probiotic

" Can A Probiotic Make A Difference? "

By Randi Cestaro, CHHC

www.happyhealing.net

There was a television commercial that played a few years ago for a stomach aid.

It asked the question, “How do you spell ‘relief’”?

As an IBS sufferer, you may be asking yourself the same question when it comes to assuring regular bowel movements. Wouldn’t it be nice to just take a regular proboitic and be regular as a result?

Before we consider that question, we need to define the term ‘probiotic’ and how to take it. Here’s some information to help you make an informed decision about the use of probiotics in your life:

Here’s some information to help you make an informed decision about the use of probiotics in your life:

What is a probiotic?

A probiotic promotes healthy intestinal flora and intestinal balance, otherwise known as friendly bacteria. It will help you digest food more easily, while promoting proper bowel movements. I consider a probiotic as a necessary component in the beginning stages of healing IBS. You may want to cease using one when your symptoms have lessened and monitor your intestine’s reaction.

How do I take a probiotic?

It is important that you consult your doctor about using a probiotic to help correct your irregular bowel movements.

I recommend taking a probiotic at the beginning stages of healing IBS. Some probiotics come refrigerated and contain live acidophilus, which helps to promote good intestinal flora. Others do not. Your doctor can help you decide which is most appropriate for your situation.

For those of you who have my e-book, there is a list of probiotics that I recommend in the resources section of the book. If you don’t yet have your copy of The Complete Guide to Achieving Freedom from IBS, you can order it through my web site at http://www.happyhealing.net/classes/ibs.htm.

Do I have to take a probiotic forever, once I start?

The answer should be NO. The probiotic is just a band-aid to assist you in healing yourself from IBS. Begin first by changing your diet at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Begin eliminating problematic foods and adding in more foods that help increase good intestinal flora, as outlined in my e-book.

The e-book will give you a step-by-step approach to healing yourself from IBS with the steps being ones that are small and manageable and designed for your personal pace.

I travel frequently. Should I take a probiotic?

If your doctor thinks it’s necessary, then yes, it would be a great idea to take a non-refrigerated version of a probiotic on vacation with you.

This is often a good decision since, on vacation or during business travel, you are often off schedule for regular meals and may be eating different foods then your body is used to, making it harder to sustain proper bowel movements. The probiotic will provide you with enough intestinal flora to get your through your trip, so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Following the above tips after consulting your doctor can help you manage more regular bowel movements more comfortably and easily. Now, isn’t that a great way to spell ‘relief’ for yourself?

I think so and so do the many IBS sufferers I have been fortunate to work with. If you would like additional support in living with IBS, please visit my web site or e-mail me.

If I can ever support you in learning more about your IBS diet, please call on me. I’ll be happy to share even more ideas for probiotics.

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Randi Cestaro offers additional tips for healthy eating in her E-book,
The Complete Guide to Achieving Freedom from IBS, available on her web site at http://www.happyhealing.net/classes/ibs.htm.

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You’ll also find information on Randi’s individual and group Nutrition Programs and other resources for healthy eating at www.happyhealing.net

“Randi, I loved reading your e-book on IBS; there is great information for everyone. I have already made some of the changes you have suggested - I add flax seed to my oatmeal every morning, I switched to whole wheat pasta and I eat slower. I feel healthier and I have more energy. Thanks for the great advice!”

-Kim Schoenburg, CA