If preparing your taxes has your intestines in an uproar you probably have irritable bowel syndrome. This condition has been in the news because of new findings related to Zelnorm, a drug promoted for relief of irritable bowel symptoms.

Zelnorm has been withdrawn from the United States market. The drug had been introduced despite findings that individuals taking it were more likely to require gall bladder or other abdominal surgery than non-users. The discovery that those taking Zelnorm were also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes prompted the FDA to request Novartis, the manufacturer, to stop marketing the drug.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by such symptoms as diarrhea alternating with constipation, gassiness, bloating, and abdominal pain. The condition is quite common with some authorities suggesting that 1 in 5 people will experience the condition at some point in their lifetime.

Zelnorm, like nearly all drugs, did nothing to improve the underlying causes of irritable bowel. It was aimed solely at reducing symptoms, particularly constipation.

In my experience, many cases of irritable bowel syndrome are caused by dysbiosis, an overgrowth of the wrong kind of organisms in the intestinal tract. Re-establishment of the normal balance of organisms will bring a complete resolution of symptoms in those instances.

Other cases of irritable bowel may be due to failure to take in adequate amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber is one of the most important elements needed to control of irritable bowel syndrome. Fiber moderates bowel movements preventing constipation and easing diarrhea. Increase fiber gradually - sudden increases may cause increased cramping and bloating. Foods high in fiber include brans, legumes (beans & peas), crucifers (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage), fruits and vegetables with skins, nuts & berries. Fiber supplements are also of value.

The gas in carbonated beverages will aggravate the symptoms. Lactose intolerance (dairy) and wheat sensitivity are quite common in irritable bowel syndrome. Avoidance of dairy foods and wheat products is recommended.

Nutritional Supports I typically recommend include the following:

• Colon Health Begin with 3 capsules twice daily. Increase if symptoms persist, decrease if symptoms resolve.
• Prima Gest 1 to 4 with meals. Adjust to size of the meal and percentage of cooked food present
• Herb Combination #1 one or two capsules 2 or 3 times daily as needed for cramping
• Imu Plus Colostrum 2 capsules twice daily
• Tasty Fiber is an excellent source of extra fiber