Take one to two enteric-coated tablets between meals.

Chamomile tea

This soothing relaxant is used often for cramping abdominal pain. However, if you are allergic to ragweed it may cause an allergic reaction.

Brew chamomile tea in a covered container and use as often as you need for abdominal pain.

Slippery elm

Slippery elm is an herb used to soothe irritated tissues, such as irritation in the small or large bowel. Slippery elm can be consumed as tea or taken in its herbal form. Just avoid gelatin capsules since these can aggravate IBS.

You may take slippery elm lozenges three times per day.

Glutamine

When treating IBS, its extremely important to repair the lining of the small intestine or heal the leaky gut. The amino acid glutamine is one of the most important supplements for repairing the GI tract.

Take 500 milligrams to 1000 milligrams thirty minutes before meals three times a day. Take a caplet or powder form rather than a capsule.

Excess stress, anxiety or depression may also be associated with IBS. Lets look at some supplements that can help.

Supplements for depression

If you are battling depression, select one supplement from the following list:

5-HTP (50 mg. three times per day)

SAM-e (200 to 400 mg. two times per day on an empty stomach)

St. Johns Wort (300 mg. three times per day)

Dont take any of these supplements if you are taking a prescription antidepressant medicine. Please refer to my booklet The Bible Cure for Depression and Anxiety.

Supplement for anxiety and stress

An excellent supplement for anxiety and stress is Kava. This supplement is not addictive like medications such as Xanax and Valium. It does not impair mental functioning, and it works well for both anxiety and depression. Take 45 to 90 milligrams of Kava three times per day. You may also take Kava as an herbal tincture or as a tea.

Overcoming Constipation

IBS sufferers tend to spend much of their time dealing with either constipation or diarrhea or both at different times. Dealing with constipation in a natural, healthy way will help.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:4

Many people are dependent upon laxatives to have a bowel movement. If you are among them, it is essential to restore your body to normal functioning. Avoid all stimulant laxatives, including herbal laxatives such as senna and cascara sagrada. These remedies stimulate the bowel muscles to contract, which may actually worsen symptoms of IBS.

The safest laxatives are the bulk-forming varieties of various kinds of fiber.

Fantastic Fiber

Natural wheat bran provides the best way to get the fiber your body needs. It is also called Millers bran or Bakers bran, and it looks like sawdust. Start by taking 1 tablespoon daily and gradually increase the amount to 1 tablespoon two times per day. Eventually, work up to 2 tablespoons two times per day.

You can mix this fiber with hot cereal, sprinkle it over other cereals or add it to baked goods or to a smoothie. As long as one does not have any kind of wheat intolerance, this fiber is a good choice. Most individuals with IBS tolerate it well.

If you have a wheat sensitivity, you need to avoid these types of fiber. Here is a list of other good types of fiber that you may select:

1. Methylcellulose. The brand Citrucel contains this type of fiber. This brand typically contains sucrose or NutraSweet. Locate a brand without sucrose or NutraSweet at your favorite health food store.

2. Rice bran. This is a wonderful source of fiber for those with a sensitive GI tract. I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon of rice bran a day, gradually increasing the dosage to 2 tablespoons two times per day. Ultra fiber from Metagenics is an excellent rice bran fiber. Call 800-647-6100 for information on obtaining this product.